How Much Does a Baby Grand Piano Weigh?
Grand pianos are the most sought after piano type. They’re loved for their beautiful shape and the grace they bring to a room, and the quality and superior sound they deliver.
But they’re huge, and it’s no wonder as such great features require something large enough to house them. Therefore, you may be wondering, “how much does a baby grand piano weigh?”
This article answers some questions you may have concerning how much a baby grand piano weighs.
The Weight of a Grand Piano
The average grand piano weighs approximately 600 to 700 pounds, while the micro grand weighs about 500 to 660 pounds. This weight depends on the material, wood type, hardware, and the use of acrylic.
Although there will always be a fluctuation in weight between various piano brands, this difference shouldn’t be substantial. That means that though pianos differ in, the size won’t always affect the piano’s weight.
A good example is the designer pianos containing acrylic elements, which tend to weigh more. Since various alloys have different weight characteristics, you’re likely to find fancy designer baby grands with weight parameters that differ from the average.
That’s the reason a piano’s weight shouldn’t be a deciding factor when choosing a piano. If you’re pleased with it, go for it. Although it’ll cost you more to move it, don’t let that stop you from buying it. After all, the piano is bound to last a lifetime.
What is the Average Size of a Baby Grand Piano?
The main sizing parameter of the grand piano is length. The average piano is 4 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 8 inches in length, and approximately 5 feet wide.
The piano’s width is predetermined by its 88 piano keys of the standard piano keyboard. Therefore, most grand pianos, such as the Steinway piano and the Yamaha baby grand piano, have a standard width.
You’re probably familiar with the mini-me concept. In this case, there’s the most miniature grand piano that starts at lengths as small as 4 feet 5 inches to about 4 feet 10 inches. It’s important to note that this piano category is shorter than it is wide, but the piano board remains at standard 88 keys.
Despite the mini grand piano’s dimensions still representing the aesthetic of the grand piano, it requires placing wisely. You need to optically make up for the disproportion of the length to width ratio.
Suppose the size of the piano you plan to buy is strictly dependent on your space, and you’re adamant about having a micro grand? In that case, I’d recommend choosing the largest size possible in this group.
A grand piano at least 5 feet is ideal if your home space allows it. Such a piano will create a dimensional square between the width and the length, making it a suitable option.
A medium grand piano measures 5 feet in length, and it’s the perfect piano where there’s sufficient space to accommodate the size. It not only justifies its name but also offers you a wonderful experience of visual grace and excellent sound.
If space is an issue I’d suggest you opt getting an upright piano. The upright piano, sometimes referred to as vertical piano, is more compact and can be played in small spaces.
Can You Move a Baby Grand Piano by Yourself?
With the necessary equipment, four or five skilled assistants, and wrapping materials, it’s possible to move a grand piano by yourself.
Here’s how to move a grand piano. Read the instructions to assess your readiness.
- Lock the piano soundboard of the musical instrument if a locking mechanism is available. If not, disassemble the piano using a screwdriver. Collect the tiny screws, putting them in plastic bags and labeling each bag accordingly. Doing so will make things much easier when you’re reassembling the piano in your new location.
- Disassemble the legs, rack, lyre and the pedals (be careful when taking apart the sostenuto pedal). It’s essential to do away with parts that would prevent it from passing through doorways. Two or three of your friends will hold the piano while one disassembles the lyre with pedals and the piano legs. Since these parts have screws, it should be easy.
- Tilt the piano to its longer side and wrap it thoroughly using wrapping materials and mats. If you can afford a moving blanket, use one. Though pricey, it’s made of sturdy cloth, fits the piano’s exact form, and has multiple handles to grab, easing transportation.
- Wrap parts with moving pads to ensure no polish gets damaged or scrapped.
- Load your piano onto the piano dollies. Make sure to tie it firmly using transportation ropes. If you have a piano bench, be sure to load it too.
- Move your grand piano straight through doors or aisles in the room covered with a carpet. Ensure one person holds and watches any disassembled instruments keenly.
If you’re required to move your piano through challenging spaces such as up or down some stairs or loading and unloading it on the moving truck, then extra attention and skill are needed.
