14 December 2022 How Much Does a Piano Weigh?

How Much Does a Piano Weigh?

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You only have to look at a piano to understand its weight. It combines thick hardwood, heavy cast iron plates, and more than 10,000 components to create a one-of-a-kind instrument. 

If you compare it to all other instruments, no other comes close to its sheer size and volume. You might be able to pack away a trumpet or saxophone and carry it with you, but you’ll never be able to walk away with an acoustic piano. 

Of course, how much a piano weighs depends on its size and shape.   

Vertical pianos

  • Uprights – 480-600 pounds
  • Studio – 400-500 pounds
  • Console – 350-450 pounds
  • Spinet – 200-300 pounds

Grand pianos

  • Baby – 500-1,100 pounds
  • Petite – 400-500 pounds
  • Medium – 500-600 pounds
  • Parlor – 600-700 pounds
  • Ballroom – 900-1,000 pounds
  • Concert – 700-1,200 pounds

Digital pianos

  • Digital keyboards – 25-60 pounds
  • Standalones – 100-300 pounds
  • Digital grand – 150-350 pounds

It’s important to understand that digital pianos play differently from uprights and grands. They don’t utilize strings and soundboards; instead, they use recording sensors to create a similar sound. 

No matter what piano you’re considering, it’s important to use appropriate equipment when moving it. That includes proper piano straps, padding, and other tools to move it safely and securely. It’s not just the weight that makes moving difficult; it’s also the weight distribution. While most of the weight is consolidated into the soundboard and inner workings of the piano, you also have delicate features such as the legs. One wrong move can crack or break off the legs, and cause extensive damage to the piano. 

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10 December 2022 What’s The Difference Between Piano Tuning and Piano Repair?

What’s The Difference Between Piano Tuning and Piano Repair?

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We get a lot of questions from people looking to invest in a new piano. One of the most common is: What’s the difference between piano tuning and repair? 

Just the other day, we spoke with a woman in the market for a new piano. Through a friend of a friend, she’d found someone willing to sell her their old piano. They assured her it was in good condition, though it might need tuning. Should she consider it? 

It depends. 

There are a lot of pieces to this statement, and we carefully walked her through each item she should consider. 

What condition is this piano in?

If the owner is already stating the piano needs tuning, they’re admitting it hasn’t been tuned in a while. How long has it been since it was properly maintained? Months? Years? For a piano to remain in good working condition, it needs annual tuning to maintain its voice. The longer it goes without, the greater the chance it won’t be tunable. If that happens, it will be extensive repair work to bring it back to playable condition. 

How has the piano been stored? 

Where was it stored if it hasn’t been played in a while? Did it reside inside the home? Was it moved to the basement or the garage? Pianos are sensitive instruments that can’t handle fluctuations in temperature or humidity. 

How old is the piano?

Did this friend purchase a new piano just a few years ago? Is it a hand-me-down that’s several decades old? The older a piano is, the more age plays a part in how repairable it will be. You should also consider previous owners, and how well it was cared for along its journey. 

Is it worth repairing?

We often hear people say: “I got it for a great price.” Only after the fee is paid and it’s inside their homes do they realize how much money it will take to repair the piano back to working condition. That good deal is no longer a good deal. 

How to protect yourself

If you aren’t sure what to look for in a piano, we suggest you bring a qualified piano technician with you before you finalize your decision. They can help you determine the current condition of the piano and what it will take to get it into good working condition. 

It’s the best way to help you bring a high quality piano into your home. One you’ll love to play for years to come. 

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7 December 2022 Do Restored Pianos Hold Their Value?

Do Restored Pianos Hold Their Value?

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When you walk through your home, what are your most valuable pieces? A table that sat in your grandmother’s house? A piano handed down for several generations? 

With certain pianos, restoring them to the grandeur, they once had in time makes sense. Compared to a new one, it can make more sense to restore a piano rather than invest in a new one. You’ll see the value as soon as it’s restored. 

But how do you know? 

During the height of the piano industry, certain piano makers held world-renown status for their craftsmanship and artistry. Countless hours went into production, and for specific brands and manufacturers, the value continues to hold through to today. 

Luxury was attained by using the very best resources possible. Rosewood, mahogany, walnut – some materials that were plentiful have disappeared from production. What made them unique and individual no longer applies to materials today. 

Of course, it’s not just the way a piano looks. The materials used to create the piano’s voice have changed over time too. 

Restoration not only creates a piano that lives up to its past glory, but also ensures it sounds the same. Restorers try to maintain original equipment whenever possible. The inside consists of the:

  • Belly – soundboard, pinblock, strings, plate, etc
  • Action – hammers, shanks, flanges, keys, etc

A complete restoration can take thousands of hours to bring it back as close to its original condition. Time and care are put to work to ensure it meets the quality it once had as a new piano. 

