Grand pianos are wing shaped and are also known as horizontal pianos because of their length and placement of strings.
They are the largest piano type, and also the most majestic. The grand piano’s signature timbre is reliant on the quality and workmanship of making, and also on the length of its strings and soundboard.
Grand pianos produce finer tones and have the most responsive key actions. The longer strings allow frequencies to resonate from a larger surface area, projecting a more balanced, richer and full bodied sound across the room.
Due to this, they are often the choice of most serious pianists who can afford them. Grand pianos are suitable for larger size rooms that can accommodate them.
Different piano manufacturers named their grand piano types differently depending on the length sizes. Examples below also shows what is the difference between a grand piano and a baby grand piano.
Examples:
- Yamaha piano [here] categorised their grand pianos into only 3 types – baby grand (below 6′), classic grand (between 6′ to 7′) and concert grand (over 7′), whereas
- Kawai piano [here] categorised their grands up to 7 types – baby grand (below 5’2″), classic grand (5’5 to 6′), conservatory grand (6’2″ ), chamber grand (6’7″), orchestra grand (7′), semi-concert (7’6″) and concert grand (9′).
To reduce confusion, we tend to simplify grand pianos into 6 common types as follows:
Petite or Small Grand Piano
This is the smallest of the grands and great for tight spaces. They are usually below 5’ (151 cm) long.
Although it may be compact, it still delivers a very powerful sound.
Yamaha A1R is an example of 4’11” small grand piano
Baby Grand Piano
Baby grands are usually 5′ to 5’6″ (151cm to 167cm) from the keyboard to the back of the case. A baby grand is about half the size of a concert grand.
It has well market acceptance due to its rich resonant sound quality for its size, and the affordability of a grand piano.
Kawai RX-1 is an example of a 5’5″ baby grand piano
Parlor or Medium Grand Piano
A medium grand is between 5′ 6″ to 6′ (168 cm to 182 cm). It has larger soundboard and longer strings than the baby grands.
In our opinion, the medium grand excels better than the baby grand in many ways such as stability, greater dynamic, richer and deeper tonal quality.
Kawai KG-2 is an example of 5’10” medium grand piano
Professional or Grand Piano
A professional grand is between 6′ to 7′ (183 cm to 211 cm). It can deliver incredible dynamic powerful tones and clarity for its size that satisfies even the most discerning performers.
It is one of the more popular grand piano range among pianists and teachers, especially here in Malaysia.
Yamaha C3 is an example of 6’1″ professional grand piano
Semi-Concert Grand Piano
The length of a semi-concert grand is between 7′ to 7’8″ (212cm to 235cm).
Yamaha C7 is an example of 7’6″ semi-concert grand piano
Concert Grand Piano
The concert grand is the largest of all grands, usually above 9′ (275cm). The larger soundboard and longer strings produce greater volume and resonance of tone, thus making it the most majestic of all grands.
Widely used in various types of concerts, and performances, it is the ultimate grandeur pianos by many professionals or pianists.
Kawai KG-8 is an example of 9′ concert grand piano
Summary:
If you are playing professionally, or have a very large room and you have the budget for it; you may prefer the grand piano for its rich dynamic tones and crisp responsive key actions.
Disclaimer: the dimensions of grand piano may vary from various online sources.
