By Admin 
The author of this article was an avid music writer and a long time pianist, who has extensively studied the art, performance, and culture of playing pianos. Having experience in both classical music training and modern composition, the author tries to introduce the information that would allow the viewers to remember about the great history and the eternal worth of such fine acoustic music instruments as the baby grand piano.
Introduction
The baby grand piano does not only represent a musical instrument but also an object of grace and artistry, the great beauty of music. The baby grand is elegant in its curves, clear in its sound and captivating to imagination of music lovers and musicians all over the world. It is believed by many as the ideal size of a full-size concert grand and a smaller upright piano. It is portable, resembling the majesty and richness of a grand piano but coming in a smaller size. The thing that makes the baby grand stand out is not only that it can give a rich and versatile tone, but also the change it can bring to the atmosphere of any environment.
A baby grand brings the feeling of sophistication that encourages conversation and the creativity of people before the first note was even played. Its appearance, all the way down its slope of lid to the bright sheen of its finish, are as alluring as the music flowing out of its keys. It can be a precious part of the family treasure; it is a supreme instrument of art to professional musicians. As a student, finding the delight in playing something new, as a professional, who wants to express his/her self in music and play at the same time, or as a collector, who is captivated by the eternal art, it is important to know about the baby grand piano.
With this comprehensive guide, we will get to know its intriguing history, design, tonal qualities, and a special lifestyle that comes with the acquisition of such a magnificent instrument, and we will see to value not only the notes that it makes but the whole process of inviting this masterpiece to your home.
History and Development of the Baby Grand Piano.
Baby grand piano originates with the creation of pianoforte in early 1700s by Bartolomeo Cristofori. This innovative tool provided the possibilities of dynamic control, soft and loud sounds, which were not offered to harpsichord and clavichord with the same expressiveness. With the growth of music halls and orchestras of the 18 th and the 19 th centuries, the piano manufacturers started to produce bigger grand pianos capable of filling the large concert hall with a grand spectacle. However, not all homes/salons would hold a massive concert grand.
The response to such a practical requirement saw the development of smaller grand piano versions by the late 19th century manufacturers of pianos which still had the horizontal arrangement of the strings and the good acoustic characteristics of their larger counterparts. This invention led to the baby grand which was normally between 4 feet 11 in and 5 feet 6 in length. It put the grand piano romance in the homes of music lovers who desired the sound as well as the physical appearance of the grand instrument but did not desire the huge footprint.
Design and Construction
The design of the baby grand piano is a credit to the ingenuity and the artistic efforts of human beings. The beautiful curvy rim is commonly made of many layers of hard rock maple or other hard dense woodwork, bend and laminated very well to attain at the same time both strength and beauty. There is a cast iron plate inside that had been designed to take at least 20 tons of string tension. Not only does this frame provide the enormous tension of the strings, but it is also helpful in showing the structural integrity of the piano over decades of use.
The instrument is centered around the soundboard, which is made of the high quality of Sitka spruce, which increases the vibration of the strings and gives the instrument a warm and resonant sound. Just as marvelous is the action of the piano, a mechanism consisting of thousands of moving parts of precision-cut wood, felt and metal. The movement transforms the force of each type key stroke to the delicate hammer strike on the strings that make them vibrate. The return of the hammers is assisted by gravity that enables a very reacting and sensitive touch.
The baby grand, though smaller than a concert grand, is tuned in such a way that each note is the correct length and tension of the strings so that when one plays it, the note will sound with extraordinary distinctness and richness. Each element, the felt that envelops the hammers, the lacquer decoration of the exterior, etc., creates the instrument, which is a masterpiece of visual art and at the same time a highly-tuned mechanism.
Sound Qualities and Performance.
The size of the baby grand piano is small, but the sound that it creates can be surprising even to professionals. Its horizontal strings can take longer strings than the ones present in an upright piano, and its voice is richer and more resonant. The bass tones are warm and authoritative and the treble is bright and singing. The large dynamic range takes care of the slightest pianissimos and the most dominant fortissimos. Pianists like the responsive playing that favors the expressive playing, which can be applicable across a large variety of musical styles, such as classical, jazz, pop, and contemporary musical pieces.
Small concert halls, recording studios and home recording studios all suit the warm but close tones of a baby grand. The baby grand does not produce an acoustic richness with which a room can be filled with natural resonance; unlike a digital piano or an upright, the baby grand gives one the feeling of presence and authenticity that cannot be fully reproduced by electronic reproductions.
How to select the Right Baby Grand Piano.
The choice of a baby grand piano is a huge and thrilling investment. Even outside of budget factors, you will be interested in brand reputation, build quality, and tonal character. The prestigious brands like Steinway and sons, Yamaha, Kawai and Baldwin are reputed to have outstanding craftsmanship and durability. Every brand has its distinctive sound: some of them are bright and clear, and others prefer a warmer and calmer one. One has to wield a number of instruments when shopping.
The two pianos of a similar make and model may even vary slightly in touch and voicing because of the natural variations of the wood and construction. Take into consideration the room in which the piano is to be placed, the acoustics and space can significantly play with sound projections. Should you buy a used instrument, then use the services of a professional piano technician. They will determine the state of soundboard, strings, action, and tuning stability, and also make sure that you are purchasing a piano that will give you years of musical pleasure.
