Yamaha GC2 vs Baldwin BP165: Longer Piano or Bigger Soundboard?

Yamaha GC2 vs Baldwin BP165

Longer Piano or Bigger Soundboard?

The Yamaha GC2 is a popular 5’8″ baby grand piano. Many shoppers compare it with other grands because it offers more size than the Yamaha GC1 while still fitting in many homes, studios, churches, and schools.

But the Baldwin BP165 deserves a serious look.

At first glance, the Yamaha GC2 appears to have the advantage because it is longer. The GC2 is 5’8″, while the Baldwin BP165 is 5’5″.

But grand piano comparison is not only about length.

The Baldwin BP165 has a larger published soundboard area than the Yamaha GC2.

Soundboard Area Comparison

The Yamaha GC2 has a 1,853.9 sq. in. soundboard.

The Baldwin BP165 has a 1,900 sq. in. soundboard.

That surprises many Yamaha shoppers.

Even though the Yamaha GC2 is three inches longer, the Baldwin BP165 has the larger soundboard area. Since the soundboard plays such a major role in tone, sustain, and projection, this is a very important comparison point.

Bass String Length Comparison

The Yamaha GC2 has a 49.8″ #1 bass string.

The Baldwin BP165 has a 48″ #1 bass string.

The Yamaha GC2 has the longer #1 bass string, which can help the bass section. But the Baldwin BP165 is very close, and it combines that strong bass string length with a larger soundboard area and a hard maple rim.

That combination is one reason the Baldwin BP165 can produce a bigger, warmer tone than many customers expect from a 5’5″ piano.

Rim Construction Comparison

The Yamaha GC2 is part of the GC Series, not the CX Series.

Yamaha’s GC Series uses a thinner, simplified rim construction compared with the thicker, heavier rim design used in the CX Series. Yamaha does not clearly state the GC rim woods in its public specifications.

The Baldwin BP165 uses a hard maple rim, which is an important structural and tonal feature.

A more rigid rim helps support projection and sustain by reflecting more sound energy back through the soundboard.

Tone Comparison

The Yamaha GC2 has the familiar Yamaha tonal character: clean, clear, controlled, and bright.

The Baldwin BP165 has a different personality. It is warmer, fuller, and more American in character. It is designed for players who want color, body, and a singing tone.

This is not just a brand comparison. It is a musical comparison.

Some players will prefer the Yamaha sound.

Many players will prefer the Baldwin sound once they sit down and play both.

Warranty and Value

The Baldwin BP165 includes a 10-year parts and labor warranty.

It also includes premium features such as:

Abel hammers from Germany
Roslau strings
Hard maple rim
Solid Alaskan Sitka spruce soundboard
Sand-cast plate with duplex scale
17-ply laminated hard maple pinblock

The Yamaha GC2 has the Yamaha name and a larger cabinet. The Baldwin BP165 offers a very serious construction package and a larger soundboard area.

That is why the BP165 should be on every Yamaha GC2 shopper’s list.