ROLLER ACTION

[davy10tunes]

Hi, I've been looking at some restored grands and most of them have a "roller action", :-/ is this good or bad?Would I be better off with a good upright rather than one of these grands?
Thanks

David

[Brian Lawson, RPT]

Unless I am mistaken what you describe is a standard double escapement grand action used in every grand piano since Erard invented it.

[rachfan]

I would generalize further this way: If you are a serious student, have the room in your dwelling, and the budget, then you are ALWAYS better off with a grand than an upright, provided that the grand is quality built and at least 5'6" in length.  Without going into all of the advantages, you will find that 1) the materials are of higher quality, 2) the string lengths are longer allowing for a richer sound, 3) the grand action operates perpendicular to gravity, rather than horizontally, thereby making key repetitions easier, 4) the sound radiates from the soundboard into the room far better, etc., etc.  The very best upright invariably represents a collection of compromises as compared to a medium-sized grand piano.

Am I suggesting here that nobody should ever buy an upright?  Not at all.  If you are a casual, recreational player who just wants to play a couple of pop tunes every now and then, then an upright would fit the bill just fine. On the other hand, if you are a serious student of piano, you probably won't be satisfied with an upright for very long.

[davy10tunes]

Thanks for the info, it's good to know this is nothing to worry about

David

[willcowskitz]

A couple of pop tunes per day?

I've got a Yamaha U3 upright and its still one of the best sounding pianos I've played. Including two Bösendorfer grands and an "Etyde" upright (which did in my opinion have a very good sound). I only play classical and am so far fully satisfied with the upright. I could never even afford a grand anyway. Maybe if I got my hands on a good grand, maybe, one that would overcome the Bösendorfers, I would appreciate them more. I hope that day won't come cause as I said, I couldn't afford a grand.