28 April 2022 Understanding Humidity and Your Piano

Understanding Humidity and Your Piano

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Understanding how humidity affects your piano starts with understanding how humidity impacts wood. 

Wood products that are subjected to high amounts of humidity will be susceptible to expansion due to excess moisture in the air. As moisture penetrates the wood, it causes it to swell or expand. If they are exposed to an excessive amount of moisture for extended periods of time, they may not return to their original size. 

Your piano is made up of thousands of pieces crafted from wood, felt, wool, and metal. If any of these materials receive too much moisture, they will all change accordingly. But what happens if any of these parts do change?

Pitch and tone

The first part impacted on a piano will be the soundboard, the single largest structure of the piano. Think of this as the speaker of the piano, the part required for producing proper tone. It’s designed to have a slight curve. But if the curve changes due to humidity, it can have a profound impact on the tone. If humidity drops and the soundboard shrinks, it can flatten out the tone. If it absorbs too much humidity, it can swell and allow the pitch to go sharp. 

Action

There is a complex inner working of parts to have the keys connect with the strings to produce sound. This process is called the action. To ensure this process stays in good working condition requires regular adjustments called regulation. If humidity changes the structure of the piano, precision is lost in the action. If it’s not regulated regularly, it can change the action enough that replacement is the only way for correction. 

Keys

Each key is placed precisely into the keyboard to keep it working well. Humidity can change the space between the keys, causing them to become tight and not fit very well. If they stick and have trouble playing, it might be because of humidity. 

Noises

As humidity impacts wood furniture, it causes squeaks, rattles, and other noises as you open drawers, close doors, and move the item around. Pianos work similarly. As parts are impacted by moisture, they no longer work as designed. This can cause a host of noises that run counter to the music you’re producing. 

Corrosion

It’s not just the wood that will be impacted. The strings on your piano are responsible for producing the sound. With humidity changes, these metal strings can rust and corrode. That means they won’t move as designed, and won’t hold tuning. 

If humidity is a problem, and impacts the inside of your home regularly, there are ways to regulate humidity levels around your piano. 

Ask us how!

Filed Under: Owning a Piano, Piano Playing Tagged With:
24 April 2022 When It’s Time To Let An Old Piano Go

When It’s Time To Let An Old Piano Go

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Buying a piano can bring you a lifetime of enjoyment. In most cases, you can expect a piano to last anywhere from 30 to 50 years. 

But what does that really mean? Whether you’re considering a used piano, or are leaning towards a new one to add longevity to your purchase, these few tips can help you make a wise decision before you buy. 

How old is too old? 

We often hear this question when people are considering a used piano. Should you invest in an instrument that has already been played for years? 

For most mass-produced pianos, they typically provide thirty good years of playing. It’s not uncommon for a well cared for piano to last 50 years or beyond. The key is maintenance. If a pianist takes care of the instrument, it will give you a long life. 

For hand-crafted pianos, they can last for decades with proper care. They are made from the finest materials, and will stand the test of time. 

When should you replace a piano? 

With most things in life, you upgrade as you become proficient and require different features. A piano is no different. 

We often suggest beginning students select a workhorse that can provide high-quality while they learn the basics. Then as you become more proficient in your skill level, you can upgrade to have a piano better suited for your needs. 

Listen to the quality of the sound. We each hear tones and pitches differently. If it sounds good to your ear, you’re more likely to sit down and play. 

Is buying used okay?

The key here is ensuring you are buying a quality piano, no matter how many years of enjoyment it’s given previous owners. This is where it pays to rely on a reputable dealer who will ensure the piano has many years of life left in it. 

Playing is only part of what keeps a piano in good working condition. Location is everything. Pianos should always be kept in an area where temperature and humidity fluctuations are relatively stable. The piano should always be tuned regularly. It should be kept out of harsh sunlight, and away from drafts.  

If your piano has been subjected to any of these conditions, and it no longer sounds good to your ear, it may be time to let your piano go. 

What questions can we answer about selecting a piano to suit your needs? 

Filed Under: Owning a Piano Tagged With:
21 April 2022 Hunting For a Good Used Piano

Hunting For a Good Used Piano

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When you’re in the market for a used piano, it may seem like they are available everywhere. Search online, head to Craigslist, or even look at the bulletin at your local coffee shop, and you may find several used pianos to consider. 

