What would you do if you suddenly have 2.5 million dollars?
Planning rounds of trips to your favourite destinations over the globe? Early retirement, perhaps?
What if we tell you that that's the exact cost of the most expensive grand piano in the world?
We're not kidding. That's the price of the Steinway & Sons Pictures At An Exhibition. Oh, even the name of this grand piano is full of glam and luxe.
However, be rest assured that there are still many simpler grand pianos that are sold at a lower budget in the market. You can certainly find a good grand piano at a good price on the right platforms.
In this article, we'll be looking at the characteristics of a grand piano and reviewing the overview price of grand pianos that you can find in Malaysia.
Grand Piano vs Digital Piano, What's The Difference?
Before that, let's put things into perspective.
It's undeniable that the piano making industry has evolved throughout the years.
It's also no secret that many would prefer to just have a digital piano that is smaller and more portable where they can bring it with them whenever and wherever they want. After all, modern-day convenience often calls for simplicity and flexibility.
But if there's one core thing that we want to highlight throughout this article, it's this fact.
The grand piano is here to stay.
Let's break down the differences between these piano types into three simple points.
a) Sound Production
The grand piano is widely used by many piano enthusiasts because of its outstanding sound quality.
Its longer length enables the strings and the specially made soundboard inside the piano to work in great harmony to create a richer, smooth, louder and resounding sound range when the pianist hit the notes. You'll be guaranteed a crystal clear acoustic piano sound while you're playing.
In the case of digital piano, the sound production is made possible with previously sampled notes and its volume control is subject to your preference. Also, you can plug in a headphone if you prefer to play in private, or connect the digital piano to an amplified PA system if you are doing an outdoor performance.
b) Performing Purpose
This second point is tied to the first one. You have to be realistic about your performance expectations when it comes to these two piano types.
If you are planning to be a classical pianist one day, you should certainly set your mind to getting a simple grand piano. Just take a look at any classical piano recitals and concert tours, and you will always find a grand piano on the stage. Having a grand piano at your place will enable you to be more familiar with the structure of the grand piano and practice better to move your fingers to produce the exact melody that you want.
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Likewise, if you are a freelance pianist who prefers to explore different music genres for different audiences, then it's best to invest in a digital piano.
c) Cost and Maintenance
This is also an important element when you decide to buy a piano. Grand pianos require greater care because they are delicately handmade, from the instalment of strings, hammers, and soundboards up to the colour coating.
That's why it can cost you a fortune. On average, a used grand piano in Malaysia can cost up to RM18,000 up to RM26,000 depending on its brand and features. A brand new one would certainly cost more than this range.
But, that's not the end of the story. You will need to ask an expert to manually tune it to make sure the sounds are intact and even check if any repair work is needed from time to time.
On the other hand, digital pianos are way more affordable than grand pianos in the short term and long term too. They also do not require manual tuning and are easier to be taken care of.
Don't miss this article if you're interested to know more about the price of digital pianos in Malaysia.
What Is The Average Price of Grand Pianos in Malaysia?
The price list of grand pianos in Malaysia can differ greatly when it comes to brands and also the condition of the piano.
You can refer to the table below to have an idea of the expected price of grand pianos in the local market. However, do bear in mind that this list acts only as a reference. Perhaps, you can start allocating a budget within this range to buy a grand piano.
| Piano Model | Price Range | State of Piano |
|---|---|---|
| Yamaha G3 Grand Piano | RM18,800 | Used |
| Kawai No 600 Grand Piano | RM19,000 | Used |
| Yamaha GB1 Grand Piano | RM26,000 | Used |
| Ritmuller RS150 Grand PIano | RM45,000 | Brand New |
| Ritmuller RS160 | RM49,000 | Brand New |
| Schonbrunn XG152 Grand Piano | RM52,300 | Brand New |
Fret not, you can also choose to buy an affordable and good quality secondhand piano here too.
What Should You Consider Before Buying A Grand Piano?
