21 August 2022 How Often Should We Be Tuning Our Church Piano?

How Often Should We Be Tuning Our Church Piano?

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A general rule of thumb is that a piano should be tuned twice a year. Yet that isn’t always true. 

When your piano is in constant motion, when you play your church piano day in and day out, it may need to be tuned more frequently. 

Playing isn’t the only thing that impacts playability. Where is your piano located? Is it in the line of drafts from windows and doors? Are there temperature fluctuations? Do the humidity levels change frequently?

How often should you be tuning your church piano?

Pianos may appear to be large, bulky pieces of furniture that can withstand much abuse. Yet inside a piano is 10,000 tiny intricate pieces that need care to keep them working well. To keep those 10,000 parts working well, schedule maintenance like you do with other assets you care for. Seasonally works well – once when you turn off the heat, and again when you turn off the air conditioning. Both of these modern conveniences can have a profound impact on the condition of your piano. Tuning them at these intervals will ensure it’s in good working condition. 

Tuning … or service?

If you hire a well-educated piano technician, they will have lots of experience in caring for a piano. From fine tuning to voicing, to repair work and restoration, they will be able to pick up on tiny nuances that can impact the quality of your piano. Pianos are expensive, isn’t it better to care for them over time than to replace them before their time? 

Why do pianos need to be tuned regularly?

Every time you touch a key, the string moves, hammers jump, notes are created, and a sound is produced. This action is repeated every time you sit down and play a song. That’s a lot of stress that goes into the makeup of the piano. Regular tuning ensures each of these systems are well maintained and cared for. 

What if you don’t tune the piano?

It happens more often than not. In time, strings go out of tune due to stress. If you don’t put these strings back in proper position, they can cause damage to other parts of the piano. If left uncorrected, the pitch may diminish to a point where it can no longer hold a tuning. That can require extensive repair or restoration. 

What if a piano is never tuned?

We see this occasionally. At this point, it depends on the quality of the piano. Does it make sense to spend the time necessary to restore the quality to what it was before? Does it make sense to restore the piano to working condition? Or is replacement a better option?

The best way to keep your church piano in quality working condition is to provide the correct care throughout its life. That includes regular tuning, action regulation, and tone adjustments. 

When was the last time your church piano was tuned?

Filed Under: Owning a Piano Tagged With:
18 August 2022 Are Pianos Eco-Friendly?

Are Pianos Eco-Friendly?

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“It might sound strange, but lately, I’ve been trying to bring more sustainable, eco-friendly items into my house. I’ve been looking at pianos, and started wondering how they’re made. Are pianos eco-friendly?”

Great question. 

When people purchase a piano, they bring all sorts of questions with them. And occasionally, we are asked about sustainability too. 

Overall, pianos are created from more than 10,000 pieces. Some of its wood. Some of its metal. But it all comes together to create an instrument you can enjoy for life. 

New or used?

Before diving into the way pianos are made, it’s essential to talk about lifespan too. When you purchase a high-quality piano, you can reasonably expect it to last for a generation or more. When well cared for, a piano can be enjoyed for decades. 

If you look back at some of the top piano brands in history, you’ll find many of them still make good investments today. Because dealers understand quality, they often purchase used pianos back from clients, ensure they’re in good working condition, and then resell them to families looking for a good investment. 

New or used, if you pay attention to quality, you can expect decades’ worth of use. This isn’t something you’ll use and throw away anytime soon. 

Ivory piano keys

A lot has changed in the past century. 

When pianos were first invented, they were made from a variety of materials. Ivory became popular for both looks and playability. Musicians enjoyed the feel of ivory underneath their fingertips, and it created a valuable item that people enjoyed showing off inside of their homes. 

During the Great Depression, manufacturers began using plastic in place of ivory as a way to save money. They also found plastic was easier to work with, especially in manufacturing lines. 

By 1989, the use of ivory was officially banned from use. You can no longer purchase ivory. If you own or buy a piano built before 1959, there is a strong possibility it is made with ivory. How you feel about owning something made with this product is up to you. 

Eco-friendly

Many of today’s manufacturers work hard to create products that won’t harm the environment. Some brands create manufacturing processes designed to be sustainable and ethical. They pay attention to energy reduction and how they source their materials. 

