Console Pianos vs. Upright Pianos: Which is Better for You?
-
What's the difference: Consoles vs. Upright Pianos?
-
What are Console Piano features and limitations?
-
What’s the size and dimensions of a Console Piano?
-
What are the characteristics of an upright piano? (Tall Uprights?)
-
What’s the differences betweenVerticals and Grands?
-
Conclusion:
-
TLDR;
- Read more:
Choosing a piano is an important decision that requires careful consideration, research, and hopefully playing a few pianos!
Whether you're a professional musician, a teacher, student or hobbyist, choosing the right type of piano is essential because different pianos have substantially different qualities.
In this blog post, we'll discuss the main differences between console pianos and upright pianos. I'll further explain the most important differences and similarities so that it's easier for you to decide.
What's the difference: Consoles vs. Upright Pianos?
Two extremely common types of pianos are console pianos and upright pianos. By now, you should know that there are different types of upright pianos and that they feel/sound very different when you play them.
Technically, a Console piano is an upright piano. However, "Consoles" are classified as being between 38” and 43” tall, and any piano taller than that is considered an “Upright Piano.”
Anything shorter than 43" is a spinet which I discuss in my post titled "Why A Spinet is Different than Upright Pianos." Spinets have a slightly different feel than console pianos, which is partly why large upright pianos are so much better.
The main difference between console pianos and upright pianos is the size of the soundboard, the length of the strings, and shorter keys. This effects the sound, feel, and overall enjoyment of the instrument.
The action between a console and an upright have a different feel. You will notice that the action of a taller upright is more sensitive to the touch and may also be slightly heavier, but not too heavy as to slow down playing speed.
Anyhow, Both Consoles and Uprights have their own unique qualities that make them ideal for different situations, however, I would say that while this may be true, it’s better to opt for a taller piano in most ALL cases.
What are Console Piano features and limitations?
Console pianos are compact pianos with a small soundboard and action that are designed for home use and practice purposes to meet the budget and space requirements of most consumers.
Keep in mind that while consoles may be appealing for budget/space qualities, it's important to understand that spending money on a taller instrument will be worth the time investment for the beginner (who actually spends the time to play the instrument).
Consoles don't really "save space." If you really think about it, larger verticals are taller, but don't actually take up extra space in a home.
Consoles are some of the smallest upright pianos in the world (other than spinets).
Console have shorter strings and a smaller soundboard which create a lighter, brighter tone that is unsuitable, outside of basic home use.
These instruments have a smaller soundboard and shorter strings which make them less appealing and less inspiring when compared to Studio Uprights.
This type of piano takes up less space (in height only) and ordinarily sounds like a good option for those living in smaller living spaces or apartments.
At the end of the day, having a new piano in your home is going to make noise, and even if you get the smallest piano it will surely make enough sound to bother your neighbors. (Unless you have a piano with silent systems etc.)
What’s the size and dimensions of a Console Piano?
While a Console may be shorter than an Upright, the footprint of the piano is the same as any vertical piano. So, while it may sound like consoles takes up less space, it’s really only because the piano is shorter, not because it takes up less square footage.
Console pianos are a good choice for smaller spaces that have height limitations or hobby players who aren’t invested learners. While larger upright pianos are better suited for professional musicians, music studios, serious piano students, and beginners.
When purchasing a piano, it's important to consider the size of the piano and the space it will belong.
The action of a console piano is similar to that of a larger upright, as it has the same mechanisms, but smaller. Consoles don’t quite perform as well, mechanically, especially for intermediate/advanced piano players.
Many professional pianists find that the small sized action of a console piano is less responsive than a full-size action. There's a significant difference to a discerning pianists that shouldn't be underestimated.
It's generally true that the action of a console requires the least finger strength to produce sound. The largest difference between the way the piano actions feel is found when playing between an Upright and a Grand Piano.
So, while there are subtle differences between consoles and taller uprights, the feel of the action between the two is within the same realm.
What are the characteristics of an upright piano? (Tall Uprights?)
The action of a taller Upright piano may be a little heavier to where you can better feel the inertia of the key. However, it’s not heavy enough to poorly effect the outcome of piano playing even for beginners.
Upright pianos are taller and have a larger soundboard, which allows for a fuller sound to develop within the cabinet.
Larger models of upright pianos allows for a longer string length and a larger soundboard, which results in better sound quality.
Upright pianos (as opposed to console pianos) are ideal for larger spaces, like large music studios or band and orchestra rooms.
Taller upright pianos have longer strings and a larger soundboard, creating a richer, fuller tone that is ideal for professional musicians and concert halls.
What’s the differences between Verticals and Grands?
Since I don’t believe the tonal quality of tall upright pianos is remotely similar to a grand piano, it's difficult to compare the two without bias.
Vertical strings resonate differently in vertical pianos than the horizontal strings in grand pianos. These differences are not necessarily good or bad, but an observable difference to be fully appreciated.
The action parts of an upright piano largely have the same components found on a grand piano, however, they are in an entirely different assembly comparatively speaking.
The grand piano with a normal action allows for the quickest key repetition which provides the greatest amount of control and a wide range of dynamic expression.
While even the tallest upright pianos don't have as much control as the action of grand pianos, I don't let that stop me from playing upright pianos. It won't stop me from playing challenging pieces, either.
Conclusion:
When it comes to choosing between Console Pianos and Upright Pianos, it all comes down to the purpose of the piano. For instance, in most cases, Consoles should be avoided if you're able to get a taller Upright piano.
Console pianos are great for home use and general enjoyment among those who aren't first learning. While upright pianos are preferred by professional musicians and those who want a high-quality sound and responsiveness which is best for inspiring beginners to stick with piano lessons.
By understanding the types of upright pianos available (console vs. spinet vs. upright), the type of action, the size of the soundboard, and the length of the strings, you'll be able to make an informed decision about which type of piano is right for you.
Whatever your choice, make sure to consult with piano stores, your piano teacher, and a qualified piano tuner to get the best piano for your needs.
As your virtual piano tuner, I encourage those interested in vertical pianos to go with larger uprights because of the full-sized action which increases control, along with a high quality sound to keep beginners inspired to continue their piano practice.
TLDR;
If you're fortunate enough, it's always best to purchase a tall upright over a console or a spinet. Upright Pianos and Grand Pianos are difficult to compare because of how gravity effects both the action mechanisms as well as the vibrating strings. So, generally speaking, the bigger the better when it comes to vertical pianos.
Read more:
Yamaha Piano Reviews
Bechstein Piano Reviews
Korg Keyboard Reviews
-
What's the difference: Consoles vs. Upright Pianos?
-
What are Console Piano features and limitations?
-
What’s the size and dimensions of a Console Piano?
-
What are the characteristics of an upright piano? (Tall Uprights?)
-
What’s the differences betweenVerticals and Grands?
-
Conclusion:
-
TLDR;
- Read more: