Q. Is a larger upright better than a smaller grand?

A. There has always been much debate amongst pianists and technicians over this but at the end of the day, with very few exceptions, Grand Pianos will always win out over upright pianos - even ones which may technically be larger and better.

This is primarily down to two incontrovertible facts:

1. The action on an upright piano is what we refer to as a single escapement action, whereas a grand piano utilises a double escapement action. Coupled with the fact that the grand piano action is working with gravity, whereas the upright action is not... means the grand action will be faster, smoother and more responsive than most upright pianos.

2. The grand piano soundboard is horizontal with clear space above and below to allow for optimum sound transmission. Compare this with the upright which is generally shoved up against a wall with the lid down. Once again the grand will appear to give more sound.

As always there are exceptions. A few years ago we put on a 'duelling piano' promotion using our model A 6' 2" Steinway grand piano and our model K 132cm Steinway upright piano. I made the mistake of taking off the front of the upright in an attempt to balance up what should have been a no contest... to my horror the upright drowned out the grand!

Post by John Eady


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