Finding the perfect baby grand piano
16th September 2020
Baby grand pianos allow players to access that perfect point between space and sound by bringing the majesty of a grand piano into the home.
For most piano players having a full-size grand piano in their home is just not feasible on account of the space needed.
Yet baby grand pianos keep that dream alive, with instruments that will make a statement but that can fit within the walls of a modern home.
Why choose a baby grand piano?
The wealth of quality in many of the world's piano brands means there are many options for top-level players and ambitious beginners to enjoy a fantastic sound and playing experience.
Yet for many players, the pinnacle remains a grand piano – with the size, appearance, and sound being outstanding.
Yet the size of a full-scale grand puts ownership outside the grasp of most players. As well as the space to accommodate a grand piano, a room must also have the added capacity to carry the instrument's sound.
It is here that baby pianos come into their own; players can enjoy the sound and experience, yet on an instrument that can find a place in the home.
Baby grand pianos look fantastic and will provide a true centrepiece to any room. It will also be an investment that will keep on giving through a robust and responsive sound.
What to look for when finding the best baby grand piano
One of the most important pieces of wisdom offered when buying a piano is that a more expensive model may be better than a larger one. So it makes choosing the best baby grand piano to buy a tricky task.
Where an expensive upright piano may well prove to be a better investment than a cheaper piano, the same is true of a baby grand piano. It is better to buy a more expensive baby grand piano than a cheap grand piano.
Thankfully to guide you on your way there are recognised brands, which offer an expected level of quality with Yamaha, Steinway, and Kawai making baby grand pianos that deliver an exceptional concert grand experience at an affordable price.
The main points to consider include:
Tone – the clarity of this is the main draw in buying a piano.
Precision – playing to a high standard and progressing relies on the responsiveness of the instrument, also being essential to the enjoyment of play.
Size – the length of grand pianos will affect the richness of their sound, with models over 5 feet long offering a greater depth in tone due to the longer strings.
Longevity – when choosing a grand piano, you want to be sure of the instrument's durability, especially as many will become a family investment.
Of course, the most crucial factor in buying a baby grand piano is that you have the space to accommodate it, and this may to some extent, influence the model you choose.
As with all pianos, ultimately, which baby piano you choose is down to personal choice, identify your budget, style, brand, and size, then visit a stock showroom to try out the selection of models that are for sale or explore a pianos stock supplier's website.
Kawai baby grand pianos
Kawai has focused strongly on improving pianos' technical performance, and this commitment has helped it offer a new take on a baby grand piano that offers excellent quality. The Kawai GL50 represents this, using carbon fibre to improve durability, power, and control to 'outperform' a comparable grand piano.
A name to be trusted and known for its innovative approach, Kawai has also created a hybrid baby grand piano in the Kawai GL-10 ATX2 that allows for silent practice, which is something to be considered in a home environment. We always have Kawai pianos in stock and available to try in our shop showroom, please see our Kawai pianos stock selection on our website or email your inquiry and we will get back to you.
Yamaha baby grand pianos
Yamaha has also embraced the benefits of technology in giving added functionality to a baby piano in a domestic setting with the Yamaha DGB1K Enspire ST Disklavier. Adding silent technology and playback technology to the GB1K Yamaha Baby Grand, this model aids player progress every step of the way.
The Yamaha GB1K Baby Grand itself demonstrates exactly what a good investment a baby grand can be – and the enjoyment it can bring. Affordable and small enough to fit into a home, yet with a reliable sound, this Yamaha model presents an excellent choice when looking for an impressive piano.
Broughton Pianos stocks a wide selection of Yamaha pianos at its showroom in Stourbridge, including Yamaha baby grand pianos, with delivery available.
For more information on buying a baby grand piano, learn our Yamaha stock, see what delivery options we have, whether anything is on sale, inquire about grand pianos stock, or book an appointment to visit the shop showroom, please contact Broughton Pianos. You can contact us by giving us a call on our phone number, contact us through our website, or send an email.
We can often accommodate people in our shop showroom the same day, so please contact us to see if you can come down today to try out any of our stock pianos, receive advice, or see if we have the stock you are looking for.
What are the dimensions of a baby grand piano?
Baby grand pianos weigh around 550lbs and are from 4'6" to 5'3" in length.
How much is a new baby grand piano?
A new baby grand piano can range anywhere from a few thousand pounds to over £100,000. New pianos from brands like Yamaha, Kawai, and Steinway, for example, will be valued at a higher sale price.
What is smaller than a baby grand piano?
The very smallest grand piano is known as the Petit Grand and this ranges in length from 4 "5" to 4" 11. While their music may never make a concert, their acoustic sound is often preferable to that from a digital piano or keyboard for some limited space players.
How big of a room do you need for a baby grand piano?
A baby grand piano is ideal for people who want to replicate and play a concert piano but have limited room in their house. A grand piano will fit within most homes, with its largest model being no longer than just 5'3".
What should I look for in a used baby grand piano?
If you're looking to buy from a non-commercial, non-regulated, private seller, it's essential to investigate the piano thoroughly - see inside and out, top to bottom, before you buy. A grand piano could look stunning on the outside, but it's what is underneath the lid that's important. If grand pianos aren't regularly maintained - in the form of tuning, cleaning, and necessary repairs, there could be little more than rust left. Ask for the pianos registration number; this will give you the grand piano's age and possible service history. It is advisable to look for pianos that come with delivery available. They can be challenging to transport, especially for a delivery company who aren't well-experienced in pianos. For example, they cannot be stored on a site or in a van sensitive to temperature changes as this can affect the internal mechanisms of pianos.
Baby grand vs grand piano
There are many differences between baby grand pianos and grand pianos; their size, retail price, acoustic differences, music quality, and purpose. However, their primary difference is their length and the size of a piano tends to determine its overall sound.
The best grand pianos, from brands such as Steinway, Yamaha, and Kawai, will sound extremely similar to a good-quality grand piano. However, when looking for smaller music instruments, you should be aware that they tend to produce less volume and have sharper overtones. Longer pianos will give a more balanced sound that is richer and more full. Grand pianos will also be more fitting for a concert hall, event, or large spaces - but it does come with a significantly higher retail price.
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