How do you know you’ve found a good used piano?

You won’t be able to determine its playability by looking at it in a picture. Stand in front of it, or walk around it – you still can’t tell if it works well. 

The only way to ensure you find a good used piano is to dig in and really see how it works. 

What to bring

Whether you’ve played the piano before or not, it’s important to determine if it is in good working condition. To do that, you’ll need to bring several things with you to help you evaluate the condition. 

  • A flashlight – for peering underneath the lid
  • A notepad and a pen – for taking notes about the quality
  • Time – spend time getting to know the piano before you move forward

What to check

While you may wish to invest in a piano that works well with your decor, more important is to ensure it sounds good to your ear. 

People play the piano because they love the sound it makes. If you don’t like the music it creates, you’re less likely to want to play it. 

As you’re hunting for a good used piano, pay attention to these aspects of the piano. 

The keyboard – sit down and play every note. Even if you’ve never played the piano before, you’ll recognize if it doesn’t sound right. Start at the left and play each note, including the black keys. Do you hear any buzzing or clicking noises? Are there keys that won’t play? Does it sound out of tune to your ear? 

The brand of piano – while there are many high-quality piano brands in the world today, you can learn a lot about a piano just by doing a quick search for the brand. Note the reputation of the builder. Are they still in business? What reviews can you find online? 

Use your flashlight and get under the lid – maintenance can truly be revealed with a little light under the lid. Check on the tuning pins attached to the pinblock. Are the piano strings properly attached? How do they appear? If you see rust or corrosion, or even a heavy accumulation of dust, it can be a clue that this used piano wasn’t well cared for. 

Check the soundboard for any cracks – this could be the cause of any annoying buzzing you hear when you play. A cracked soundboard will require extensive renovation to restore it to proper working condition. 

Recheck each piano note with the lid open – you can also replay every note and watch how the hammers hit each string. What you couldn’t hear while testing for a sound the first time through may be more visible as you watch the action from within. 

Sit down and play – or have someone with you who can play even a simple song. Does it sound good to your ear? Do you enjoy the music it makes? The biggest part of wanting to play comes from enjoying the music you create. If it doesn’t sound quite right to your ear, it’s best to look for another piano that does. 

Trusting a piano dealer with your used piano purchase means you’ll also gain the knowledge and professionalism of the person you’re working with. They will answer every question, and show you the differences between makes and brands. Their ultimate goal is to ensure you get the instrument perfect for your enjoyment. 

How can we help you purchase the right used piano for you? 

Filed Under: Buying a Piano Tagged With:
17 April 2022 Is It Okay To Buy a Used Piano?

Is It Okay To Buy a Used Piano?

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Do a quick search online, and you’ll find lots of horror stories about parents who buy a used piano, only to find out it simply doesn’t work. It will cost more to renovate it than what the piano is worth. 

And that can be frustrating when you’re taking up a new hobby. That can be enough to turn you away from it forever. 

Can you buy a quality used piano? Is it possible? And if so, how do you go about it?

Luckily, the answer is yes; you can find high-quality used pianos on the market. Bring the right piano home, and it will give you years of enjoyment. 

Where do you begin? 

The most important step is to understand how to find a high-quality used piano. 

You won’t find one looking in the classifieds, perusing Craigslist, or taking one from your next-door neighbor, who happened to have one in a basement corner. Find your used piano this way, and you’ll most likely find yourself with lots of repair bills. 

Quality used pianos come from well cared for pianos that were properly maintained throughout their lifetime. As a piano dealer, we often get pianos from a variety of resources:

  • People who trade up to better pianos as they improve their skills. 
  • People who downsize and can no longer house their prized piano. 

It’s not always people who trade up – churches, schools, even piano teachers occasionally want to upgrade their equipment. High-quality pianos will stand the test of time – decades in some cases. 