And once it’s fully restored, you’ll have a piano that once again will stand the test of time. It’s an investment for better playing today, and one that will hold its value well into the future. 

Have additional questions about piano restoration? We’re here to help. We’ve helped people for decades purchase, repair, and restore pianos. If you have a question about buying, selling, or restoring a piano, we have the answers. Give us a call today. 

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4 December 2022 Why Can I Find Upright Pianos So Cheap?

Why Can I Find Upright Pianos So Cheap?

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It’s a classic tale. You’ve decided to enroll your child in piano lessons. You want to give them the gift of music, and you’ve read in parenting magazines that it helps with memory skills and builds a higher IQ. 

You look online and find cheap upright pianos everywhere. There’s one not too far away from you. 

Should you say: Yes?

When you find these “good deals,” a part of you questions why. How can anyone offer a cheap piano? What’s wrong with it? Glad you asked. 

Moving fees 

Let’s start with the most basic item first. If you find a cheap upright piano, you’ll have to move it into your home. If it’s a long distance, that means there will be shipping costs. If it’s closer by, you might be tempted to do it yourself. 

Pianos weigh hundreds of pounds, depending on the size you get. They’re big and bulky, top-heavy in some areas while delicate in others. Dropping it will cause extensive damage at best. Or worse, you might find yourself with an injury. 

The person selling it for cheap is just trying to get rid of it. Are you factoring in the cost of moving it?

Repair and restoration

When people advertise a “cheap upright piano,” it’s usually for one reason: they just want it out of their homes. It’s sat there in the corner accumulating dust for years. Maybe it was moved to the basement or a garage to get it “out of the way.” Now, they want it gone. 

While it sat there, it was also neglected. Zero maintenance. Zero tuning and repair. 

Tuning is required to keep a piano playable, with a voice you fall in love with, that sounds good to you and others. Imagine playing a song where several of the notes fall flat. Makes you shiver without even hearing the note. 

If a piano falls way out of tune, it may no longer be tunable. That requires extensive repair work to ensure it’s playable once again. That can involve changes to the:

  • Pinblock
  • Strings
  • Soundboard
  • Action
  • Keyboard

The more extensive the damage, the more the repair bill adds up. 

And that makes your “cheap upright piano” purchase not such a good deal. 

There is a better way. 

Select a new or used piano that is ready to play to give yourself every advantage of learning how to play. It’ll be moved to your home, set up, and tuned. You’ll have the best chance of success from the moment you say “yes.”

Isn’t that better?

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28 November 2022 How To Buy a Piano For Christmas

How To Buy a Piano For Christmas

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Want to surprise your family with a new piano for Christmas? It’s a popular time of the year for families to bring the gift of music into their homes. 

Buy for your needs

Before you start to shop for a new piano, consider your needs carefully. You’ll find many big box stores place a piano at the end of an aisle, hoping for a few shoppers to bring one home. 

You get what you get when you shop from a selection of one. There’s no looking at options, or considering what’s best for your family. If you’ve never played before, you’re relying on what’s sold to the masses, and that may not best suit your needs. 

When buying a piano, it’s better to weigh your options carefully, consider your options, and make the best selection.

Buy for the future

A toy piano is just that – a toy. You can’t learn the piano if you practice on a toy. It won’t have the same sound. It won’t have the right touch. 

What are your goals? Do you want your kids to take lessons? Do you want to learn to play? Will you be playing for years?

Consider what piano will suit your needs now and into the future. While starter pianos are ever-popular, even just a few minutes of consideration can help you make the wisest choices. 

Buy for the surprise

While it may seem impossible to “sneak” a piano home and wrap it up, there are creative approaches for your surprise. 

Wrap the box. Pianos are shipped in a box for protection. Ask at the time of your purchase, and you might be able to bring a box home. 

Create a video recording. Sit down and record yourself playing your new piano. Walk around it and provide a tour. Then share your video message with everyone as you open your presents on Christmas morning. 

Buy sheet music. If your kids have hinted at wanting to play like their favorite musician, find sheet music that gives them a chance to play their favorite music. 

Will you be buying a new piano for Christmas this year? 

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24 November 2022 Choosing The Best Piano For Your House

Choosing The Best Piano For Your House

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If you’re shopping for a piano, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and confused by the features. With so many things to consider, it takes time to ensure you make the best purchase to suit your needs. 

But there’s something else to consider – choosing the best piano for your house. Not all houses are meant to put a grand piano on display. In some cases, you simply don’t have the room. 

Small spaces

If you live in a home with compact spaces and low ceilings, a smaller upright may be the perfect solution. It can be nestled back into a corner, or snuggled up to a wall. Their music will carry beautifully as it sends warmth throughout the room. 