Placement and Care
The location and maintenance of a baby grand piano are crucial in maintaining the sound and stability of the piano. Keep the piano out of direct view of the sun that will cause the finish to fade and ruin the sound board. It should not be kept in close proximity to heating vents or fireplaces, or outside doors, where the temperature and humidity may vary considerably. It is best to have a humid atmosphere of 40 to 50 percent of the moisture level, as wood would really react to the change in moisture.
Regular maintenance is also very vital. The regular adjustment of the piano once every three to six months maintains the perfect pitch of the piano and also ensures that the strings do not go out of pitch. With the passage of time, felt hammers can be voiced and action can be regulated to keep the touch consistent. These services can be accomplished by professional technicians and they can tell the problems before they become serious repair works, so the piano will always continue to be a valued center-piece over the decades.
Ownership Experience
Having a baby grand piano is a more of a lifestyle than of a music. The existence of such a great instrument makes a room a cultural and artistic center. To the family, it can be the centrepiece of the family gatherings, which provokes sing-songs, spontaneous performances, and silent nights of musical discovery. To serious musicians, it is an invaluable practice, composition and performance partner.
The feeling of pride and inspiration that many owners report whenever they sit down at their baby grand has been a factor of pride and inspiration, not just with the musical capabilities represented by their baby grand, but with the tradition of craftsmanship that it symbolizes. A baby grand is a good investment, as long as it is well taken care of, it can be worth many decades and be worth the money.
Baby Grand and Upright and Concert Grand.
In comparison, when making a decision, there are numerous prospective purchasers of the baby grands comparing them with the upright pianos and full-size concert grands. Uprights are cheaper and smaller, but the high-pitched strings are vertical which restricts the tonal range and dynamics. Baby grand, in its turn, provides horizontal design with better resonance and more responsive action, providing the baby grand experience of the real grand piano at a smaller size.
Concert grand pianos are longer than nine feet and offer the most brilliant projection and tonal elaboration, and it is our professional recording studio and concert halls where they are used. Nevertheless, their large scale and price makes them unaffordable to many musicians. The baby grand is the balance between quality and expressive sound and not too overwhelming of an average living environment.
The Cultural and Aesthetic Taste.
In addition to music qualities, the baby grand piano has remained a revered sign of classiness and artistry. Its beautiful outline, either in aged burnished ebony, in polished white, or in highly grained mahogany, raises the adornment of any room. Baby grands have always found their way in the salons of composers, in the living rooms of jazz stars and in the living rooms of the music lovers. The view of a baby grand is something to wonder and admire, it provokes discussions and sets the atmosphere of culture and creativity.
The baby grand, though not played by the non-players, is a living work of art that reminds us of the long history of man and music and workmanship. It is one of the most valued heirlooms in most homes as generations go by, generation after generation, with the accompanying memories of the numerous songs that have been played and shared.
Thoughts and Novelties and Newer.
The baby grand piano has not been left behind in the face of technology and has adopted innovation without losing its ancient appeal. Hybrid pianos have both the design of acoustic and digital instruments because they give the option of playing with headphones or recording their performance in digital formats. Others have self-play facilities that can re-create the play of leading pianists in the world making any home a concert hall.
The manufacturers are also considering the use of sustainable materials and environmentally friendly production techniques, which means that the baby grand will be kept up to date with the new values. The new innovations have ensured that musicians of all abilities can easily enjoy the magic of a grand piano and adjust to the new lifestyles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How large is a grand piano that is normally used as a baby?
A baby grand has a length that is usually within the range of 4 feet 11 inches to 5 feet 6 inches to provide the horizontal factor required in grand piano sound and to enter smaller spaces.
Q2: What is the cost of a baby grand piano?
The cost is different according to brand, craftsmanship and condition. Respected makers will generally begin at about $7,00012,000 in new models, and may go well beyond $30,000 in the case of a fine instrument or a custom creation. Well-maintained pre-owned pianos do not necessarily require excessive value.
Q3: What are the frequency of tuning a baby grand?
The majority of professionals suggest the tuning of at least two times a year. Where there are steep variations in the seasons, there might be a need to make more frequent adjustments of the piano in order to maintain it in perfect pitch.
Q4: Is a baby grand appropriate to beginners?
Yes. Although bigger investment is required compared to an upright, a baby grand has better action and tone that can motivate students and bring them up to proper technique.
Q5: Is the baby grand installable in a small apartment?
A baby grand can fit into many apartments provided there is sufficient floor space with structural support. It is strongly advised to measure and consult professional movers of the piano.
Conclusion
The baby grand piano is a reflection of the union of style, musical perfection and functionality. Since its inception as a smaller substitute to the concert grand to the present-day embodiment of a music maker and interior decoration, it still enjoys a strong appeal among both pianists and amateurs. Owning a baby grand is a responsibility and a delight: it requires its owner to take care of it, pay attention to it and ensure its proper maintenance, but it will pay off by making its owner, feel inspired to hear its sound and exalt at its beauty.
The baby grand piano is more than an object, it becomes a part of the identity of the house as it produces the memory of family gathersings, spontaneous recitals, and silent moments of self-expression. Its beautiful voice makes one discover and its beautiful appearance uplifts the mood of any room it occupies. Be it in being a professional performer who wants professional quality, a student who wants to study on an instrument that helps develop his abilities, or a music lover who wants to enjoy the visual and audio masterpiece, the baby grand can give him or her a lifelong artistic satisfaction and sophistication.
With the further development of music and technologies, the baby grand piano will be regarded as the embodiment of the power of the imagination and the living example of the eternal power of human mastery that will be appreciated by the future generations as much as it is appreciated by the contemporary ones playing it.