When is one ready for a grand piano?

[plunkyplink]

Other than, when you can afford it, of course. When can you seriously justify such a beautiful indulgence? I'm totally obsessing about getting a grand piano, I'm at the higher levels, like grade 8 or more, 23 years ago I was in grade 9 and quit just before getting grade 10 (like an idiot). I'm aiming for getting my ARCT, if possible in the next 5 years, taking beginner students in a couple of years. Also, I'm studying jazz piano at the same time. I practise 3 hours a day, but would love to practise 5 hours at least (I've got a life and a day job). I would also love to become a performer, and record and sell my music, I'll be starting that this year. What do you think? Am I ready for a grand?!!!???

[cosine]

I'm a firm believer in getting the best instrument that you can afford, regardless of your skill level. Better instrument give one more enjoyment out of music, not to mention they usually play easier, and because of those two factors I usually find that progress is made more quickly because playing is enjoyable rather than a chore. Then as one prgresses faster, one likes that, and so plays more. It's a vicious cycle.  That's why my first guitar when I was a total beginner was a Martin D-15, and my first clarinet when I was a beginner was a Leblanc Concerto.

Grand pianos (from the right makers) are much nicer than uprights, and I get more enjoyment out of playing a grand piano.

So if you want one, and find one you like, get it!

[penguinlover]

For me, it was my piano tuner.  He took one look at the pads and began asking questions like "You don't get the sound from this that you want do you?"   He didn't know me, or how well I played, but he said he could tell by the piano itself.  He stated that I had "outplayed" the piano.  I had never considered owning a grand piano a possibility, but I went in search of one.  They can be financed, so get one that suits you, and one you love.  It was well worth any expense we put into it! 

[justliam]

How do you get one inside your house? lol

[saturation]

Other than, when you can afford it, of course. When can you seriously justify such a beautiful indulgence? I'm totally obsessing about getting a grand piano, I'm at the higher levels, like grade 8 or more, 23 years ago I was in grade 9 and quit just before getting grade 10 (like an idiot). I'm aiming for getting my ARCT, if possible in the next 5 years, taking beginner students in a couple of years. Also, I'm studying jazz piano at the same time. I practise 3 hours a day, but would love to practise 5 hours at least (I've got a life and a day job). I would also love to become a performer, and record and sell my music, I'll be starting that this year. What do you think? Am I ready for a grand?!!!???

I think anyone who is dedicated enough to play everyday, practice or music, will require a grand piano, finances willing!

From what is described above, you were a candidate so long ago!

[invictus]

Dedication
Devotion
Skill
Care
Devotion
Dedication
practice
Dedication
Dedication
Devotion
perhaps mastered all of chopin's etudes

If you fullfill all those then you should get a grand

[nicco]

I was never aware of the huge difference between a regular upright piano and a grand piano before i moved away from home (where we had a pretty good petrov upright) to the conservatory where i study now. Here i practice on grand pianos every day and i must say, i feel a huuuuge difference. The grand produces much better sound, wich by itself is enough to keep you motivated for practicing. The keys (IMO) are much better on grand pianos, the pedals are better, everything is better. Practicing on grands is essential if you want to advance to the next levels of piano playing

[pizno]

When you convince yourself that you deserve it, which you do.
My teacher convinced me and I found away to borrow the money and have not looked back once!  Now you'll have to ask another forum to help you figure out which one to buy.  Good luck!

[zheer]

Depends, a 9ft concert grand fo a someone that has just sarted  learning the piano will have its advantage and dis-advantage. Generally speaking you might consider upgrading to a baby-grand once you are at a advanced-ish stage. If you are good enough to play in public and with an orchestra then you will benifit from a 6-7ft grand piano. finally if piano playing is your career and you play all round the world, then a 9ft grand piano in your living room is justified. ( i guess )

   Anyway am sure there are loads of rich and succefull people that dont play the piano but have a concert grand in their house for show and as a cool furniture.

