Does Piano Size Matter

When buying a piano, your choice will be influenced by a number of factors other than size. But the size, and manufacturing quality, contribute to the musical potential of the piano. Length for a grand and height for a vertical upright is critical to the soundboard area and the string lengths. Both the soundboard and string lengths contribute toward good tone.

A grand piano is horizontal with strings stretched horizontally across the piano plate and framework.

A vertical piano has strings stretched vertically across the piano plate and framework.

An upright piano is a vertical piano of any size. But in the U.S. it usually means a very large vertical piano up to sixty inches in height.

Can an upright piano be a grand piano? Not really. But a small grand and full-size upright (48") have approximately the same soundboard area and string lengths. You might say that they are equal in tone potential because of these factors.

A conventional spinet (37") and a 64-note miniature spinet are about the same height, but the miniature instrument is considerably narrower (as little as 41" high), which results in les soundboard area and shorter strings.

Here are the types and sizes of pianos on the market:

Concert grand - 8' or more in length
Medium grand - 6' to 8' long
Baby grand - 4' to 6' long
Full-size upright - 48" high
Studio upright - 45" high
Console - 41" high
Conventional spinet - 37" high
Miniature spinet - 37" high

The bottom line? If you must purchase a small piano, it is strongly recommended that you settle for nothing smaller than console size with a direct-blow action (41" high).

For information about piano lessons NJ, contact Barbara Ehrlich Piano Studio.