Upright Piano Buyer's Guide

When shopping for your first piano or looking to upgrade your current instrument, the upright piano stands out as one of the most practical and popular choices for home musicians. Also known as vertical pianos, these space-saving instruments offer an excellent balance of musical expression, affordability, and convenience that makes them perfect for both beginners and experienced players. 

Not all upright pianos are created equal. The height of an upright piano significantly impacts its sound quality, and understanding these differences will help you make the best choice for your needs and space. 

The smallest type of upright piano was the spinet, standing at under 42 inches tall—roughly waist-high for most adults. However, spinet pianos were discontinued by manufacturers approximately 30 years ago due to their compromised sound quality and mechanical limitations. While you may still find vintage spinet pianos on the used market, they are no longer produced. Despite their compact size, spinets maintained the full 88-key keyboard standard across all acoustic pianos, making them about five feet wide just like their larger counterparts.

Console upright pianos measure just over 42 inches in height and represent one of the most popular choices for home use. Many modern console pianos feature a contemporary design without front legs, sometimes called "condo pianos," which take up minimal floor space—typically about 20-24 inches deep. 

Studio upright piano models stand approximately 48 inches tall, offering improved sound quality over smaller models. The additional height allows for longer strings, particularly in the bass section, which translates to richer harmonics and better overall tone quality. 

Full upright piano models, standing 52 inches tall or more, represent the pinnacle of vertical piano design. These instruments offer the best possible sound quality available in an upright

format, with the longest strings and largest soundboards possible within the vertical design constraints. 

Historical upright pianos, sometimes called "old-fashioned high-backs" or humorously referred to as "Herman Munster pianos" by piano movers, can tower well above modern standards. While these antique instruments have a unique vintage sound that some players cherish, they were built with less efficient designs compared to contemporary upright piano models. Weighing around 800 pounds, these historical giants dominated American homes 100-130 years ago. 

The height of an upright piano directly correlates to its sound quality, and the physics behind this relationship is fascinating. When a piano is taller, it accommodates longer strings, particularly in the crucial bass register. Longer strings produce better harmonics and clearer pitch definition.

Here's why this matters: every piano string must vibrate at a specific frequency to produce the correct pitch. For concert pitch standard A440 (the A above middle C vibrating 440 times per second), the string's mass must remain constant regardless of piano size. In a shorter upright piano, the strings must be made thicker to achieve the proper mass, while longer strings in taller pianos can be thinner while maintaining the same pitch.

The soundboard—the large wooden surface that amplifies string vibrations—also benefits from increased size in taller upright pianos. Think of it like comparing a small Bluetooth speaker to a large stereo system: both can play music, but the larger system provides clearer detail, better volume, and superior sound quality across all dynamic ranges. 

While an upright piano offers many advantages, it's important to understand how the vertical design affects the playing experience compared to grand pianos. 

In a grand piano, hammers strike strings from below using gravity to return to position, allowing for faster note repetition and more nuanced expression. An upright piano uses a modified action where hammers strike strings horizontally and rely on bridle straps—small cloth components—to return to position. This creates a different touch and slightly limits rapid note repetition speed.

The key leverage is also altered in vertical pianos. Since the keys can't be as long as those in a grand piano, the fulcrum point changes, affecting the player's sense of control and expression. However, modern upright piano designs have significantly improved these mechanisms compared to historical models. 

Every upright piano features three pedals, but they function differently than those on a grand piano:

• Right Pedal (Sustain/Damper): Functions identically to grand pianos, lifting dampers to allow notes to ring freely.
• Left Pedal (Soft Pedal): Instead of shifting hammers to strike fewer strings like in a grand piano, upright pianos move all hammers closer to the strings, reducing the striking distance and creating a softer dynamic.
• Middle Pedal: Most upright pianos feature a practice pedal that lowers a felt rail between hammers and strings, creating a muted sound perfect for practice sessions. This replaces the sostenuto pedal found on grand pianos, which selectively sustains specific notes.

Note: The high-end Yamaha YUS5 upright piano is a rare exception, featuring a true sostenuto pedal like a grand piano, making it ideal for advanced players who need this specialized function. 

An upright piano typically costs significantly less than a comparable grand piano while still providing authentic acoustic piano experience. This makes them an excellent choice for beginning students and budget-conscious families. 

Modern homes often lack the space for a grand piano's footprint. An upright piano requires only a fraction of the floor space—typically 20-24 inches deep compared to 5-6 feet for a grand piano—while still providing the full 88-key range and acoustic piano experience. 

Despite being a compromise from the grand piano design, a quality upright piano still offers remarkable musical expression and dynamic range. Many professional musicians and teachers consider a good upright piano superior to any digital alternative for developing proper technique and musical sensitivity. 

The practice pedal found on most upright pianos provides a significant advantage for home use, allowing players to practice at reduced volumes without disturbing household members or neighbors—a feature not available on grand pianos. 

When selecting an upright piano, consider these key factors:

• Space Requirements: Measure your available space carefully, considering both height and depth clearances.
• Sound Quality Priorities: If sound quality is paramount, opt for the tallest upright piano your space and budget allow.
• Playing Level: Beginning students can start with smaller models and upgrade later, while serious players should invest in studio or full upright models.
• Future Plans: Consider whether this upright piano is a stepping stone to a grand piano or your long-term acoustic piano solution.

The upright piano continues to be the practical choice for millions of households worldwide. Whether you choose a compact spinet for tight spaces or a full-size studio model for maximum sound quality, an upright piano offers the authentic acoustic experience that has inspired musicians for generations.

At Cunningham Piano, we understand that choosing the right upright piano is a significant decision. Our expert team can help you find the perfect instrument that matches your space, budget, and musical aspirations. Visit our showroom to experience the difference that a quality upright piano can make in your musical journey.

Ready to find your perfect upright piano? Contact Cunningham Piano today to explore our selection of quality vertical pianos and discover which model best suits your needs.