[mutedstring]

what if I'm an amateur (amateur since age 4 with 2-8 hrs <yah...big range> practice daily for 15 years or so) and have always been practicing on a grand (in school) and now I work and am thinking to get a piano myself. I'd really love a grand, but then I think.. nay... I'm not even a "full time pianist"... now with work i probably can play just once or twice a week... I probably dont deserve that bEAUty... but then am too used to the grand's machanism... sad...

[zheer]

what if I'm an amateur ... but then am too used to the grand's machanism... sad...

  A baby grand would be perfect for you.

[Kassaa]

How do you get one inside your house? lol

They take the "legs" (dunno the word for it, the things the grand piano is standing on), they turn the grand vertically and they drive it into your house with a "skateboard on wheels" (again, I don't know the good word for it). When the grand is in the room it's supposed to be, they attach the legs.

Maybe someone else can explain in good English?

[tompilk]

They take the "legs" (dunno the word for it, the things the grand piano is standing on), they turn the grand vertically and they drive it into your house with a "skateboard on wheels" (again, I don't know the good word for it). When the grand is in the room it's supposed to be, they attach the legs.

Maybe someone else can explain in good English?

thats exactly how id describe it... lol...
Tom

[mutedstring]

my apartment has a really narrow entrance (only slightly bigger than the standard-size door width), might a baby grand not able to fit through? (what about an upright? not even sure if that can...)

[penguinlover]

Where there is a will, there is a way.  My house is a very small one, with normal sized doors.  My baby grand fit, just the way described above.  I found it necessary not to watch the entire thing, and left it to the pros.  I always get nervous when a piano is taken apart, or moved upstairs, etc.  But IT WORKED!!!  Yeah!

[andric_s]

I think it might actually be easier to move a grand (or a baby grand, at least) into tricky spots;  with the legs off, a grand is much narrower than an upright.
   I say get the grand (or baby) as soon as you can.  If playing brings you joy and you are serious about it, and you are planning to get one at some point, why wait?  If 5 years go by before you decide you are good enough to "deserve" it, that's 5 years missed that could have been spent on a better piano.

[cherrysoda]

You're ready for a grand when your back account is!

[bartolomeo_]

Anybody who plays regularly should have the best instrument they can afford that will fit their space.  If you play the sort of stuff where repeat speed matters then you should have a grand, unless there is just no way to find room for it.

In most climates and with proper care most people should be able to get 25 years out of a piano without a lot of overhaul.  Pianos, even expensive ones, are cheap in the long run compared to other hobbies such as yachts, horses, race cars, sport aviation, travel, etc.

[tompilk]

i have got one and my playing has improved, i think, and I actually enjoy going to play at the piano much much more... it really does motivate you...
Tom

[pianistimo]

i want to be given a grand.  is that possible?  i want...hmmm let's see - a petrov, a steinway, or a fazioli.  i don't play the chopin etudes as i would like - i think i can play one.  but, i need the piano anyway.  i am very dedicated to good sound production and like to just putz around for hours.  last night - i was going to practic e- but then, i started listening more to the sounds i was gettin gout of the piano - and thinking how to be more precise on trills and enjoying about the second hour when my fingers were getting faster and feeling more relaxed.  when totally relaxed, i can play 6-7 hours without much of break - but don't have that kidn of time right now. 

the triple crown bicycle race started me thinking about prizes and winning some sort of competition.  for that, they win a few thousand dollars AND a brand new car.  i don't tend to like competitions - but if the prize was a fazioli - i wouldn't sleep much.  just practice practice and maybe sleep a couple of hours and practice again. 

if i had no children - i'd sell the car.  pianos don't take gasoline.  at least not the ones that i play. 

[pizno]

NOW!  Don't worry about money.  I got a Steinway B 5 years ago and still owe $10,000 and don't care a bit!  It is worth it.

[tompilk]

NOW!  Don't worry about money.  I got a Steinway B 5 years ago and still owe $10,000 and don't care a bit!  It is worth it.

id do that, but im only 16 and dont feel like taking out a £110000 loan for a model D... 
Tom