Purchasing a grand piano is exciting, especially for a musician. But as you begin your search, you realize how many options there are when choosing the best grand piano for your needs.
As you browse through various brands of grand pianos, you may wonder which is best for your budget, and what grand piano will sound best in the space you have available.
With countless styles and brands to choose from, both new and used, shopping for a grand piano can seem overwhelming.
However, with the help of a grand piano buying guide, you’ll find answers to all your questions and more. Not only will you purchase your next grand piano as an informed buyer, but you’ll learn about the different types of grand pianos.
What Sets Grand Pianos Apart?
When learning how to select a grand piano, keep in mind things such as size. A grand piano is the largest type of piano you can purchase.
Since they’re the biggest, they’re also among the most expensive, but with good reason. Grand pianos offer an impressive range in sound and touch and are usually prized amongst musicians.
Grand pianos are an impressive size, with some concert models being as long as 9’6″. When selecting your grand piano, begin by measuring the space you have dedicated to ensure a proper fit.
The Ultimate Grand Piano Buying Guide for Your Needs
Once you’ve determined the amount of space you can provide for a grand piano, determine your specific needs. This includes value, quality, and budget.
Best Value
When choosing a grand piano that gives you the best value, consider things such as size and performance. While not everyone can accommodate a 9′ grand piano, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice sound. This is what makes the Fazioli F156 a great purchase.
Since it’s only 5’2″, you’ll have a compact grand piano with extraordinary sound. It boasts the same amazing quality of a traditional 9′ concert grand piano, but without the need for additional space.
Best Quality
If you’re wondering how to select a grand piano, then be sure to consider quality. While these may cost more, the list of best quality grand pianos has some unmistakable names in it, for serious piano buyers.
Choose from Steinway & Sons, Yamaha, Bluthner, and Fazioli, to name a few. Another popular brand is Bechstein, specifically the A-190 grand piano. While some of these brands boast higher price tags than others, you can find certain models that fit within your price range or choose from used versions.
Best Budget
While space may not be an issue, your budget might be. If this is the case, consider The Manhattan, sold by Story & Clark.
This sleek piano even comes with a player option, if that’s something you wish to install down the road. The Manhattan makes a perfect addition to any space, with a moderate price tag.
The Manhatten is a beautiful piece, but there are even more affordable options available. Take into consideration Yamaha, a more popular brand. They’re affordable and have been around for over a century, producing high-quality products.
For an affordable grand piano with state-of-the-art sound, look no further than the Yamaha GB1K with its bass strings wound in solid copper, a keyframe reinforced with hardwood, and a silent button so you can wear headphones and play.
Yamaha is the perfect blend of affordability, style, and functionality for any piano enthusiast.
Buying a New vs Used Grand Piano
Deciding to buy a new or used grand piano is dependent on your budget and the type of piano you wish to purchase. If you want a new piano but have a limited amount to spend, then look for more affordable choices such as the Yamaha GB1K.
However, if you have your heart set on a Steinway, you can easily pay $70,000 to $150,000. Since this is out of a lot of people’s budgets, purchasing a used Steinway may be more economical.
What Affects the Way a Grand Piano Sounds?
If you place your piano in a room with high ceilings, lots of windows, and wood floors, expect to hear echoing as you play your piano. However, carpeting will absorb the rich, vibrant sound of a piano, so keep this in mind as well.
This is also true of curtains and couch cushions, as they all absorb sound. If you find your room has too many acoustics or is too large, then adding a rug under your piano to help absorb some of the sounds.
Keep in mind that when people are in the room as you play, their clothes can also absorb some of the sounds as well. Set your room up with different configurations until you achieve your piano’s desired sound.
Features and Specs to Consider When Buying a Grand Piano
The features and specs of the grand piano you purchase will be based on your specific needs. In order to determine the best brand of a grand piano, consider the following.
Do you like the overall tone and sound? How about the weight of the keys? Are you playing the piano after hours and need to be quiet? If so, then silencing features are something to look for.
How much space do you have for your piano? What does the piano weigh and where will you locate it in your home/studio space? How difficult will it be to move it there?
Does the piano come with any type of warranty? Do you like the brand and does it have positive reviews? Once you find the answers to questions such as these, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision when purchasing your grand piano.
Get Ready to Purchase
Whether you’re a seasoned musician or simply looking for the perfect musical instrument to bond with your family over, there’s nothing like owning a piano. The Piano Store is a nationwide supplier of new and used pianos.
Be sure to keep this grand piano buying guide handy as you search our wide selection of new and used pianos. We’ve got the perfect addition to your home and can accommodate any budget. Contact us today and let us help you find the piano you’ve been dreaming of.