Upright vs Grand Piano: Technical Differences Every Pianist Should Know

2026-10-04T09:22:06+01:00

At first glance, the difference between an upright piano and a grand piano appears to be mainly one of shape. An upright stands vertically against a wall, while a grand extends horizontally into the room. Beneath the casework, however, the two instruments differ in ways that can influence touch, repetition, tone, pedalling and the way a pianist approaches demanding music. These are the upright vs grand piano technical differences every pianist should know before choosing an instrument. A well-made and carefully maintained upright can be far more rewarding than a neglected baby grand. Understanding these differences will help you assess each [...]