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) ensures wood is sourced and harvested sustainably. You can check if the brand you’re purchasing follows their guidelines for the wood used in manufacturing. 

It’s your choice

If you truly wish to be more eco-friendly with every purchase, stop by and chat about what instrument may be the best choice for you. We can help you identify top brands for consideration, and provide details to help you make the right decision. 

What questions can we answer for you? 

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14 August 2022 Piano Shopping Tips For an Institution

Piano Shopping Tips For an Institution

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Whether you’re a church needing several concert pianos, or a music school that needs workhorse pianos ready for daily playability, we have some tips for you. 

Buying one piano can be difficult. Buying multiple pianos can be daunting. What should you look for? What’s most important? Luckily, we have a few tips for you. 

Start with a plan

The first step is creating a plan. Where will each piano reside? How will they be played? Will you do better with an acoustic or a digital?

Digital may be a lower entry point, but they aren’t always the best choice. If portability is an issue, they can offer flexibility. But for overall playability, you’ll probably do better with acoustic. 

An upright is designed to save space, and will be a great addition to a smaller room. If you are using it for concerts, a grand piano may be better to suit your needs. Size may be a consideration, but you’ll find concert pianos from 5’1” up to 9’ and bigger. 

Create a budget

At this point of the buying process, it’s equally important to set up a clear and concise budget. Pianos come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and you might be willing to go with a lower model in some areas in order to place a higher quality instrument where sound will be more important. Used pianos may be an option to help you stick with your budget while getting the highest quality piano as possible. 

Consider maintenance

Before finalizing your purchase, you should also consider maintenance. Pianos need regular tuning, but depending on age, they may need more:

  • Voicing
  • Pitch regulation
  •  Key replacement
  • Cleaning
  • Lubrication

A piano dealer can give you a clearer picture of what to expect, and may help you find the right technician for the job. That way you’ll feel better about ensuring your piano investment will be a wise decision for many years to come. 

Testing

Who will be playing the instruments? It might be a good idea to bring them along to help finalize the decision. Have them sit down and play them. Is this something they feel will suit your institution’s needs? 

Pay attention to: 

  • How the piano looks – will it bring ambiance to the room it’s placed in?
  • How it sounds – will the voice work in the room?
  • How it feels – do the keys have a smooth surface and grip well?
  • How it compares to others – are you making the best choice?

Investing in a piano isn’t something you’ll do regularly. It’s important to spend a little extra time getting what will suit your needs best.

How can we help you find the right piano for your institution?

Filed Under: Buying a Piano
10 August 2022 5 Things To Know Before You Start Playing The Piano

5 Things To Know Before You Start Playing The Piano

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Why do you want to start playing the piano? To make music, of course. While everyone starts with a slightly different idea in mind, few would assume they could master it in a short time. Playing the piano is something everyone can do, but to truly master it takes a lifetime. 

Knowing that, how can you start with the right frame of mind? What have other piano players discovered that they wish they had learned from the start? 

Get to know the keyboard

Remember the first time you sat down at a computer and plucked one finger at a time to spell a word? That QWERTY keyboard was a bit strange as you tried to figure out proper finger placement. A piano keyboard is similar. On average, pianos have 88 keys. It’s a series of white and black keys, each with different sounds. Where do you start? How about finger placement? There’s a lot to take in as a newbie, so take it slow and learn proper placement. It’ll help you expand your piano skills faster. 

Playing is a lot harder than it looks

From the first time you touch a piano, it’s fairly easy to pluck out an easy song. But as you progress, you’ll quickly realize how difficult the process is. Piano playing is about connecting your brain to each hand, which are each working independently of one another. You’ll also keep an eye on the music in front of you, taking in the notes written on the page. That’s difficult at first. It’s hard getting everything to work together. While you’ll pick it up quickly, realize that it does take time. 

There are always ways to play your favorite tunes

Do you have a song you’re dying to play? Did you start piano lessons to work up to one particular song? The good news is you can play it now. Music comes in all shapes and sizes, and comes in a variety of different playing levels. If you have a goal, share it with your piano instructor. They can help you work up to it quickly. That may be just the motivation you need to continue. 

Practice, practice, practice

This isn’t something that has to be complicated. If you’re worried about becoming too regimented with your practice, look for other ways. Practice is designed to be fun, not a chore. Don’t settle on one method, look for a method that works best for your lifestyle. 

