How Long is a Concert Grand Piano?

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The piano, an instrument of unparalleled flexibility and depth, has undergone a remarkable evolution over centuries. This evolution has given rise to a diverse array of sizes and shapes. Each designed to cater to specific musical expressions and spatial requirements. The piano’s journey from its earliest forms to the modern era has resulted in the creation of two primary categories. These are the grand pianos and upright pianos. These categories encompass a variety of sizes. From the majestic concert grands that grace the world’s most renowned concert halls to the compact uprights that bring musical joy into homes. This article delves into the spectrum of piano sizes. Exploring the grandeur of larger pianos and the compact charm of upright and spinet pianos. Alongside, we uncover fascinating facts about these musical marvels. Enhancing our appreciation for the piano’s unique role in the music world.

 

 A Symphony of Piano Sizes

 

Grand pianos are synonymous with grandeur, not only in their high-quality sound but also in their size. They range from the baby grand, which measures approximately 4 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 6 inches in length, to the concert grand, stretching up to 9 feet or more. The sizes in between include the parlor grand (5 feet 9 inches to 6 feet 1 inch). Also, 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). Each size offers a distinct balance of tonal quality and spatial compatibility. This makes grand pianos versatile instruments for various settings, from intimate spaces to grand concert halls.

 

Grand pianos and Upright pianos, each with its claim run of sizes. 

 

Grand Pianos – How Long is a Concert Grand Piano

They are synonymous with grandeur, not only in their sound but also in their size. They range from the baby grand, which measures approximately 4 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 6 inches in length, to the concert grand, stretching up to 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). Each size offers a distinct balance of tonal quality and spatial compatibility. Making grand pianos versatile instruments for various settings, from intimate spaces to concert stage.

Between the different sizes and models, we have different piano brands and models that have been played by famous pianists not as it were for their prevalent quality of sound and development, but for how these rebellious can express the imaginative vision of the performer. Each piano player chooses their piano based on how it complements their individual playing fashion and the passionate association they feel with the instrument.

 

 

Steinway & Sons

This brand is perhaps the most globally recognized with the highest quality. Steinway & Sons is renowned for their Model D concert grand piano, epitomizing the pinnacle of piano craftsmanship. This instrument is a favorite among Steinway artist  and other professionals for their greater volume due to its impressive dynamic range and powerful sound projection. The Model D Steinway concert grand, often found in concert halls and used by Steinway Artists, is 8’11 ¾” in length, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to quality and performance readiness for any concert scenario like in the concert  hall of Concertgebouw  from Amsterdam. 

Concert grand pianos, like Steinway’s Model D, are significant for their size, weight, and the unique musical experience they provide. These instruments are the largest of the grand pianos, typically ranging from 7’4″ up to 9’6″ in length. And can weigh between 900 to 1200 lbs, with some models reaching as much as 1,400 lbs. The sheer size and weight of these pianos contribute to their unparalleled sound and dynamic range. This is also what makes them the preferred choice for professional concert performances. 

 

Bösendorfer

Another highly prestigious brand, known for its warm sound and exceptional construction. The Imperial 290 model is famous for having 97  keys, a full eight octaves, instead of the standard 88 keys. Artists such as Franz Liszt and Oscar Peterson have played Bösendorfer. Bösendorfer concert grand pianos, particularly the 230VC, 280VC, and the famed 290 “Imperial”, are renowned for their unique construction and sound characteristics that distinguish them from other grand pianos. The construction of Bösendorfer pianos involves a resonance case principle similar to that of a violin. Where the entire body of the piano, not just the soundboard, supports sound formation. This unique feature enables an outstanding richness of tone color and a pure, brilliant piano sound, a hallmark of Bösendorfer pianos.

 

Yamaha

Known for its versatility and the quality of both its acoustic and digital pianos. Yamaha is a brand chosen by many due to its advanced technology and reliability.

The CFX is its high-end concert model, and has been used by artists like Elton John and Chick Corea. The Yamaha CFX Concert Grand Piano embodies a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation. Designed to provide an unparalleled musical experience for both the artist and the audience. This instrument has been developed with input from some of the world’s most acclaimed artists. And is built by Yamaha’s master craftsmen in the Concert Piano Workshop in Kakegawa, Japan. The CFX boasts a design philosophy termed the “Unibody Concept,” aiming to eliminate any gap between the pianist’s intentions and the sounds they produce. Every note and nuance is expressed as imagined, ensuring that the artist’s passion is fully conveyed through the piano’s exceptional tone and resonance.