While it’s easy to get lost in the type of piano you desire, work with a sales associate to find the right piano to suit your home. Measure your walls and ceiling height. How much room do you have available? They can help you find a quality upright that suits your needs. 

Large spaces

The larger your space, the more options you’ll have. You can select the piano that best suits your needs, and sounds good to your ears. 

Once again, speak with a sales associate about your room size. Measure the ceiling height, and take note of the furnishings. Some pianos will produce a bright sound with high ceilings and lots of windows. Others may get lost in the furnishings, especially with heavy drapery and thick, plush carpets. Sound depends on the aesthetics of a room, and a seasoned piano player can help you select the perfect piano for your room layout. 

Shared spaces

Do you have a room where everyone gathers? A family room where there is constant action? 

It may make sense to place a piano in a shared space. After all, you enjoy being together as a family, and a piano could entice sing-alongs. 

Yet in this case, it may also be challenging to get in daily practice. Choosing the best piano may mean moving digital. This will allow a piano player to plug in headphones and play no matter who else is around. 

Personal spaces

Yes, you can bring a piano into any room. If you have a budding music writer, maybe a good choice includes a piano that’s portable. You can set it up, pack it away, even carry it to a club or music hall. 

What’s the right piano for you?

There are dozens of piano manufacturers. There are many different piano choices to allow you to select the right one for you. 

If you’re in the market for a new piano, it’s not just the piano itself to consider. Pay attention to where you’ll place the piano inside your home to ensure maximum playability. 

Have further questions? Just ask. 

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21 November 2022 Pianos Are Not a One Size Fits All Instrument

Pianos Are Not a One Size Fits All Instrument

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If you’re thinking of buying a piano for yourself, chances are you’ve learned a lot about it online. You’ll find a ton of information to help you consider what piano to buy, and how to keep up with your practice. 

Yet one thing you might have yet to think much about yet are the differences in pianos. If you visit a big box store, you might only have one to choose from. Yet a piano is not a one-size-fits-all instrument. 

Instead, it takes careful planning and consideration to select the right piano to suit your needs. Things you should consider are:

Size

Need something portable? Maybe a digital piano is what you need. Want something grand to be the center of attention? A grand piano may better suit your needs. Pianos come in a variety of sizes to give you what you need most. Yet in all categories, you’ll find all levels of quality. 

Start by assessing your needs. Where will you play your piano regularly? 

Then pay attention to quality – quality over size. A high-quality vertical will sound better than a lower-quality grand piano every time. It’s not about size, it’s about what suits your lifestyle best.  

Location

Pianos are designed for aesthetics. One that works well in a closed practice room won’t sound the same as one intended for a concert hall. 

The same applies to your home. Take a look around your room. Are there vaulted ceilings? A wall of glass windows? Hardwood or carpet? Lots of artwork on the walls? All of that impacts the way the sound vibrates throughout the room. If you’re investing in a piano to create music you love, it’s important to select one that sounds good to your ear. 

Voice

Pianos are created using different materials. No two pianos are ever the same. 

Over time, a technician will tune your piano, adjusting the way your piano sounds. It depends on the materials used during production, and the way they adjust inside your home. 

Before you buy a piano, sit down and play it. Feel the keys beneath your fingers, and hear the sound of the notes. Working with just a handful of pianos will give you a better idea of how different they sound. You’ll notice you gravitate towards one or another. Go with your instinct. 

It’s the best way to find a piano you truly love, one you’ll continue to play as you grow in talent. 

And that’s what truly matters the most. 

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18 November 2022 Buying a Used Piano From a Private Party is a Risk

Buying a Used Piano From a Private Party is a Risk

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In the market for a piano? Why not consider buying a used piano? With so many on the market, it may be your best investment. 

Yet if you decide that a used piano is the way to go, consider who you will buy from and the quality you’ll receive. 

Buying used is now widely accepted throughout many industries. Find it on eBay. Or scroll through Craigslist. You’ll be surprised at the “deals” you can find. 

But what works for a desk or a chair might work differently for a piano. Here’s why. 

Maintenance and care

Have you ever purchased a used car that looked beautiful outside, yet driving it only a few miles alerted you to extensive problems? If you’ve ever driven a lemon, you know how much money you put into your investment. 

Pianos are similar by nature. While you can look at the outside of the piano and see its beauty, it won’t alert you to potential problems lurking inside. Pianos are made from organic materials. That means it matters how they were cared for, and how they were stored. 

Temperature and relative humidity matter for a piano. If it sat in a cold basement or garage for years, where it often came close to freezing, it can warp and damage the wood. Too much moisture could cause rust and corrosion of the piano strings. And sunlight streaming across the wood can dry it out, crack it, and impact the sound. 

Extensive damage

That “free” piano might not be “free” for very long. Extensive damage, even if it isn’t visible when you first look at it, can wind up causing your thousands of dollars. 