Making the right choice in pianos

Too often, people look for the least expensive way to start playing the piano. They accept a free piano from a friend. Or invest in an inexpensive keyboard at their favorite big box store. To play beautiful music and have fun doing so, you need to ensure you have the right tools for the job. You wouldn’t start soccer practice with a flat ball? You shouldn’t begin piano practice with a piano not fit for practice. 

To love the music you’re creating, it’s necessary to start with the right tool. That’s where we can help. Give us a call today. 

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7 August 2022 Moving Your Piano Around Your House – What To Keep In Mind

Moving Your Piano Around Your House – What To Keep In Mind

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Isn’t redecorating fun? It’s a great way to bring new life to an otherwise “boring” room. 

For many homeowners, redecorating involves using existing furniture, moving it to a new location, and filling in with new decor to change how your room looks. While moving a chair or couch may be easy, moving an upright or grand piano around the house can be difficult at best. 

Not only does placement of a piano impact the way your room functions, but it also has a considerable impact on the sound it produces. In some areas, projection will be more noticeable. In others, it might create a muffled sound. 

The wrong placement can also damage the piano, and shorten its lifespan. Heat, air flow, sunlight – it can all cause extensive damage to the inner workings of the piano. 

Grand pianos are difficult to move, and are often purchased with a specific place in mind. But uprights have more flexibility. They can be tucked into corners and moved based on space and needs. What should you keep in mind before you move it?

Most people place an upright near a wall because it looks best. It’s also one of the best places for it. That’s because a wall can help regulate the temperature, preventing extreme variances from impacting the inside structure. 

Placing it near a wall also can improve the acoustics. But that doesn’t mean individual walls might not help or hinder the sound. If you desire to move your piano, you can try placing it along two separate walls. Play it in both spots – do you hear the differences? Some areas may soak up more of the sound, while others may create a more natural reverb. Testing can help you create the perfect sound to suit your tastes and needs. 

There’s nothing wrong with moving your acoustic piano around a little. Just keep in mind that this is a sensitive instrument, and with every move, you risk impacting the sound. Regular maintenance, including tuning, should be performed to continue creating the perfect sound. 

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4 August 2022 Yes, You Can Afford a High Quality Piano

Yes, You Can Afford a High Quality Piano

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How much does a piano cost? If your child has expressed an interest in playing piano, you might be a little nervous about investing in an instrument. The size, the complex features, all point to something that’s going to hit your budget hard. 

Yet you want what’s best for your child. And they want to play. 

Can you afford a high quality piano? Or will you resort to finding something less-than-stellar at a garage sale, or pick up a toy piano and hope for the best?

How to afford a high quality piano

Before settling for a poor quality piano based on price alone, let’s talk about the importance of a high quality instrument. 

Would you attempt to start playing basketball … and use a flat ball?

Or start downhill skiing … with toy skis?

Of course not. We understand that to make the most of a hobby, and to stay safe while doing so, it’s important to have the right equipment. Without it, you’ll never pick up the nuances of settling into your new hobby. Nor will you enjoy the process. 

While you might need professional level equipment, you do need certain standards to ensure you make the most of your time practicing. It has to make the process enjoyable. 

Can you imagine playing a piano where the notes were all out of key? Or the sound was tinny, anything but pleasing? Eventually, you would no longer participate in the process. 

How piano dealers can help you

When you hunt through Craigslist, you might find a high quality instrument if you weed through all of the listings, trying to find one that suits your needs. What you’re more likely to find is a lot of pianos that have been abandoned, without playing, without maintenance, until someone decides to move them out of their home. 

This rarely offers a high quality sound. 

Dealers only sell high quality pianos. They offer new and used, at every price point, and of varying degrees of quality. From startups to professionals, a piano dealer offers every level of piano to suit your needs. 

They can also help with financing. Because they are a retail dealer, they have a variety of options available for you. 

But it all starts with a first step … coming in and discussing your needs and desires. 

Whether you’re just starting and have never touched a piano before, or have specific wants and desires in mind, we have a solution to suit your needs. 

Yes, you can afford a high quality piano. 

It starts by stopping by today. We look forward to working with you. 

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28 July 2022 How To Describe The Voice of Your Piano

How To Describe The Voice of Your Piano

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Just like people, pianos have unique voices.

