14 March 2020 Why Should I Buy A Baby Grand Piano Today?

Why Should I Buy A Baby Grand Piano Today?

posted by

When people decide to purchase a grand piano, there are many factors to consider before you make your final selection. You might start the process by looking for a specific make or model. But there are also other decisions, such as the size of the grand piano available. 

Each size is created for specific applications in mind. A baby grand piano will be different from a concert grand piano. Here are a few things you should consider. 

The difference between uprights and grands

There are two different types of acoustic pianos: uprights and grand. Uprights – also called vertical pianos – are built with the strings positioned vertically. This means the hammers are positioned to move horizontally, using spring action to control the movement onto the strings. An upright is more compact than a grand, which is why many homeowners prefer them if they are limited on space. They can be tucked up against a wall and allow a family to bring it into their home even with the tightest of spaces. 

Horizontal pianos – grand pianos – are stretched horizontally with the strings stretching out from the keyboard. When a key is struck, the hammer hits the string from underneath, and returns to its resting position by use of gravity. It doesn’t use springs like the upright, giving a purer sound in the process. That’s why you find grand pianos used in most concert settings; the tone is richer, more vibrant. 

What is a baby grand piano?

If you start looking for a grand piano, you’ll notice a variety of designations come along with the classification. While manufacturers do have some say in how they classify a grand piano, in general, the size determines how a piano is listed:

Petit grand – this is the smallest of the grand pianos. They are typically under 5 feet in length and work great in a room where size is an issue. 

Baby grand – this is one of the most popular grand pianos on the market. They offer excellent tonal quality while still being sized right for most modern homes. You’ll find them in the 5 foot to 5 feet 5 inches. 

Classic grand – these range from around 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 8 inches. 

Professional grand – these range from around 5 feet 9 inches to 6 feet 2 inches. They are often referred to as a full grand piano, and you’ll find them in music rooms around the world. 

Living room grand – also known as a parlor grand, these measure from 6 feet 3 inches to 6 feet 10 inches, and make a striking conversational piece in any room. 

Semi-concert grand – these are popular in music halls and concert venues because of their rich sound. They are between 6 feet 11 inches and 7 feet 8 inches. 

Concert grand – anything larger than 7 feet 8 inches is referred to as a concert grand. They are commonly used in orchestras and by professional musicians. 

Size doesn’t matter when selecting a piano. Pay attention to sound first. A baby grand piano is often the perfect choice for a home because it offers a rich voice with the most compact size. 

How can we help you with your piano selection today?

Filed Under: Buying a Piano
10 March 2020 When Should You Buy a Piano For A Beginner?

When Should You Buy a Piano For A Beginner?

posted by

If your child wants to start playing the piano, you’ll have to buy a piano to get them started. 

Just like starting up football means you’ll have to invest in pads, or heading into the arts means you’ll have to invest in paints, having the right tools is all part of the process. 

But for a budding musician, pianos are more expensive than a palette of paints. How do you know you’re making the right choices for what to buy? And is there a right time to invest in a piano for a beginning piano player? 

Let’s start with one of the biggest fallacies about starting up the piano. 

Parents are often nervous about making a significant investment in a piano until they know if their child likes it and will stick with it. So they look for the cheapest option instead, choosing the “wait and see” approach before they lay down real money. 

They get one for free from a neighbor. Or pick up an inexpensive keyboard from their local big box store.  

There’s a problem with that. 

Would you let your child wear soccer shoes, two sizes too big as they try out a new sport? Of course not. That would be dangerous at best. It’s common sense to know that you need the proper gear to excel at the game. 

The same applies to learning to play the piano. If you buy a piano that isn’t high quality, your child won’t be able to feel the music. They can grow frustrated, and quit because they can’t play the way they should. 

A high quality instrument isn’t out of tune. It sounds great no matter what level they play. 

It has perfectly weighted keys, meaning there’s a certain touch to the keyboard, and your child learns to “feel” their way to success. 

It also shows you value their choices in extra activities. You’re making an investment in their future, and choose to give them every advantage as they explore what music will mean in their lives. 

If you want to buy a piano and give your child every advantage of sticking with it and becoming a great piano player, ensure you purchase the right piece of equipment right from the beginning. 

We’re here to help. 

Filed Under: Buying a Piano Tagged With:
7 March 2020 Can A Grand Piano Be Stored On Its Side?

