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Have you ever dreamt of having a grand piano at home, but thought: 'I don't have the room for that and it's too expensive anyway'?
Well, there's a solution for you in the form of the baby grand piano. But what is exactly a baby grand piano?
Yamaha Baby Grands are affordable pianos which can fit in small rooms and still you'll have extra space. For example, you can have the GB1 baby grand which is just 150 cm long, for only $ 11,000. Basically, it is a smaller version of a grand piano. While a concert grand piano can reach 9' 0.3' in length (275 cm) a baby grand piano is 5' 0 - 5' 6'(152-168cm) long. The first baby grand was built by Ernest Kaps in the 1860's, although only in 1884 was it first patented by Hugo Sohmer, founder of Sohmer & Company.
The GB1K, Yamaha's most compact and affordable grand, is a popular choice for locations where space is somewhat limited, with full resonant tone comparable to that of many substantially larger models.
To give you an idea of how a baby grand piano looks like, here is a CFX Yamaha concert piano, and that is a GB1 Yamaha baby grand piano (look how shorter it is).
The piano on the left is a CFX Yamaha concert piano, and the one to the right is a GB1 Yamaha baby grand piano (Notice how shorter it is).
So why would someone prefer the baby grand to a fine upright piano?
Sound - Well, a baby grand piano is still larger than upright pianos, with longer strings... Longer strings produce more overtones, and therefore they sound fuller and richer. Another important note is that longer strings in a piano vibrate more accurately than the shorter ones.
Touch - The responsive touch of grand pianos has a special technique - the double escapement technique, which allows the pianist to easily perform trills, fast passages and to express nuances which are difficult to play in regular upright pianos.
Only when you put a baby grand piano in a room or in an average salon can you appreciate the advantages of a grand piano. The baby grand can not be used as a concert piano since it is much smaller, producing sound that is non effective in concert halls.
Yamaha baby grand pianos are also available in a silent version. It has a special button which when pushed silences the strings, allowing only you to hear the piano when connected to headphones. It is very handy for practicing without disturbing other people who may be around.
Prices
The prices of Yamaha baby grand pianos vary between $ 11,000 25,000.
There are some points which affect the price:
- The size - Yamaha Grand baby pianos come in various sizes. The larger the piano, the more expensive it is.
- Quality - Yamaha uses different materials and different process of producing for its various models. Therefore, you may find two pianos of the same size with a significant difference in price.
- Refinishing - Even two pianos of the same model may have a different price due to refinishing. The differences may even reach $ 5,000. Many people take the refinishing style seriously.
The different models of Yamaha Baby Grand Pianos
The GB1 is the smallest Yamaha grand piano - 4'11' (149 cm) length. It actually falls under the category of Petite Grand which are the smallest grand pianos. Price: $11,000-14,000.
GB1K - Length: 5' 0' (151 cm). This piano is slightly bigger then the GB1. Price: $11,000-14,000.
The GC1 or GC1M - Length: 5' 3' (161 cm) is built similarly to the C1, having duplex scaling and a rich and warm tonal character. It is a much affordable piano than the C1 because Yamaha uses cost-saving materials for its production. Price: $18,000-21,000.
The GC1M Yamaha baby grand piano is basically a C1 piano.
YAMAHA C1 - Length: 5' 3' (161 cm). This piano is from the Conservatory collection which serves thousands of music schools around the world. The C1 is an extraordinary reliable and durable piano which can bear long hours of playing and practicing every day. Price: $23,000-26,000.
To conclude, the main issues here are space available for the piano, and its price. Yamaha makes it possible to get enjoyment from a grand piano even if you don't have a lot of space money. Still, I would not advise you to run to the store and buy a baby grand piano just because you want to have a grand piano at home... I recommend that you compare the sound and touch of a Yamaha baby grand piano to Yamaha's upright pianos and to those of other manufactures as well. Choosing a piano is something you do with your heart.
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Once upon a time, grand pianos were stylish status symbols that decorated the drawing rooms of the elite. As living rooms grew smaller, the trend began to fade away. But with the changing times, grand pianos are no longer intended only for the upper class. The variety of piano sizes means even the modern-day music enthusiast can have one in their home.
Baby grand pianos particularly can be stunning new additions to any household. Although “grand” is still part of the name, with the right sizing you’ll be surprised by how well this treasure fits in your compact living room.
Why Is Size Important?