The grand piano in the lobby of a five-star hotel sounds a lot different than the piano that lived in the living room of your parents’ home. But what makes pianos sound different from one another?

A piano’s voice differs from whether it’s in tune. Tuning a piano involves adjusting the strings’ tension.

A piano’s unique voice comes from the sound that the hammers make when they hit the piano’s strings. The felt covering on these hammers can vary in hardness, density, surface area, and quality. All of these factors affect the sound of each note played, giving your piano its unique voice.

A piano’s tone can be shifted with a process called “piano voicing.” Experienced piano technicians usually do this in order to even out the tones of individual notes. Voicing the whole piano to make it have a different voice is possible, but it takes an experienced professional to do it well, and it takes a long time.

Want to describe your piano’s voice? Here are some words to do so.

Warm, Mellow

Warm-sounding pianos are well-balanced and appealing. Many technicians try to voice pianos to sound warm, as it works for most types of music. A warm sound is also generally appealing to listeners. 

Bright, Shrill

Bright voiced pianos have a higher sound, creating music that is lively, clear, and pleasant. This higher sound may sound shrill to some ears.

Dark

Pianos that are bass-heavy have a dark voice with a booming, rich sound. Too much bass can make a piano sound unbalanced, and this can sometimes be a sign of cheaply-made hammers.

Rich

Rich-sounding pianos have a lot of auditory interest. They have enhanced bass and treble tones, while still feeling balanced. A rich-sounding piano is more interesting to listen to, as it provides more complex tones.

Big, Powerful

Pianos with a “big” sound are usually found in concert halls and stages, where they can be heard and enjoyed by many. Pianos with a big voice have a lot of power and can easily fill a room.

Clear and Even

Clarity of piano sound generally comes from a well-made piano that’s been finely tuned. It’s hard to sustain perfect clarity and evenness in a piano, especially over time. New pianos are naturally more even, as the felt on the hammers has not been worn down yet.

So which sound is best?

A concert pianist may prefer a piano with a big, rich sound, while you might prefer the relaxing sound of a warm, mellow piano in your own home. While some pianos sound generally appealing to people, such as ones with a warm or rich sound, there is ultimately not a definitive “best sounding” piano out there. It’s all down to personal preference: beauty is in the ear of the listener!

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24 July 2022 Why Playing The Piano Can Bring Comfort

Why Playing The Piano Can Bring Comfort

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Think back to your childhood. What songs take you back?

Or how about your high school prom? Is there music that quickly makes you reminisce about that time in your life? 

Or a song played at your wedding? A favorite band you have every song downloaded to your phone? 

Or even played an instrument from the time you were little, enjoying the process of creating music? 

There’s a reason for that. Music stimulates natural chemicals inside each of us. It triggers endorphins and impacts our mood. Ever been in a lousy mood, listened to a few of your favorite songs, and felt your feeling lift? That’s music in all its power. 

While we’ve long since realized music is perfect for relaxation, entertainment, and even distraction, we’re only just starting to realize its power for so much more. Music therapy is a growing modality that can help with all kinds of issues, including developmental, rehabilitative, preventative, wellness care, and mental healing. 

There are many ways to use music in therapy. For some, the mere act of listening can have amazing calming effects. 

Increasingly, we’re also finding being involved in music can take wellness to an entirely different level. The act of playing can stimulate many different triggers, help you find peace and wellness from within. 

Head to your favorite music site – Pandora, Spotify, or Sirius. Now look at playlists meant for calming or relaxing moments. Chances are you’ll find a variety of piano solos and acoustic numbers there to help you calm. 

Piano is soothing to the soul. Listening to it can bring a sense of well-being just by listening to it. Now get in the act, touch the keys, and play. It increases heightened awareness, and brings relaxation to an entirely different level. 

One study found in dementia, music can improve mood, behavior, and in some cases, cognitive function, which can persist for hours and days after the music stops.

Another found that Music Therapy has been proven to bring patients suffering from the effects of dementia to a better place emotionally and cognitively.

Some patients who have severe dementia may show little cognitive function in many areas of life, yet still have the ability to create music. 

No matter where you are today, if you’ve ever had a desire to start playing the piano, it can be one of the best decisions you’ll make for a more stress-free, happier life. 

