Grand Piano or Upright Piano?

When we think of a piano, we sometimes picture a majestic grand piano, and sometimes a discreet upright piano. But what are the actual differences, beyond size and shape? And which one should you choose, depending on your needs?

A grand piano is more suited to concert halls...

The Grand Piano: the Original Instrument

This is the historical model, as it was first designed in the early 18th century. Upright pianos didn’t appear until the mid-19th century, developed primarily to save space and reduce costs.The grand piano is therefore the original instrument — the most complete, and the closest to what classical composers had in mind. The upright is a clever adaptation — sometimes very successful — but conceived mainly for smaller homes and tighter budgets.

If you're a beginner, an upright might be a better choice...

Two Very Different Actions

While the general principle is the same — keys triggering hammers that strike strings — the inner actions of a grand and an upright piano are almost entirely different.

It all starts with the layout of the strings: horizontal in a grand piano, struck from below; vertical in an upright, struck from the front.In a grand, the natural return of the hammers and dampers is simply due to gravity. In an upright, springs are required to pull the hammers back and reset the dampers after each note, so the strings can vibrate and stop at the right time.

This structural difference means the mechanical parts must be completely redesigned: key shapes, joint articulation, lever geometry… everything is adapted to this vertical layout. Add to that the fact that upright strings are usually shorter and more tightly crossed than in a grand, and the result is a less deep and less accurate sound in the extreme registers.

Sound and Expression

A grand piano allows for greater nuance and a wider range of expression. It offers:

• A richer and longer-lasting sound ;

• Better note repetition ;

• More refined expressiveness ;

• A more even and balanced tone ;

This being said, a good upright in good condition can produce excellent results, especially for home use and for beginners.

And What About Tuning?

There’s no real difference here: both are tuned in the same way. Tuning takes a bit longer on a grand (because there are more strings), and access to the tuning pins is different — but for the tuner, it's just a matter of positioning.

And the Pedals?

People often forget that pedals don’t work the same way on each type of piano!

Grand Piano

• Left pedal (una corda): shifts the action sideways, so the hammers strike fewer strings (resulting in a much softer tone).

• Middle pedal (sostenuto): holds only the notes that were pressed before the pedal was engaged, letting the others remain free.

• Right pedal (sustain): lifts all dampers, sustaining all notes played.

Upright Piano

• Left pedal: moves the hammers closer to the strings, reducing their momentum (the tone becomes slightly quieter).

• Middle pedal (practice mute): inserts a felt strip between hammers and strings, for extra-quiet playing (almost silent).

• Right pedal: same function as on a grand — it sustains all notes.

  
  

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between upright and grand depends on several factors: available space, budget, playing level, and of course, your musical expectations.

The upright remains the standard instrument for most private homes, especially for beginners or those with limited space. Compact and more affordable, it’s ideal for everyday domestic use.

The grand piano, on the other hand, is better suited for advanced players, those seeking maximum expressiveness, or those regularly playing technically demanding works. With its richer tone, more sensitive action and dynamic range, it's the perfect choice — when space and context allow.

In short

• The grand piano is the original instrument: richer and more expressive.

• The upright is a compact, more accessible alternative.

• The mechanisms are very different, though the musical principle is the same.

• The right choice depends on your needs, your space, and your musical priorities.

  
  

🎹 And whatever your piano...Whether upright or grand, every piano needs careful tuning, adjustment and maintenance. I’d be happy to take care of yours — and help guide you based on your wishes and musical projects.

👉 Feel free to contact me!