Which upright piano should I buy?

Publish Date: 6 November 2022
Which upright piano should I buy

New and used upright pianos are among our most popular, but whether you’re a beginner or a professional player, the process of choosing which one to buy can be tricky.

In this article, we introduce different types of upright pianos, and the brands you should consider before making a purchase.

What are the different types of upright pianos?

Upright pianos were invented at the beginning of the 1800s, and by the end of the century they could be found in most homes.

Their compact and more convenient size, matched with their sound quality, permitted the upright to rival the magnificence of the grand piano back then and still does now.

Ready to look for an upright piano for sale? Read on.

There are four different types of upright piano:

Spinet Piano: This is the smallest and shortest upright piano, and is no longer manufactured anywhere in the world. They are incredibly compact, making them ideal for tight spaces, and usually measure less than 40 inches tall. These models typically cost less than other upright pianos, but they also produce inferior sound quality because of their configuration.

Console Piano: Similar in height to a Spinet, a console piano measures anywhere between 40 to 44 inches. Again, the compact nature of a console piano makes it ideal for homes with restricted space. It has a good sound quality and dynamic range, sufficient for daily use.

Studio Piano: A studio upright piano is the next step up in terms of height, measuring between 44 and 48 inches tall. Its increased size allows for a richer tone and more resonant sound. It is the ideal upright for beginners, or pianists on a smaller budget, because studio models are much more affordable, particularly when considering used or second-hand upright models.

Professional Piano: A professional upright piano is the tallest and most popular member of the upright piano family, measuring at least 48 inches. Its large soundboard facilitates high quality and, for many, is just as good as a baby grand. This type of upright piano is ideal for music students or professional musicians in more compact environments.

What kind of upright piano is best?

Which is the best upright piano?

An upright piano represents an investment, whether new or secondhand, and will last a lifetime.

Of all the types listed above, we believe the professional upright piano is the optimum choice, whether you’re a seasoned pianist or a beginner.

No matter which you opt for when you buy an upright piano, the best kind is one that is properly cared for.

Maintenance is so important, and ensuring that the processes of tuning, voicing and regulation are carried out regularly is vital for the health and performance of your piano.

Which brand is best for an upright piano?

In our opinion, there is no ‘best’ brand when it comes to upright pianos, and the range at Markson Pianos includes several names that we are proud to stock.

Below we list not only our favourite manufacturers, but also specific upright pianos for sale that we think are worth considering.

Bosendorfer Grand Upright 130

Bosendorfer is one of the most sought-after brands in the world, renowned for a refined craftsmanship and philosophy that is reflected in every piano it makes, including the Grand Upright 130. With its subtle tones, powerful bass and precise action, the 130 truly delivers the sound quality of a grand in a compact case.

Steingraeber & Söhne 130 Upright

Steingraeber & Söhne is one of the most prestigious manufacturers, and makes less than 80 uprights per year at its factory in Germany. The 130 model is one of their most popular, and Steingraeber claims it is the equivalent of a baby grand. This upright not only looks incredible but is highly regarded for its performance, capability and clear tone.

Yamaha Model U1 Upright

Yamaha is yet another incredibly popular brand that is noted for its unwavering quality and affordability. The U1 model may be compact but has an incredibly rich, resonant voice that is evenly balanced across the whole keyboard. This model is ideal for beginners, or pianists seeking to improve their playing.

How much does an upright piano cost?

Uprights are the perfect choice for those looking for a piano that doesn’t take up as much space without compromising on quality.

But how much can you expect to pay if you buy an upright piano from us?

It is difficult to provide an exact price for a new upright piano because they vary according to the brand, model, size and other specifications.

You may also want to consider a second-hand upright piano that can be just as good as a new model if correctly maintained or restored.

A second-hand upright is more affordable, but there are many budget-friendly new options available; it is simply a case of understanding your requirements and comparing models.

We offer a beautiful selection of new and used upright pianos for sale to fit a wide range of budgets.

If you are interested in learning more, you can browse our extensive range of Upright Pianos.

Get in touch

If you are interested in buying an upright piano, please browse our collection of new and used uprights.

The selection at Markson Pianos includes examples from several world-renowned manufacturers.

Ask a team member about the guarantee that comes with each one. We also present financing options as part of our ‘Take it Away’ scheme, which supports music retailers in providing interest-free loans for individuals looking to purchase instruments.

If you aren’t sure which upright piano is best for you, or are curious about any of our available models, don’t hesitate to contact us Markson Pianos today by dialling 020 7935 8682.