If you’re ready to buy a used piano, a few tips to keep in mind include:

  • Find the best quality you can find. This doesn’t mean accepting the first low-priced instrument you find. Instead, take your time to listen to several, sit down and play them, and discover the different tones. You’ll find one you resonate with one more than others. 
  • Consider your goals. If you’re planning on investing in a piano that lasts a lifetime, pay attention to the brand, and work with a dealer who can help you find top quality. If you want something that holds value, sounds great, and can be traded up as you progress, a dealer can help you find that piano too. 
  • Sound is everything. That’s why so many different pianos are on the market. Listen to them, pick one you resonate with. This will increase the likelihood you’ll want to play, and sit down and practice each day. 

Do you have any questions about buying a used piano? How can we help you find the right piano to suit your needs?

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14 April 2022 Inspecting a Used Piano Before You Buy

Inspecting a Used Piano Before You Buy

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Many people decide that buying a used piano is the right choice to suit their needs. Yet buying used can also leave you with an instrument that doesn’t give you what you set out to achieve. 

That’s why the inspection process is vital to your success. It ensures you bring home an instrument you’ll love for years, and be happy to play every day. 

Before you say “yes”, spend some time understanding what should be a part of inspecting a used piano before narrowing down your list. Finding a “good deal” may seem easy to do. But that “good deal” can quickly turn into a project that may mean restoring it, or selling it and buying something new. 

Before you begin looking, define your goals. Do you have a particular brand in mind? Where are you in your piano learning curve? If you’re buying your first piano, and starting lessons soon, your tastes will differ from someone who’s been playing for years. 

This isn’t a purchase you can decide on through a checklist, marking the boxes with wants and desires:

  • Size of the piano
  • Color
  • Particular brand
  • Price 

Instead, this is a purchase you’ll be using in creative format. This is something you’ll touch, learn to play, use to make music, and come to a point where you create joy as you sit down to play. 

If you’re unsure of what the difference is, inspecting a used piano can help you discover your talent. Sit down and play one. Now sit down and play another. 

While that’s impossible to do from a homeowner selling a used piano, if you come into our store, we can show you several that suit your needs. Sit down and play them all. See how they feel. Listen to how they sound. 

Once you hear the difference, you’ll gravitate towards one. 

And that’s how you know you’ve found the ideal piano for you. 

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10 April 2022 Use These 4 Steps To Buy The Perfect Piano

Use These 4 Steps To Buy The Perfect Piano

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Why are there so many different piano brands, makes, and models? Because every buyer has different needs. You’ll find pianos in every price range, in various sizes, and with a variety of sounds. 

Of course, not all are created equal. A newbie just getting started will have different wants than a professional. That’s why it’s important to understand what you’re looking for before you shop. With these steps in mind, you’ll be able to buy the perfect piano to suit your needs now and into the future. 

Start with your budget

Yes, you can find “free” pianos. But in almost every circumstance, even “free” is going to cost you. If it’s sat in a basement corner untouched and not maintained for years, you’ll hear it in the music produced. You might not be able to bring it back to proper tune – and it’s hard playing a piano that doesn’t sound “right.” While you may have a budget in mind, it pays to spend some time researching pianos before you settle on a price. You may learn that with a bit of extra towards your purchase, you can get precisely what you want. 

Make room for it in your home

Pianos are meant to be enjoyed and played. If you place it in a room you rarely visit, or in a busy location where you’ll never have the opportunity to play, you’re less likely to keep up with your practice routine. Pianos are also sensitive to their environment. Avoid drafts from doors and windows, and a place where direct sunlight won’t be a problem. Never place a piano on an outside wall; stable humidity and temperatures will keep your piano in good working condition. 

Take the time necessary to get the right piano

For most piano players, buying a high-quality instrument will give you years of enjoyment. This isn’t a purchase you should rush into. Do your research and ensure you’re getting what’s suitable for you. You should also play multiple pianos to hear the different sounds. Find one that sounds good to your ear. This will increase your likelihood of playing it every day.

Don’t move it yourself

Have you watched comedies where a piano falls to the ground or slides down a hill because it’s not correctly moved? Those scenes are more realistic than you might think. Pianos are large, bulky, and heavy. Yet they also have fragile pieces that can easily be damaged or destroyed. This isn’t a time to trust your best friend to help you with the job. Instead, ensure the piano is moved correctly from one location to another, and that the piano is properly set up in its final resting spot. This means you won’t be faced with repair work before sitting down to play. 