How Much Does it Cost to Move a Baby Grand Piano?
The following factors determine the cost of moving a grand piano:
1. Distance of Move
The cost to move a grand piano across the country is directly dependent upon the distance that this valuable equipment has to travel to its destination. Piano movers in Salt Lake City charge different prices to move your piano. It depends on whether you’re moving the piano across town, to another city or town, or across multiple states.
Generally, the greater distance, the higher the moving cost.
2. Difficulty of the Move
Your professional piano movers are likely to overcome some obstacles while moving, increasing the piano moving cost. For example, they may need to apply more effort and time to move the piano, increasing the expense.
Obstacles that make moving difficult include stairs, tight spaces and corners, and narrow doorways.
3. Size and Weight
Heavier and larger grand pianos cost more to move while smaller pianos such as the spinet tend to cost lower to move..
Due to the baby grand piano dimensions and the unique shape of grand pianos, they’re costly to move. Their body makes it tough to maneuver around your home on its way out.
Now that you know the factors to consider, the next question is how much does it cost to move a piano? For local moves, the cost fluctuates by a few hundred dollars. But for longer distances, the average price differs by some hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Some movers charge an hourly rate for their services, while a few, especially long-distance piano moving companies, charge a flat rate calculated based on factors such as the ones mentioned earlier.
How Much Does a Baby Grand Piano Cost?
You’re probably wondering how much a piano costs. Well, you could end up spending from a few hundred dollars to up to as much as $10,000.
You may feel somewhat confused about where to begin when buying one, but with the following tips, you can get yourself one at an excellent price.
Know the Baby Grand Piano Sizes
Size here refers to the length.
Larger grand pianos tend to be better, giving you a more desirable tone and touch. These pianos cost more, but with time, you’ll appreciate their excellent sound.
You can opt for the spinet piano (upright piano) that’s small in size or go for the console piano that’s a little bigger with longer strings. However, most piano teachers recommend that beginners start with an upright piano.
Most people end up getting the spinet because it’s compact in size but still produces quality sound.
Asses New Vs. Used Pianos
Explore both new and used grand piano options to find the piano that’s ideal for you and, more importantly, within your budget.
You can find a new piano offering a more thrilling playing experience at a better price than a used one.
Check Different Materials
The price of a new grand can be significantly affected by the type of wood veneer used on the piano’s exterior.
Mahogany, walnut, and exotic finishes such as Bubinga tend to cost more than polished ebony or satin ebony (flat black).
Explore the Brands.
While all the top manufacturers of grand pianos such as Steinway may be providing quality musical instruments at different prices, the prices vary from store to store.
Some brands will stick to a standardized price. In contrast, others will set a high MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) and then reflect an untrue “discount”, making it appear like a massive price reduction to the customer.
Always check keenly every line within your preferred brand and compare the quality and price to other piano manufacturers. With the correct details, comparing prices from different piano manufacturers is easier.
Know Your Style
Different people prefer different piano types. Some prefer acoustic pianos over electric pianos for one reason and another. Others prefer getting antique to match with their home theme.
Also others consider choosing according to the use. If the piano is for professional use I’d recommend getting a professional grand piano with a piano tuner such as the studio piano, digital piano, or concert grand piano.
The concert grand piano is best especially if you perform for live audiences and large crowds. However, if you’re performing for a small crowd I recommend going for the semi concert grand piano.
Consider Buying From a Store Vs an Individual
Buying a grand piano from a store or manufacturer such as Steinway may require you to dig deeper into your pockets than if you’re buying from an individual. However, you’ll have peace of mind with a warranty and fully insured movers.
Also, the store can offer after-sale service and tuning immediately after the purchase and for years to come at a cheaper cost.
Conclusion
Whether you’re planning to buy a grand piano or already own one, you’re now more informed about the weight, size, moving it, and the factors that determine how much it costs to move it.
Piano manufacturers indicate the piano weights on their websites or brochures. Always keep all the information regarding your grand well as it comes in handy, especially when hiring a piano mover. You can also use your piano model number and year to search online for all the information you need.
For your piano moving requirements, feel free to contact Piano Movers In Salt Lake City.