Size can matter for practical reasons. We live in a transient world today. People change jobs, cities, and homes faster than ever. When you move, your piano comes with you. Smaller ones are easier to transport. When you have the luxury of a spacious rooms where your piano might remain for decades, you can consider a larger, true grand model.
The size of your living room is also incredibly important. Some people simply won’t have enough space for a grand piano whereas the right baby grand could fit right in. Grand pianos put out larger sound, so the neighbors might be another consideration.
But at the end of the day, it’s piano acoustics that will influence your decision the most. The length of the piano and its strings are the most important impact on how it sounds. Thickness and tension of string design has some play, but the full grand piano makes a huge sound compared to a small baby grand. How you hear the piano is what is important for your home:
Tonal qualities of pianos are characterized by:
- Pitch
- Sound quality
- Dynamics
Longer, thicker strings are able to withstand more tension, so produce purer, louder sounds. At lower pitches, baby grand pianos can sometimes sound slightly distorted when compared to larger models. This is mostly true to the professional pianist’s ear, not the average player. This is why concert grands are so colossal. Their sound is designed to fill auditoriums full of people and still maintain the same quality in every part of the hall.
Such voluminous music can be a bit overwhelming in your living room. Everyone may want a great grand piano, but it’s important to consider how the sound will impact your space. In smaller areas, a baby grand can be a perfect means of performing quality music that will still accommodate the room.
How Much Floor Space Is Available?
If you’re buying a grand piano, it’s not simply about the music. These instruments are often expensive so it’s important to consider the aesthetic quality as well. And no, this doesn’t only refer to how beautiful the design is.
Owning a piano doesn’t necessarily mean you can play one. Today’s player piano systems are so revolutionary that an entire entertainment center can hide in your baby grand. You no longer need to hire pianists to play at social gatherings, when you can have a whole orchestra in your living room And the artful beauty of a graceful grand piano is always an enhancement to your décor.
If the piano you choose is too big, it will swallow up space, crowding the other furniture. At the same time, pianos too tiny for the room could:
- Go unnoticed
- Make space feel empty
- Dampen the quality of the sound
- Look disproportional
That’s why you should consider how much available space you have and where your piano will be placed before buying one. Consultations from the seller can help you with this.
Pianos represent harmony so they must be in balance with the rest of the room. You must make sure there’s still space to walk around and place a bench, without the area feeling disorderly. So, how do you make sure you buy the right fit?
Length
Grand pianos are classified by their length. Concert grands can be as long as 10’ while petite baby grands refer to anything under 4’7”. Don’t let this classification fool you though. Different companies will often change the groupings of their pianos, so it’s your job to make sure of the length.
In order to obtain the length, measure from the edge of the keys to the furthest point of the lid. This will give you an indication of how much space you need. Don’t forget to add two more feet for the placement of the piano bench.
Width
Grand pianos have a standard width (in most cases) of five feet across – the approximate width of the keyboard. There are a few special models that have more than 88 keys and the width might have a tiny variance from this, but rarely.
Tail
Wider tails will take up more floor room but will improve your bass tone. As a result, your soundboard will have better quality. So the smaller the piano, the more desirable a wide tail becomes.
When It Comes to The Dimensions of a Baby Grand - A Few Tips
Baby grands have a standard length of 5’ to 5’7” while a petite baby is anything under 5’. The average width of most pianos, regardless of type, is 5’. Many brands might differ in what they consider a baby grand, but this will only be out by a few inches.
Always research the dimensions of the baby grand you’re considering. On most websites, you can find these details online, and discuss with your seller before buying. You don’t want to have regrets later. As a rule of thumb, when allocating floor space, you should consider a square of at least 5’ wide and 6’5” long.
Once you know the dimensions, use a template to work out whether everything will fit. Whether you use a website or cut out diagrams of your furniture, you can play around with spacing for your piano. Mark doors and windows to ensure you’re not blocking any entrances or light. This will guarantee that your piano fits in your living room and will look incredible.
In Summary
Baby grand pianos are a beautiful addition to any living room if you work out placement. Smaller spaces require less resonance. The renaissance of art case designs have made pianos in the parlor popular once more in the 21st century.
Just remember, it’s imperative to consider all dimensions of your potential piano before buying one. Your instrument is an amalgamation of aesthetics and melody. Pick the right one and your living space and musical pleasures will be transformed.