| Grand pianos are seen as the pinnacle of all | | | | |
| instruments, and are widely associated with | | | | Additionally, the grand piano also allows |
| the glamorous jazz scene, and classical | | | | more accomplished pianists to perform |
| recitals. But what is it exactly about the | | | | ornamentation and certain other musical |
| grand piano that makes it sound better than | | | | features thanks to a special lever, which |
| other types of piano, and is the fact that | | | | holds the hammer above the string for longer. |
| grand pianos are considerably more expensive | | | | This means that by rapidly tapping the key, |
| really justifiable? | | | | the hammer has less distance to move to reach |
| | | | the string which ultimately correlates to an |
| Grand pianos are a relatively modern | | | | increased ability to perform ornamentation |
| technology in piano design. Furthermore, | | | | and more complex staccato rhythms. With the |
| they have proven to be the preferable design | | | | upright design, it is impossible to include |
| of choice for most of the world's top | | | | this feature, therefore you will never be |
| pianists and enthusiasts. They differ from | | | | able to achieve the same overall |
| the other major classification of upright | | | | responsiveness and feel as with a grand |
| pianos in a number of ways, largely relating | | | | piano, and the more accomplished player |
| to configuration and size. The grand piano | | | | should feel limited by the scope for |
| strings horizontally, and benefits from the | | | | ornamentation on the upright. |
| force of gravity in its mechanism. | | | | |
| Additionally, its sprawling structure allows | | | | The fact that the grand piano occupies more |
| for a fuller sound to resonate through the | | | | space allows its mechanism more freedom to |
| bridge, giving an impressive tonal | | | | strike the string clearly. Additionally, the |
| distinction between grands and most upright | | | | horizontality allows for a deeper resonation |
| models. Uprights on the other hand strive to | | | | through the wood which adds to sound. Throw |
| be tight and compact, whilst also affording | | | | in the added benefit of the repetition lever, |
| similar tonal quality. Of course, something | | | | and you've got yourself a quality, unbeatable |
| has to give and with uprights, it's the | | | | sound. Although the uprights really can't |
| overall sound quality which is simply | | | | compete, they certainly have the edge when it |
| non-comparable to that of a grand. However, | | | | comes to space-efficiency and cost. It |
| the compressed mechanism on the upright is | | | | really is a case of determining your needs |
| beneficial as a small and compact instrument | | | | and objectives, before selecting the piano |
| for practice and smaller public recitals. | | | | that's right for you. |