Can A Grand Piano Be Stored On Its Side?

posted by

People invest in grand pianos for a variety of reasons. The sound and quality. The beauty of the instrument. For the way it looks in your home. 

You can’t walk into a room with a grand piano and not be aware of its presence. It commands attention. 

Yet for as much as you love your piano, there are times when you’ll have to move it. 

Maybe you’re having new flooring installed, are renovating your home. 

Or maybe you’re moving to a new home, but it will be weeks or months before your piano has a new home. Storing it is the only option. 

But storing a grand piano isn’t an easy task. If only you could prop it up on its side. It would take far less room. 

Can you store a grand piano on its side? 

Moving a piano

Grand pianos are one of the largest items you will ever bring into your home. The only way to get it into your home is to prop it up on its side – it’s the only way it will ever make it through a door. 

What’s more important than turning it onto its side is to ensure it’s safe during the process. 

  • Ensure nothing is inside that could damage the inner workings of the piano – pens, bobby pins, pencils, small toys. Anything that could damage the strings, soundboard, or other equipment. 
  • Protect all edges of the piano during movement. Use blankets and bubble wrap to ensure all edges are safe. 
  • Never roll a piano on rollers. Instead, make sure you have the appropriate workforce available to safely lift the piano throughout the moving process. 

Storing a piano

While it’s okay to move a grand piano on its side, storing it is another manner. When you tip a grand piano sideways, it puts pressure on the inner workings of the piano in a way that isn’t intended. For a short time – while moving it – your piano will adjust and be okay. But for an extended time period, it can start to cause damage. 

Your piano should be stored the right way, and that includes upright instead of on its side. It should also be placed in a temperature controlled space, rather than in a garage or storage unit without heat or air conditioning. It should also be covered to prevent a layer of dust.

And unless you have experience moving a piano, rely on the professionals instead. It’s one of the heaviest and bulkiest pieces inside your home. Despite its size, it’s also one of the most delicate. Leave it to the professionals to ensure your piano is ready to play when you move it back into place.

Filed Under: Owning a Piano Tagged With:
4 March 2020 Why Is A Grand Piano Lid Open?

Why Is A Grand Piano Lid Open?

posted by

Grand pianos have a distinct look to them. Picture it now, sitting in the middle of a stage. Long and graceful, the lid propped up, the tonal quality deep and rich. 

That’s what comes to mind in the center of a concert hall. But what if you own a grand piano? Is it wise to keep the lid open all the time? What’s the purpose? 

On top of a grand piano is a wooden cover called the lid. It’s hinged at the spine, and has the ability to raise and lower depending on the discretion of the piano player. 

In order to raise the lid, a grand piano has a wooden stick called a lid prop. Most pianos also come with a smaller stick called a half prop. These sticks give you the ability to control the way your piano sounds as you play. 

A raised lid serves as a reflecting device for the way sound waves move from the depth of the piano outward into the room. The waves come off the internal soundboard and are reflected outward to the audience. 

Lid props also have the important job of being able to hold the weight of the piano lid. The larger the piano, the heavier the lid, the more weight the lid prop will have to take. 

While most grand pianos have two lid props, you will find some even have three. The different sizes will each have an appropriate cup holder on the underside of the lid. It’s essential to use the right cup with each lid prop, as the lid won’t be properly supported otherwise, and could lead to a dangerous situation. If it falls, it can severely damage the inner working of your piano. And if you or a family member is anywhere near, it can cause severe injury. 

Should I Buy a Piano or a Keyboard?

Keyword: piano or keyboard

Summary: If your child has expressed an interest in learning to play the piano, the first place to start is by investing in a new instrument. Piano or keyboard, which should you choose? 

As a parent, you want your kids to try many things. And it doesn’t take a lot of looking to realize you can quickly fill up their days with plenty of things for them to do. Sports? A painting class? Music?

While sports keep their bodies physically active and helps build team spirit, music builds self esteem and improves everything from coordination to comprehension. If you want them to perform better in their STEM classes, music is the way to go. 

Once you decide to enroll your child in music, piano lessons are one of the best instruments they can learn to play. No other instrument is as versatile as a piano. Melody or harmony, playing alone or with a group, there’s something for everyone when learning to play the piano. 

But if you’re ready to enroll your child in piano lessons, they have to have a piano to practice. Piano or keyboard? Which should you invest in if you don’t already own one? 

What’s your price range?