 

 

Fazioli

Relatively new to the market (founded in 1981), Fazioli has quickly gained recognition for the exceptional quality and richness of its grand pianos. Fazioli, renowned for exceptional craftsmanship, offers grand pianos like the F308 and F278, designed for concert halls. The F308 stands out as the longest piano available, crafted for large venues with its powerful sound and harmonic richness, featuring a unique fourth pedal that allows for nuanced volume control without altering timbre. The F278 is celebrated for its balance between bass and treble, dynamic range, and harmonic richness, making it ideal for solo and orchestral performances. Fazioli’s dedication to superior sound and quality is evident in its meticulous selection of materials and craftsmanship. Greatest pianists and professional musicians worldwide, have performed on Fazioli pianos in prestigious venues. This provides an highlighting of the brand’s prominence in the classical music world.

 

Bechstein

This German brand is known for its rich history and the quality of its instruments. The D 282 model is a favorite and is used at the highest concert level among many classical pianists. Composers such as Franz Liszt and Claude Debussy have played Bechstein.

The C. Bechstein D 282 concert grand piano. It is renowned for its unique and unparalleled sound projection, is a testament to Bechstein’s dedication to excellence in piano manufacturing. Developed after extensive collaboration with international star pianists. This masterpiece boasts a transparent voice and a rich palette of tonal colors, setting new standards in the music world. The D 282 model’s distinctive features include a super-responsive and highly precise action assembly, enabling perfect control over play. Its voice is characterized by a wonderful singing quality.

 

Kawai

The Kawai EX Concert Grand Piano is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and outstanding performance capabilities. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this instrument features a solid spruce soundboard, which contributes to its rich, resonant tone. The EX Concert Grand employs Kawai’s advanced Millennium III action, incorporating ABS-Carbon composite parts that offer superior strength and stability. Ensuring a highly responsive touch and consistent playability. Its length, typically over 9 feet, allows for longer strings and a larger soundboard area, enhancing its dynamic range and tonal richness. Preferred by concert pianists worldwide, the Kawai EX Concert Grand is celebrated for its powerful projection, nuanced expression, and unparalleled musical expression.

 

 

Studio pianos & Vertical pianos

Designed for both teaching and intimate performances, provide a stepping stone for emerging artists. Their size makes them an ideal choice for spaces where a full-sized concert grand might not fit. Such as music schools and private studios. Despite their smaller footprint, these pianos do not compromise on sound quality, offering a rich tonal palette that can satisfy even the most discerning professional pianists.

Upright pianos , known for their compact plan or smaller pianos, are perfect for littler spaces. Their sizes extend from the little spinet, with a tallness of around 36 to 38 inches, to the bigger proficient uprights, which can be 48 inches or taller. The comfort piano (40 to 43 inches) and the studio piano (45 to 47 inches) drop in between, advertising a mix of space-saving plan and melodic quality.

 

Spinet Piano

The smallest and shortest type, it is perfect for a dining room. Typically less than 40 inches tall. Its compact design is suitable for small spaces, but it may offer less satisfying sound quality due to its size and construction. It operates with a drop action mechanism, which affects its tone.

 

Console Pianos

Slightly larger, ranging from 40 to 44 inches in height. The action sits directly above the keys, leading to better sound quality compared to the spinet. It’s popular for home use and the perfect choice due to its balance of size and sound quality.

 

Studio Piano

Ranging from 44 to 48 inches in height, it offers a larger soundboard and longer strings than smaller models, providing a richer sound. Its durability and sound quality make it  the perfect piano for beginners and budget-conscious individuals.

 

Professional or Upright Piano

The largest among them, standing at 48 inches and above. It boasts a large soundboard and can produce a rich tone that competes with many baby grand pianos, making it suitable for music schools and professional use.

For upright pianos, the best brands across different types typically include Yamaha, Kawai, Steinway & Sons, and Bechstein, among others. Yamaha and Kawai are praised for their consistent quality across all types, offering excellent sound and durability, making them favorites for both beginners and professionals. Yamaha’s U series, especially, is renowned in the professional upright category for its superior sound quality. Steinway & Sons, known for its craftsmanship, excels in the professional upright category, offering pianos with rich, powerful tones. Bechstein, another top contender, offers exceptional upright pianos that combine traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, resulting in instruments with beautiful tonal quality and touch. Each brand brings its unique strengths to the upright piano market, catering to various musical needs and preferences.

 

The piano’s evolution into various sizes and shapes has made it a versatile instrument capable of accommodating a wide range of musical expressions and spaces. From the grandeur of concert grand pianos to the compact charm of upright and spinet pianos. Each type and size of piano offers a unique set of characteristics that cater to different musical needs and preferences. This exploration of piano sizes and brands reveals the depth and diversity of the piano world. Highlighting the instrument’s enduring legacy and its unique place within the realm of music. The piano continues to be a source of inspiration and beauty, bridging centuries of musical innovation with the timeless pursuit of artistic expression.