Imagine a glass of water tipping underneath the lid. The water drips and streams across thousands of parts. Over time, it dries out wood, jams pins, and causes problems with the strings. 

Or what happens if someone drops the piano while moving it? They might have moved it from one room to the next, with every intention of getting rid of it – that’s why they put it on Craigslist. But moving a piano is expensive, so they asked a friend. And it bump-bump-bumped as they drug it down the stairs. You can’t see the damage, but it’s just starting to appear. 

How a dealer can help

Dealers sell used pianos too. Their goal is to get their clients into the very best piano to suit their needs. And sometimes, that means used. 

A reputable dealer takes care of every used piano that comes through their door. They fully inspect it to ensure every piece is in good working order.

And that means you’ll have peace of mind when you bring it home, knowing it’s a high quality instrument that will give you years of pleasure. 

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14 November 2022 The Benefits of Learning To Play a Piano With Headphones

The Benefits of Learning To Play a Piano With Headphones

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Learning to play the piano is on many people’s bucket lists. Parents often gift their kids the gift of music after enjoying growing up in a musical family themselves. 

Yet with today’s technology, you can bring an entirely new experience to learning. Instead of sticking with a traditional acoustic piano, you remember from your youth, why not upgrade the experience? 

Learning to play a piano with headphones brings all sorts of benefits to your learning. If you’re looking at pianos for the very first time, here’s why you should consider one with headphone capabilities. 

You can play at any time, anywhere

Many homeowners place a piano in a location where it can be easily played. If it’s in a family room where there’s always action, it can make a practice schedule more difficult. Not so if you can use headphones. Headphones silence the output, yet create a way for you to play at any time without disturbing those around you. Want to get up early before everyone else rises to get your practice time in? You can with headphones. 

You’ll be more focused on your playing

Playing in a busy spot in your home makes it easy to be distracted. The phone rings. A timer goes off. Somebody asks a question. But when you slip into a pair of headphones, suddenly, the outside noises disappear. You hear the music you’re making, and block all other sounds out. This gives you a chance to focus on what’s most important now. 

You’ll hear your music clearer

When you’re learning new songs, it can be challenging to hear the melody and harmony coming together, paying attention to pitch and sounds. With headphones in place, you can suddenly listen to each note as they come together and create tonal quality you can hear. 

You can share with another

Some digital pianos have two headphone jacks. This gives you a chance to share the experience with another. This works well for sharing music with a teacher, so that they can hear the same quality as you. Want to practice with another? Headphones give the same experiences you’ll receive by wearing headphones … times two. 

Enjoy the experience 

Surround sound can make all the difference. You may experience that when you add headphones before you sit down to work at the computer. Playing the piano gives the same experience, allowing you to pull into what’s important, and give you greater aural experience. 

Have you played the piano with headphones before?

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10 November 2022 Myths That Often Hold New Piano Players Back

Myths That Often Hold New Piano Players Back

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When new piano players first start, they approach piano with enthusiasm and excitement. They’re ready to learn, and can’t wait to play their favorite songs. 

Many find playing the piano more challenging than they’d imagined. That’s when it’s easy to say goodbye. 

Before you stop practicing and let go of your dreams of playing the piano, find a way to move past the challenging myths plaguing so many new piano players. 

Myth #1 – Reading music is a must

There are many ways to learn to play the piano. You don’t have to invest in workbooks, learn to read music, and focus on theory. While some teachers may think it’s mandatory to increase your skills, there are just as many teachers who provide other training methods. 

If you’re discouraged by a teacher, look around for other training methods. There are many who will teach by listening, and help you understand playing by ear. 

Myth #2 – Start by learning simple songs

How long have you been playing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Mary Had a Little Lamb? They’re easy to pick out and play on the piano; that’s where many new piano players start. 

But if you dream of playing your favorite country or rock songs, move towards that sooner rather than later. Music is a series of chords – you may have learned that if you play the guitar. Piano works the same way, with 24 chords to create music. Yet very few songs cover all 24 chords – learn just a few, and you’re set to go. Hear the way they come together, and you’ll quickly hear it in your favorite songs. It makes playing any music that much easier. Just pick up the chords within the piece. 

Myth #3 – Practice is all hard work 

The sole reason you started piano in the first place was to have fun. Yes, learning anything involves practice and commitment. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun while doing it. That’s why you wanted to play the piano in the beginning. 

Practice doesn’t make perfect. Perfect practice does. And to accomplish that means repeating specific patterns – practice scales, work on something new, then enjoy what you do. Should you give yourself a challenge? Of course! That’s how you grow. But you should have fun in the process; that’s what keeps you motivated. 

If you’re having trouble staying on track, and are thinking of quitting, do something else instead. Hire a new teacher. Find a new approach. There are many ways to fall in love again, and get really good at playing the piano. 

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