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21 July 2022 20, 40, 60 – How Many Lessons To Master The Piano

20, 40, 60 – How Many Lessons To Master The Piano

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Taking up a new hobby isn’t an easy task. We have a desire to start something new. We watch the greats of the world make it look easy. We have goals – we want to feel a sense of accomplishment. But is it doable? 

The shortest way to success is to follow in the footsteps of others. Teachers can cut the learning curve, but what are your expectations?

A common question people have about mastering the piano is: How long until I can play? How many lessons does it take to master the piano? 

Unfortunately, there isn’t a set answer. 

There are two parts to this question?

  • What do you mean by mastering the piano?
  • How do you define a lesson?

What do you mean by mastering the piano?

When people decide to take up the piano, they have different goals in mind. Some have a song they really want to play. Others want to join a band and make it their career. 

What’s your goal? How do you see yourself in the future? How far do you want to take playing the piano? 

The more complex your skills, the longer it will take. You can achieve different levels with realistic goals in mind. 

How do you define a lesson?

Along with different goals and desires comes the ability to work towards your goals. How would you define your approach? 

Does a lesson to you mean a 30-minute, once-per-week session with an instructor? Or do you look at lessons as working with workbooks, playing along with apps and videos, and even working in group format online? 

Do you count the practice it takes to achieve your weekly goals? Do you have the time to dedicate yourself to many different playing levels throughout the week? 

The difference can change both your expectations and your outcomes. 

How much playing is needed to master the piano? 

The number of hours of instruction varies depending on who you are. We all have our own approaches, our own desires, and our own sense of accomplishment. The important thing is sticking to your plan and getting to a level that makes you happy. 

This is all about enjoyment. Playing the piano is about improving each day, and loving what you do. 

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18 July 2022 Making Sure Your Piano Keys Are Never Sticky Again

Making Sure Your Piano Keys Are Never Sticky Again

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When you first purchase a new piano, it looks perfect sitting in your home. Yet as your family plays over time, something can start impacting the way it plays. 

You may have a rule of no food or drink near the piano. That’s a good rule to make. But it isn’t the only thing that can impact the piano keys. Humidity, dust in the air supply, or a small object wedged between the keys can stop playing in its tracks. 

You’ll know it when it happens. Sticky piano keys mean your fingers won’t be able to move up and down the keyboard nimbly as you play. You’ll hit a key, and your finger will stop. It won’t feel right. It won’t sound right. 

It’s time to jumpstart piano maintenance, and ensure your keyboard is ready to play again. 

Cleaning the keyboard is quite easy. But there are a few tricks to learn first. 

What are the keys made of?

Start by determining the key material. Most modern pianos use acrylic plastic. Ivory is no longer used, but if you have an older piano, it may still be in place. Ebony is a hard, tropical wood often used for the black keys. Sometimes cellulose is used, which is known as imitation ivory. 

If your piano is known, it is probably made from acrylic plastic. The older it is, the more chance it has of being ivory. You can tell it’s ivory by looking for a horizontal seam where the white key starts to narrow. 

Cleaning plastic piano keys

Plastic keys are fairly resilient. That said, you should still avoid using too much water, as it can seep between the keys and cause damage underneath. Use a mild dish soap and a slightly damp microfiber cloth to remove dirt and stains. Be sure to place the cleaning solution on the cloth; never pour solution directly onto the keys. Don’t use a scrub brush or anything harsh that may scratch the surface. Clean one key at a time, back to front, until all the keys are cleaned. 

Cleaning ivory piano keys

Ivory is a porous material that is vulnerable to certain cleaning products. Less is more. Start by rubbing with a clean microfiber cloth to remove the top layer of dirt. Then using a mixture of one part dish soap to four parts water, clean the notes from left to right, back to front, one key at a time. Make sure to use a light color cloth as darker colors can transfer to ivory keys. Wipe down the surface after cleaning to ensure they are dry.

In all cases, avoid using harsh chemicals on the keys. Vinegar can be harsh, scratching and dulling the surface. Alcohol can also cause damage to the surface of the keys. When in doubt, refer directly to the manufacturer, or give us a call. We can make recommendations. 

Are your keys still sticky?

Cleaning should be a regular part of your routine. Yet if you’ve cleaned the keys and they still stick, it may be time to call in a professional. They can pinpoint and fix the problem quickly, having you back to playing in no time. 

Have you experienced sticky keys before? 

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