Grand Pianos

I know grand pianos take up a lot of space and tend to be a bit pricey, but if you are serious about learning piano AND you have the room, there really is nothing more enjoyable than learning to play on one of these instruments. The grand piano is the king and will give you the best sound, touch and musical enjoyment. Grand pianos are part of the acoustic piano family.

Do you have any questions?

Want to ask Graham Howard a question? Send your email to: grahamhowardukpianos.co.uk

Ask me a question online...

 Are Petrof no longer making grand pianos?

Apparently Petrof have switched to making furniture instead. Read the full story here: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/recession/4930704/Luxury-piano-maker-Petrof-turns-to-furniture-in-global-economic-crisis.html

Sound Quality

The sound of a grand piano is usually better than its vertical partner due to it's longer strings and larger soundboard. The bass in particular produces a full, resonant sustaining sound. The general rule is; the longer the length of the grand piano, the better and richer the sound will be. Please note that baby grand pianos have the same string length as tall uprights so their sound quality is often similar.

Size (Dimensions)

Size is important when it comes to grand pianos. When we talk about size we usually mean length (front to back). A minimum size you should consider is 4'11" or 149cm. Grand pianos that are shorter than this tend to have a poor sound quality.

Baby grand pianos

The term "baby grand piano" usually refers to instruments with a length of 5'3" or less.

More Grand Pianos

Kemble Grand Pianos
Suzuki Grand Pianos
Kawai Grand Pianos

More reading

The Wonder of the Piano
Piano Care For New Piano Owners
Buying a Piano: a Decision Maker's Guide
How To Clean Your Piano Keys
Is The Piano Dead?
Find Out How Much Your Piano is Worth
Buy a New or a Second Hand Piano?
Piano Keys - Learn How to Clean And Repair

Related categories
Digital Pianos 

Questions and Comments

Hello Graham,
 
My name is Ronwin, I live in South Africa.  Recently I acquired an Otto Bach baby grand piano and I would like to know the approximate age/quality of it if possible. I found a number on the frame stamped as "Patent 429809".  Any help in finding information on this piano would be greatly appreciated.
 
Many thanks.
Ronwin (pianist for 30 years)

Reply/ Hi Ronwin

The Otto Bach pianos were made by the Dietmann piano in
Wellington, Republic of South Africa,

The parts were made in Germany, shipped to South Africa
and assembled there.

Your piano was made in 1977.

I personally fell in love with a Dietmann upright piano that
I played around 7 years ago. I have not had the pleasure
of trying the baby grand out, but can imagine it to have
a very nice sound and a joy to play.

Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
UK Pianos