A piano requires proper maintenance to keep it in good working condition. As you’re buying the perfect piano to suit your needs, keep these tips in mind to ensure you love your piano from day one, and it remains a part of your life for many years to come. 

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7 April 2022 Piano Care Is a Bit Different for Piano Teachers

Piano Care Is a Bit Different for Piano Teachers

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If you want your piano to remain in good working condition for years to come, maintenance is an important part of the process. 

Homeowners can provide minimal care throughout the year and still have a highly functional piano. But for piano teachers, it takes more work to maintain a piano. Without proper piano care, you might be replacing your piano more frequently than desired. 

Pianos are built to be played. But depending on your instruction level, your piano may get heavy usage. And that impacts your piano in different ways than standard residential care. 

As with all mechanical devices you use daily, preventative maintenance ensures a long life. It reduces the likelihood of letting more minor issues grow into more significant problems, and keeps the instrument in good working condition for every time you sit down to play. 

As a piano teacher, what are some things you can do to protect your piano? 

Keep your space clean

If you don’t have a table or other storage area nearby, bring one in. Piano technicians consistently find pens, paperclips, buttons, coins – all the small things you may regularly come in contact with as you move through different piano lessons. Having a place to store or dispose of them prevents you from setting them on the piano, where they ultimately fall in. These tiny items can lodge under a key or between hammers or strings, causing the action to be thrown off as the piano is played. You may not notice it immediately, but this can impact the moving parts. 

Avoid liquid

It’s tempting to bring a drink with you when you’ll be sitting near the piano all day, but liquid is one of the harshest enemies for a piano. Glasses can cause ring marks. Liquid can seep into the wood, warping it. You should also avoid flower vases or plants sitting on the piano, as they can leak too and impact the wood. If fluids seep into the action, it can corrode metals and cause the wood to swell, which will impact the piano’s performance. 

Piano placement

If you have a piano at home, you may be aware of aesthetics needed to keep your piano well functioning. That doesn’t change when you provide piano lessons, even though it might change where you place them. All acoustic pianos are heavily influenced by their environment. Ensure it’s not near registers or vents where warm or cooled air can impact the wood. Avoid placing the piano where direct sunlight may be a problem. You should also keep it away from drafts through windows or doors. Humidity levels should also remain somewhat constant to keep the piano in good playing condition. 

Whether you teach one student a day, or have a regular eight-hour routine, maintenance is key to a long life. Work with a technician for regular tuning and repair. They can help you keep an eye on possible problems, and ensure your piano stays operational through all of your playing. It’s the best way to ensure a long life. 

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28 March 2022 Give Your Child The Gift of Music – Start With Learning Piano

Give Your Child The Gift of Music – Start With Learning Piano

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You want what’s best for your child. You want to give them tools they can use for a happy, healthy life. 

That’s why many parents place their kids in a variety of extracurricular activities, looking for things that stick. Will your child be the next athlete? Scholar? Musician? Each activity can add to their character and help develop a strong personality. 

The gift of music is one thing they will take for life. 

Music often starts at a very young age. You can help kids develop a sense of rhythm with simple instruments. A drum. A xylophone. Even simple hand-clapping and singing easy songs. 

As a child grows, their curiosity grows right along with it. This is a perfect time to introduce an instrument. Learning the piano is a natural progression because piano brings melodies to life. If they have a favorite song, the piano allows them to create the music they love. 

The gift of music comes from both listening and playing. Listening helps you develop culture, gives you a sense of community. Playing offers a variety of benefits, from promoting creativity to enhancing brain development. Studies from all around the world show that playing an instrument helps with:

  • Hand-eye coordination
  • Increasing test scores
  • Fine motor skills
  • Memory skills
  • Listening
  • Foreign language retention
  • Concentration

Learning the piano is a foundational instrument, which can help build music skills that can be transferred to other instruments. Because you learn both melody and harmony, it often retains interest longer, and pushes kids into wanting more. 

Looking to give your child a gift they can enjoy throughout their lives? Consider the gift of music. 

It’s the perfect skill to help them develop stronger personalities, for life. 

