Size of Concert Grand Pianos: Length in 2024
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The piano, a beloved instrument in classical and modern music, has undergone significant evolution over centuries, resulting in two primary categories: grand pianos and upright pianos.
Grand Pianos and their Sizes
Grand pianos, characterized by their horizontal orientation, range from the smallest baby grand (approximately 4 feet 6 inches) to the mighty concert grand (9 feet or more). The sizes in between include the parlor grand (5 feet 9 inches to 6 feet 1 inch), the living room grand (5 feet 6 inches to 6 feet 4 inches), and the semi-concert or ballroom grand (6 feet 5 inches to 7 feet 5 inches).
Concert grands, the largest available, are approximately 9 feet long, with the Steinway & Sons Model D measuring about 8 feet 11 ¾ inches. These giants are renowned for their greater volume and powerful sound projection. Smaller grand pianos have shorter strings and smaller soundboards, resulting in less depth and volume compared to concert grands.
Upright Pianos
Upright pianos, on the other hand, are much smaller, generally about 4.5 feet tall and about 25-30 inches deep, due to their vertical orientation. They come in various sizes, with studio pianos offering a larger soundboard and longer strings, providing a richer sound compared to smaller models.
Notable Brands and Models
Several brands are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs. Boësendorfer pianos, for instance, are known for their warm sound and exceptional construction, with some models having 97 keys instead of the standard 88. Fazioli, founded in 1981, is celebrated for its meticulous selection of materials and craftsmanship, making it a choice for great pianists and professional musicians worldwide.
Yamaha and Kawai are praised for their consistent quality across all types of upright pianos, offering excellent sound and durability, making them favourites for both beginners and professionals. Steinway & Sons excels in the professional upright category, offering pianos with rich, powerful tones.
The C. Bechstein D 282 concert grand piano is a favourite among many classical pianists and is renowned for its unique sound projection. Yamaha's high-end concert model, the CFX, is designed to provide an unparalleled musical experience for both artist and audience, and has been used by artists like Elton John and Chick Corea.
Spinet Pianos and Studio Pianos
Studio pianos and vertical pianos are designed for both teaching and intimate performances, and are suitable for spaces where a full-sized concert grand might not fit. The Spinet Piano is the smallest and shortest type, typically less than 40 inches tall, and may offer less satisfying sound quality due to its size and construction.
In conclusion, the size and length of pianos significantly affect their sound quality. Longer strings and larger soundboards allow for richer tone, greater dynamic range, more resonant bass, and higher volume, making them ideal for concert halls and professional performances. The world of pianos offers a wide range of options, each with its unique characteristics and sound qualities, catering to various musical needs and preferences.
Advanced piano composers might prefer the grand pianos for their powerful sound projection and greater volume, as the mighty concert grand, renowned for its length of about 9 feet, provides an ideal setting for showcasing their complex compositions. On the other hand, beginners might find the compact upright pianos, with their smaller size and lesser volume, more suitable for private practicing, as they come in various sizes, with studio pianos offering a richer sound compared to smaller models.