For an acoustic piano, you have lots of options. You can select a good used piano, or go with a new piano if you know it’s going to be in your life for years to come. Acoustic gives you the ability for classic training, while keyboards offer extras to help budding artists digitize their work. With both pianos and keyboards, there is something for everyone. Consider your choices wisely. 

How mobile do you want to be?

With an acoustic piano, your practice will be limited to the location of your instrument. With a keyboard, you can pack it up and take it with you. Mobility can be especially good for teens that wish to be part of a band, or take their instruments to college. But for classic training, having a great acoustic piano to play will give them added benefits to their play. 

How will you play? 

Keyboards offer the ability to plugin and play without anyone having to hear it. But don’t discount acoustics if you desire this feature – many can have this ability implemented, making it easier to practice in busy households. 

Are you prepared for upkeep? 

With an acoustic piano, it will need tuning regularly. And depending on where you purchase it from, it might need repair work. Keyboards don’t require the same upkeep with tunings, but they can require upgrades as your child grows and changes in ability. 

No matter what your preference is for selecting the right equipment for your needs, the best place to start is with learning about your options. We’re happy to share our knowledge and love of pianos with you anytime. Just stop by. 

Filed Under: Owning a Piano Tagged With:
29 February 2020 What About Room Placement – Piano Basics

What About Room Placement – Piano Basics

posted by

Thinking of buying a new piano? Did you know room placement – where you place your piano – is equally as important as the piano you purchase?

If you place your piano in the right spot in your home, it greatly impacts sound quality. It also gives you better performance overall. And if your piano is happy with the conditions, it will increase playability and longevity for years to come. 

Before we talk about what you should do, it’s worth mentioning what you shouldn’t do. 

Don’t do these things with your piano placement

Because pianos are sensitive to the environment, it’s important to place them where they won’t be subjected to direct sunlight or other elements that can change the overall structure of the instrument. Even a few hours of direct sunlight can cause wood to heat up and start to expand. It can dry out the soundboard, weaken joints and connections, and cause the outside to fade. If direct sunlight is unavoidable, add in shades or drapery and keep them closed during the brightest portion of the day. 

Likewise, a steady stream of cold or heated air can have the same effect as direct sunlight. Never place your piano near a window, or near a register or vent. This can cause drastic fluctuations in temperature over a short period of time, and alter the internal parts so severely they’ll need replacing. 

Good room placement includes these things

Most people place a piano where it fits best in a room, given their furniture placement. It’s a good idea to rethink it before you bring your piano home, to ensure good performance. 

For example, if you place a piano in the central hub of your home, will it interfere with other household activities? Will your child be able to practice if others are doing homework? Will practice seem like a chore, or will it be a pleasant experience? 

Playing should not only sound good to those who are listening, but also help the one playing develop a good ear for music. Carpet will help mute the sound, whereas hardwood provides a deeper, fuller sound. 

Also, remember your piano isn’t another piece of furniture, designed to hold things for storage. Placing objects on or near your piano can damage it, both inside and out. 

Trying to decide what piano to buy? Wondering about room placement, and where your new instrument will sound its best? We can help. Stop by today and we’ll answer all your questions, and help you make the perfect choice for your home. 

Filed Under: Owning a Piano Tagged With:
26 February 2020 What Is A Piano Pitch Raise

What Is A Piano Pitch Raise

posted by

When you invest in a piano, it takes more than dusting it occasionally to keep it at its best. 

Chances are, you’ve heard that pianos must be tuned regularly for it to create beautiful music. Piano tuning is simply the act of adjusting the tension of the piano strings to ensure that each interval between strings – notes – creates the proper sound. If you’ve ever played a scale and had one of tune, you know how important this process is. 

But if you have a piano tuner into your home, adjusting your piano regularly, you might hear her talking about a piano pitch raise. And depending on how well she explains it, it might leave you scratching your head, wondering if a pitch raise is really necessary. 

Let’s simplify the process. 

When you tap a piano key, it connects with the piano strings on the inside in order to create sound. Each of these strings has a certain level of tension applied to it to create a specific sound. If you increase tension, the pitch rises. If you loosen tension, the pitch lowers. 

If you take a look inside your piano, you’ll notice the strings are connected to the soundboard and held in place with a tuning pin and a hitch pin. If all strings were the same, they would all play the same note – the same pitch. But as the tuning pin is adjusted, each string plucks out a different tone. 

