We all know that grand pianos are seen as one of the wonders of the musical world but why? They are clearly big pieces of equipment but why do they cost so much money when compared to a regular piano? That’s what we wanted to take a look at.
When you take your time to check and understand the complexities of the acoustic piano, you’ll understand why the price tag can be so high. What is the process of manufacturing this instrument? What expertise does it require? What materials are they made from? This article will help answer the question of why are grand pianos so expensive.
Why are grand pianos so expensive?
Sound quality
The two main parts on the inside of the grand piano are the soundboard and the strings. The strings have to be held in place by a cast-iron frame which needs to be extremely strong to support the level of tension. The soundboard is usually made of wood that connects everything together
The keyboard’s strings are flexible materials in your grand piano held in tension to vibrate controllably and freely producing sound. Grand pianos vary in soundboard strings length. The line length and soundboard dimensions affect your grand piano’s sound quality; hence, with longer strings and a giant soundboard, the grand piano fetches a high price.
Grand pianos require quality wood
It’s crucial to have quality materials in the construction of the grand piano for both sound quality and durability. The quality and quantity of the wood largely influence the price of the piano. Acoustic pianos are made of premium lumber like mahogany, oak, maple and fir. Along with with in the past was ivory for the key but in modern pianos, fake ivory is used. plus ivory. However, these days they use fake ivory.
The characteristics of the wood require a skilled eye for evaluation because the lumber should be straight and without any knots. These combined materials are costly and increase the manufacturing price. As with any type of construction, premium materials mean a premium price.
The knowledge, skill, and labour
Many people are shocked at quite how complicated a grand piano is. It’s easy to presume it’s just a hammer hitting a string but much more goes into it than that. There are a huge number of moving parts when you just hit one string. When you times that by the 88 across the keyboard, making a grand piano becomes a daunting task. But it’s a task that can’t have any error. Everything needs to be precise otherwise the sound just won’t be right.
A large number of individual components
From inception to a complete acoustic piano requires over twelve thousand single components. These are pieces such as pistons, rims, strings, keys, keyboard, soundboard, hummers and dumpers. These components are made using brass, copper, and wood.
For every piece, you need a specialized installation. These pieces require incredible accuracy when it comes to their installation otherwise it simply won’t work correctly. The sheer number of components pales into comparison next to a guitar. All of them have to be sourced and carry their own cost.
The brand name
The brand name can affect the price too. Some renowned brands like Yamaha and Steinway attract a higher price than other piano brands. You’ll pay more than the other uprising companies like Fazioli and Young Chang and this partly comes down to the price.
It’s important to note that most brands aren’t overrated. The higher fees are earned through years of producing quality and dependable instruments. You may find a Broadman and Fazioli piano that will suit you perfectly despite costing you half the price Steinway would cost .
More than just an instrument
As you acquire this acoustic beauty and place it in your living room, you give it a whole new touch and outlook. Grand pianos aren’t just musical instruments but also art and sculpture, making them worth the extra cost.
These pieces of art can be a statement of class. Many people own them not for their sound quality but due to them making a brilliant centerpiece and talking point. Seeing one in a foyer is a symbol of opulence. Customers can be happy to pay a premium for such a piece of art.
Grand pianos are an investment
If you buy an equivalent car to a grand piano, the chances are that your vehicle will depreciate very quickly. With a grand piano, you know that you’re buying something that is going to stand the test of time. The most expensive and limited grand pianos can hold their value remarkably well, with some even rising in price. Their low rate of depreciation also makes them much sought after.
Is a grand piano worth the cost?
Yes, they are worth it. Some acquire this piano as a class symbol while others as an artifact for beauty and decoration. Others buy them for the musical experience. For each reason that you purchase the acoustic piano, it’s worth it.
Final thoughts
Why are grand pianos so expensive? As we’ve seen here, it’s for a wide number of reasons. They require expert craftmanship and the highest quality of materials. It’s easy to see why they are so revered. During a performance, hundreds of parts are moving all of the time, perfectly in sync. All that goes together to create a sound like no other.