Grand? Upright? Upright Grand? What’s the right term for your piano? In general there are two kinds of pianos: verticals (also called uprights) and grands. These are then divided into 4 subcategories each based on size.
Uprights can be a spinet (34″-38″ measured from the floor to the top of the piano), a console (38″-43″), a studio upright (43″-46″), or a professional or full upright (46″-52″).
Grand pianos can be a baby grand (5’6″ and smaller), parlor or living room grand (5’8″-6’6″), a semi-concert or half-concert grand (6’7″-7’4″), or finally a concert grand (around 9′).
There is no such thing as a “grand upright.” Years ago some people tried to market uprights as “upright grands” because they thought it made them sound like a better piano. Also to add to the confusion, years ago there was a piano company called the “Grand Piano Company” that made uprights. Don’t get sucked into the jargon and become confused on what you have or are trying to buy.
What kind of piano do you have? Comment below on what you currently play or with on what type of piano you learned play.
(Information from the Randy Potter School of Piano Technology)