The piano itself has, on average, 88 keys. Depending on the model, it will have around 230 strings. That’s because three strings are used for each of the tenor and treble notes, while the base notes only require two strings. 

For a treble note, all three strings must be adjusted to bring the note in tune. Tension may be removed from one, while adjusted and tightened for the others. As the technician makes changes to the pitch, you can think of this as a pre-tune. It’s something that doesn’t have to be performed every time you tune a piano, especially if you have your piano tuned regularly. 

Why would your piano require a pitch raise? 

  • The tuning pins have come loose
  • There’s been a change in the environment, with temperature or humidity conditions affecting the piano
  • You’ve moved your piano
  • You’ve been playing your piano more. 
  • You haven’t tuned your piano in years

Tuning a piano isn’t like tuning a guitar. Each of the 230 strings can hold up to 200 pounds of pressure. Combined, that’s close to 22 tons of pressure. And because of their close proximity and dependability on each other for sound, one change can have a significant impact on the overall playability of your piano. 

If you haven’t scheduled a piano tuning in a while, now is the time. Contact us today, we can help you keep your piano sounding great for life. 

Filed Under: Piano Playing Tagged With:
21 February 2020 Why Consider A Piano Appraisal

Why Consider A Piano Appraisal

posted by

A piano isn’t like other instruments. A piano is an investment in your future. 

When you take the time to find the right piano for your needs, it involves a variety of steps and thought processes. While you may be just starting out and looking for your first piano, you still want something that will last for years. That means finding a piano that sounds good and has playability for years to come. 

To get the right piano, it takes time to find the best one. It can also take quite a lot of money. 

  • If you’re ready to sell, how much is your piano worth?
  • If you’re ready to buy, are you getting a piano worth the price tag? 
  • If you’re insuring a piano, do you know how much it’s really worth? 
  • If you’re trading up for a better piano, are you making a fair trade?

For all of these reasons and more, it might be time to consider a piano appraisal. 

Having a piano appraisal can be a good thing for all parties involved. 

For the seller, a piano appraisal can:

  • Show a buyer you’re serious about being transparent on how much a piano is worth
  • Find the fair market value of the piano
  • Provides an overview for all the technical questions a buyer might ask – this can be especially helpful if you’re not knowledgeable about the inner workings of a piano

For a buyer, a piano appraisal can:

  • Help you ensure you’re getting the quality piano you’re buying
  • Verifying the current market value is what you’re paying
  • Understand the quality to have a better idea of what maintenance you’ll have in the future

You’re ready for a piano assessment if:

  • You want to determine how old your piano is
  • You need advice on whether to sell, refurbish, or dispose of your piano
  • You want to know how much it will cost to rebuild your piano
  • You want to determine the fair market value to insure your piano
  • You’re thinking of selling or trading your current piano in

No matter where you are in your piano buying or selling process, we’re here for you. Give us a call today. 

Filed Under: Owning a Piano Tagged With:
18 February 2020 The Benefit To Learning Piano With Headphones

The Benefit To Learning Piano With Headphones

posted by

When people pick up an instrument for the first time, it can be a precarious thing. We’ve all witnessed a child blowing into a trumpet, or banging on a drum until we’re ready to take the set away. 

But a piano is different. We all have an innate skill to hunt and peck out a basic tune. Tap a few keys and it doesn’t sound all that bad. Of course, that all changes when you sit down with a piece of music and attempt to play a longer song. Suddenly, the hunt and peck method shines through. You play a few notes over and over and over … Let’s just say your family is ready to push the piano into a closet and not let you near it for a while. 

Thanks to today’s technology, you can sit in the middle of family living space and play without others having to listen to your hunt-and-peck practice methods, until you’re ready to play the tune for an audience. By learning piano with headphones, you can actually improve the way you practice and play. 

Listen better

Sometimes playing the piano can be a bit distracting. It’s hard to hear yourself play because of the ambient noise. Use headphones will allow you to hear every note, every tone. You can also use them for playback and carefully listen to where you can improve. 

Avoid distractions

Even when you’re sitting in your home, distractions are everywhere. Family members ask questions. You remember something else to do in another room. By putting on headphones, they can act as a blocker against what’s happening around you, allowing you to focus on practice and the music. 

Play on your schedule

A lot of busy families have trouble finding the time to practice. With headphones, you won’t make a sound, so you can practice whenever you choose. Practice while others are doing homework. Practice early before everyone wakes up. Or practice before you head to bed. Just plug in and you can practice as much as you want to. 

