When choosing a piano to buy or rent, the first question to consider is – Do you want a grand piano or an upright piano? The key factors in making this decision include budget, space, the level of the player, and aesthetic considerations.
Cost Comparison
For over 20 years, we have exclusively sold and rented Feurich pianos because we believe they offer the best quality and value on the market. The price difference between an upright and a grand piano is significant. The smallest Feurich upright piano, the Model 115, costs from £5,000, whereas the smallest Feurich grand piano, the Model 162, is from about £12,000. That is a substantial difference in price.
Technical Differences Between Upright and Grand Pianos
The intricate piano action, which includes thousands of parts, is designed differently in upright and grand pianos.
Action and Soundboard Design
- A grand piano has a horizontal soundboard with a cast iron frame on top, and its strings extend into a horizontal pin block.
- An upright piano has a vertical soundboard, with the frame and pin block positioned vertically.
This also affects how pianos are measured:
- Grand pianos are measured by length (e.g., Feurich Model 162 is 162 cm long).
- Upright pianos are measured by height (e.g., Feurich Model 115 is 115 cm high).
Dampers and Touch Response
Another key difference is the damping system:
- In a grand piano, dampers operate vertically using gravity, ensuring consistent damping performance.
- In an upright piano, dampers work horizontally using springs, which can vary in tension over time.
Along with these differences, the action mechanism in a grand piano (which uses a roller mechanism) allows for faster repetition and better control than the capstan-based system in an upright piano. This means a grand piano generally offers superior touch and responsiveness compared to an upright.
Space Considerations
A grand piano requires significantly more space than an upright. Grand pianos can range from 152 cm (5 feet) to 275 cm (9 feet) in length. The longer the grand piano, the more powerful and resonant its bass strings will be. However, longer grand pianos are also heavier and more expensive.
Feurich upright pianos range in height from 115 cm to 133 cm. The Feurich Model 122 (122 cm tall) is our most popular upright, offering a rich, powerful tone and excellent value for money. This is why it is used by Abbey Road Studios and Angel Studios.
If you are limited on space, an upright piano is the better choice, as its straight back allows it to be positioned against a wall. A grand piano, on the other hand, needs a dedicated area with ample room around it.
Aesthetic and Playing Experience
The visual and playing experience of a grand piano is unmatched. With the lid open, the sound waves resonate across the soundboard, creating a rich, immersive experience. For serious players, a well-maintained grand piano allows for greater dynamic control and tonal color.
Upright pianos were originally designed in the 19th century as a compact alternative for domestic use. Feurich revolutionized upright pianos in 1851 by introducing the underdamper system, improving damping performance. If you look inside the lid of an upright piano and see only a box covering the dampers, it is likely an older overdamper model, which should generally be avoided.
Special Features of Feurich Upright Pianos
One key advantage of Feurich upright pianos is their built-in mute pedal (the middle pedal). When engaged, a felt strip drops between the hammers and strings, softening the sound—ideal for late-night practice sessions or quiet playing.
For those needing complete silence, Feurich offers a silent system. This system allows the pianist to switch to digital sound output through headphones while retaining the feel of the acoustic piano.
Maintenance and Tuning
Regular maintenance is essential to keep any piano in top condition. We recommend tuning your piano at least once a year. Over time, temperature changes and regular playing affect tuning stability. If left untuned, the pitch can drop below A=440Hz, producing a dull tone. Many customers notice a dramatic improvement in brightness and liveliness after an overdue tuning.
During a professional tuning, the technician will also:
- Adjust the action (removing any unwanted gaps in movement)
- Lubricate stiff parts
- Check and adjust pedals
- Perform toning (voicing) to refine the hammer response
Final voicing should always be done in situ, as room acoustics significantly affect the piano’s tone. Hard surfaces (wood, glass) reflect sound waves, while soft surfaces (carpets, curtains) absorb them.
Transporting a Piano Safely
Moving a piano is a delicate operation and should always be handled by professional piano movers.
Grand Piano Transport
- Transported on its side with legs removed.
- Requires a piano shoe (wooden base) and piano wheels.
- Approximate dimensions for transport:
- Length of piano (e.g., 162 cm for Feurich Model 162)
- Width: ~40-45 cm
- Keyboard width: ~150 cm
Upright Piano Transport
- Can be moved on its ends.
- Approximate transport dimensions:
- Height of piano (e.g., 122 cm for Feurich Model 122)
- Width at the keyboard: ~60 cm
Pianos range in weight from under 200 kg for a small upright to over 550 kg for a full concert grand like the Bösendorfer Imperial.
Final Thoughts – Which Piano is Right for You?
Ultimately, choosing between an upright and grand piano depends on your space, budget, and playing needs.
If you have limited space and budget, an upright piano is an excellent choice. It offers a great sound in a compact size, along with features like a mute pedal and silent system.
If you have ample space and a larger budget, a grand piano provides a superior playing experience with better touch response and tonal richness.
Whichever you choose, trying the piano in person is essential. Meet the people behind the business, check their expertise, and ensure the instrument feels right for you.
Explore our selection of Feurich pianos in our showroom to find the perfect piano for your needs.