Filed Under: Piano Playing Tagged With:
24 March 2022 Playing The Piano – What To Do When Frustration Hits

Playing The Piano – What To Do When Frustration Hits

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Do you imagine yourself playing the piano in front of friends? Starting a band? Being in a rock band?

Yet when you sit down to play, the only thing you get is frustration. You’ve been practicing for months! When will you be able to play the way you imagine?

Before we give you some tips to overcome your frustration, it’s important to note that every piano player goes through frustration from time to time. The important thing to remember is never to give up. 

If you want to improve, keep going. Whether you want piano to be a hobby or a career, there will always be periods of frustration, where you don’t seem to have the skills you want. 

The process is different for everybody. But when you find a way to step around your frustration, keep that in mind as you continue to improve your piano skills. 

Find your motivation – with every hobby you start, it’s important to find your why before you begin. Why do you want to play the piano? When you focus on that, it will help pull you out of moments when you question why you’re doing what you do. You can tell yourself that in your darkest moments. 

Do it anyway – don’t feel like playing? Do it anyway. Instead of working on a frustrating piece, play music you’ve learned and enjoy. That’s why instructors usually have several different tactics during each lesson. You may start with the basics, work on new music, and finish with a favorite song. It gives you a wide variety of things to work on over your playing time. 

Learn the language of music – there’s more to music than playing your favorite songs. Dive deep into piano to discover new things. Understand chords. Read classical music. Listen to several different genres. The more you expand into the art of music, the more you’ll appreciate all it has to offer. 

Get better equipment – if you’ve started on a hand-me-down keyboard, maybe it’s time to upgrade to an acoustic piano. When you have better equipment to practice on, it can sometimes make all the difference in how you play. This is especially true if you have a “toy” keyboard or one that doesn’t have the characteristics of an acoustic piano. Upgrade to one with weighted keys, a full 88 key range, and dynamic sound, and you may find your love for playing the piano all over again. 

If you’re frustrated with playing the piano, maybe it’s time to do something different. Stop by today, and we can show you our entire line of pianos. Whether you’re just starting out, or are considering piano as a career, we’ll help you discover the perfect piano to suit your needs. 

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21 March 2022 What If I Can’t Play The Piano With Both Hands?

What If I Can’t Play The Piano With Both Hands?

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At first, it can seem like a frustrating problem. You have the desire to play the piano. You’ve invested time and money towards your new hobby. Yet no matter how many times you sit down to practice, you just can’t seem to get it right. 

What if you can’t play the piano with both hands? What if they simply won’t work together? And trying to read music at the same time? Forget it. 

Before you give up, read on. 

Learning to play the piano with both hands is one of the biggest learning curves of a beginning piano player’s training. 

Playing the piano with both hands takes concentration and practice. Ever tried to pat your head and rub your tummy at the same time? It takes thinking and coordination to get your brain to tell your hands to each do something independently. 

That’s a similar tactic for piano playing. You’re not alone if you’re frustrated. It takes practice. And it takes time. You just have to wait for your coordination to catch up. 

Instead of letting your frustration win, you can practice through your frustration and give your hands a chance to figure out how to work together. 

Start by practicing each hand separately. Practice the piece with your right hand and learn it well enough for comfort to set in. Then let your left hand catch up. Practice it until you get comfortable with what both hands need to do to complete the song. Not put the two together. You’ll hear what both sides need to do, and have a better chance of putting them together. 

Focus on the rhythm. Clap it out if you need to. Get the 1-2-3-4 rhythm down, and build that into your mind before you start playing the song. Feel the beat. And let that come through to both your right and left hand. Using a metronome may help too, so that you can have the constant beat in the background. Slow it down if you need to. 

Choose music you know. It’s sometimes a lot more challenging to play a song you aren’t sure of. If you pick music you know, you’ll have an easier time letting both hands find the right beat, and pick out the right notes. It can allow you to look at the music differently. 

Keep trying. You don’t have to play a song perfectly the first time you sit down. Maybe you can practice a few lines at a time. Or play small sections until you get it right. Skills grow if you commit to fully learning the song over time. Keep it up, and you’ll eventually play it well. 

And you’ll have the skills necessary to start on a new song!

Filed Under: Piano Playing
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