{"id":2780,"date":"2015-03-01T09:00:14","date_gmt":"2015-03-01T15:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pianonotes.wpengine.com\/?p=2780"},"modified":"2016-06-27T10:32:54","modified_gmt":"2016-06-27T16:32:54","slug":"the-differences-between-grand-and-baby-grand-pianos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pianonotes.piano4u.com\/index.php\/2015\/03\/the-differences-between-grand-and-baby-grand-pianos\/","title":{"rendered":"The Differences Between Grand and Baby Grand Pianos"},"content":{"rendered":"

The most obvious difference between \u2018regular\u2019 grands and baby grands is size. Actually, these are just two of the many standard grand piano sizes, the exact measurements of which can vary by manufacturer or location. The following are averages of the most widely-accepted:<\/p>\n

Concert Grand<\/b>:\u2003\u2003\u2003 9′ – 10′
\nSemiconcert<\/b>:\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003 7′ – 7’8″
\nParlor<\/b>:\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003 6’3″ – 6’10”
\nProfessional Grand<\/b>:\u00a0 6′
\nMedium Grand<\/b>:\u2003\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 5’6″ \u2013 5’8″
\nBaby Grand<\/b>:\u2003\u2003\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 4’11” \u2013 5’6″
\nPetit Grand<\/b>:\u2003\u2003\u2003\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 4’5″ \u2013 4’10”<\/p>\n

 <\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Tonal Differences Among Grand Piano Sizes<\/h3>\n

Voices of the best baby grands are almost indistinguishable from those of larger grands, but this becomes less so as the size of the piano decreases.<\/p>\n

The grand piano\u2019s signature timbre<\/a> is partially reliant on the length of its strings and soundboard (along with the quality and workmanship of these parts). Longer strings allow frequencies to resonate from a larger surface area, resulting in a more balanced, full-bodied tone.<\/p>\n

Think of how a guitar string<\/a> produces a bright, \u201cclangy\u201d tone when struck near the bridge, but sounds mellow and bluesy when struck in its center. This tonal spectrum widens as string length increases; and as these extremes become further apart, more vocal elements are revealed between them. Because of this enrichment, the voice of a 9′ concert grand is considered tonally superior to that of a baby grand.<\/p>\n

But, tonal \u201csuperiority\u201d refers to acoustics, not personal preference. If you\u2019re looking for a tone similar to that of a full grand, invest in a model of at least<\/i> 5’7″. Smaller horizontals tend to have exaggerated timbres that can vary with dynamics, or even across the octaves<\/a>. However, these characteristics, which may be off-putting to some musicians, remain celebrated by others for their colorful, eclectic displays of vocal originality.<\/p>\n

Cost of a Grand Piano<\/h3>\n

Baby grands range from $8,000-$20,000 (USD), while larger models can cost anywhere from $15,000-$150,000. Since horizontal piano depreciation is slow, new and used grand pianos tend to stay around the same price range.<\/p>\n

Tips:<\/b><\/p>\n