As you proceed to the next step before you finalise your decision to get a grand piano, here are 3 important things to consider.
a) Sufficient Space Allocation (Size Of Piano And Room)
Here's a tip: You don't have to go for the largest grand piano to have a grand playing experience.
If your practice room is not too spacious, perhaps you can purchase a baby grand piano instead of a concert grand piano.
The grand piano types are as follows [according to size from smallest to biggest]:
- Petite grand
- Baby grand
- Medium grand
- Parlour grand
- Ballroom grand
- Concert grand
b) Monetary & Time Investment (Playing Commitment)
We have mentioned earlier that a grand piano can be quite pricey. So it's best to take some time to review and compare various piano brands and even consider buying secondhand grand pianos to save some money. This is especially relevant if you are still a piano student or if you have just begun your career as a pianist.
That said, you also need to answer honestly if you are really going to spend ample time playing the grand piano after the purchase. Don't buy it because it's cool. Buy it because you really will play it.
Let's say you are planning to take weekly lessons from a piano home tutor. Then it is certainly worth your investment because you are not the only one who is going to use it.
Photo by Lorenzo Spoleti on Unsplash
At Superprof, you can easily find a piano tutor that is experienced, passionate and well versed with various playing methods and piano examination syllabus from different parts of Malaysia.
Your Superprof piano tutor can then demonstrate how to play a piece on your grand piano and give you immediate feedback when it's your turn to practice.
You can head to the Superprof Malaysia homepage to kickstart your piano tutoring journey in these few steps.
- Start by indicating the subject that you want to learn "Piano" and select the location where you are in the search box.
- From there, you will be directed to a list of home tutors and online tutors that offer piano lessons near you.
- You can then filter your results according to your learning level and maximum budget.
- Go through the tutors' profiles and read through their basic information.
- Contact your desired piano tutor and book your first lesson via a Student Pass.
c) Grand Sound Quality (Test It !)
Last but not the least, you certainly have to exercise your right as a buyer to test whether you are satisfied with the sound of the grand piano.
Feel free to do a practice test on various grand pianos of different brands. You can also ask someone else for a second opinion on the quality of the sound and the tone before you seal the deal. Certain grand pianos may produce a richer sound while another grand piano may produce a lighter tone.
There's no right or wrong, it's entirely up to your listening pleasure.
For example, you can check out various types of grand pianos from Yamaha and compare their prices before deciding.
Where Can You Purchase A Good Grand Piano in Malaysia?
Research and review of piano brands? Checked.
The budget allocation to buy a grand piano? Checked.
Space availability to place your grand piano? Checked.
You're one step closer to getting your desired grand piano. Now it's time to do leg work or keyboard work to make this thought a reality.
Here are 3 places to go to finalise your grand piano purchase in Malaysia.
Physical Music Instrument Stores
Don't be surprised that there is a physical music instrument store in your neighbourhood. Given that many people start music lessons at a young age, there is a constant supply and demand when it comes to pianos and other instruments.
Some of these stores do offer affordable prices for grand pianos of celebrated brands like Yamaha, Kawai and others.
Photo by le anh Khoa on Unsplash
Official Piano Manufacturers' Local Branches
If you prefer a straightforward approach to buying a grand piano with a guided professional explanation, you can visit the direct local branch of piano manufacturers. For instance, the Kawai Malaysia branch is located in Petaling Jaya.
Online Stores/Platforms
In for the best deal and prefer to contact a buyer online for secondhand grand pianos?
Join a Facebook group that posts about secondhand music instruments or head directly to piano selling websites and place your order. Some online platforms even offer free shipping and free gifts when you buy from them, so it's pretty convenient too.
That's it. You're on your way to grand music. Also, get a glimpse of the overall price range of different pianos types in Malaysia here. Have a fruitful shopping experience!
I believe in using the entire piano as a single instrument capable of expressing every possible musical idea. –Oscar Peterson
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