Listen to the greats

Sometimes motivation can help you become a better player. If you’re trying to learn Mozart or Beethoven, use your headphones to listen to every note. You can concentrate on certain passages, and then use that as motivation to create your own music. 

Of course, you’ll have to invest in high quality headphones. In this case, price does matter. Be sure they are full-sized, over the ear headphones to ensure they block out all ambient noise, and allow you to focus on only what’s important – you’re playing. 

Have you ever tried learning piano with headphones? Has it made you a better player?

Filed Under: Piano Lessons, Piano Playing Tagged With:
14 February 2020 Why Tone Quality Matters When Buying A New Piano

Why Tone Quality Matters When Buying A New Piano

posted by

Are you thinking of buying a new piano? What should you look for?

If this is your first purchase, it’s easy to start with the basics. Things like:

Location – where you’ll place the piano determines how large the piano can be

Color – piano color or stain will ultimately match your decor

Cost – price is always a factor

But to a pianist, there is one more thing you should consider when starting the hunt for the right piano for you … tone quality. 

Tone is how your piano sounds. It’s the voice of the instrument. It’s the sound that the piano makes every time you strike the keys. 

Even the most accomplished musician in the world can’t create beautiful music if the instrument doesn’t cooperate. Imagine sitting in one of the greatest music halls in the world and the pianist strikes a key horribly out of tune. You’d notice it immediately. The same applies to tone. Why play something that sounds tinny instead of robust? 

Tone quality is impacted ultimately by three things:

Physical factors

This includes everything your piano is made from. The wood used for the soundboard. The quality of the strings. How the action was designed. The quality of the wood on everything from hammers to the body of the piano. It also depends on the make and model, and how much care was put into it at the time of production. An upright will sound differently than a grand. A mass production will sound differently than a hand built piano. 

Placement

Have you ever wondered why concert halls are built the way they are? It’s to maximize the musical experience. If you’ve ever noticed your favorite song sounds different in your car versus on your stereo at home, you’ve also seen placement at work. When you shop for a new piano, they will ask you where you’ll place it once it arrives at your home. A small alcove will keep the tone smaller compared with placing a piano in a large music room. Furniture, drapery, wall coverings, artwork – it all can impact the sound. And that can give you a richer experience while you play. 

Care

Tone quality is also impacted by the way you care for your piano over the years. Do you tune it regularly? Is the room properly conditioned? Is there enough humidity? Is it impacted by drafts or heated air? Pianos aren’t like other pieces of furniture. Because of the thousands of tiny parts inside, it’s important to ensure it’s cared for properly from the moment it’s delivered to your home. 

Are you in the market for a new piano? Pay attention to tone quality. It will ensure you enjoy playing for years to come. 

Filed Under: Buying a Piano Tagged With:
12 February 2020 5 Unusual Things To Consider When Buying A Used Piano

5 Unusual Things To Consider When Buying A Used Piano

posted by

Buying a used piano doesn’t mean you have to scour online resources to find a good deal. When you buy from independent sellers, you’re always taking a risk. 

  • You have nothing to compare it to
  • They don’t offer any type of guarantees
  • They won’t tell you the history
  • Are you really getting a fair price?
  • Is it something that will give you playability for years to come?

Luckily, there are a few unusual things you can look for that will ensure you are purchasing a high quality piano. 

Look for the serial number

You’ve probably grown accustomed to looking for VIN numbers when you buy a used car. You can use it to find out all kinds of information about its history, including if it’s been in a wreck. While pianos aren’t tracked in the same manner as a car, the serial number can tell you its age. If you can’t find it, it’s a good indication someone is trying to hide its history. It may have been a less-than-stellar refurbishing job, or simply a homeowner trying to do the work themselves. 

Ask for tuning records

If an independent owner has had the piano in their home for years, they should be more than willing to share their maintenance schedule with you. How often has the piano been tuned? What work has the piano technician performed over the years? It can also help you continue the schedule, and maybe even point you in the direction of the technician who already understands the nuances of the piano you’re buying. 

Play every note

People naturally gravitate to middle C. They may place their hands on it and run through a scale or two. But what about the other keys? Sit down and run through all of them. Play them all one at a time and listen to the tone they create. Do you hear a clue that it’s in anything but stellar condition? You should also run through all the keys while pressing the right pedal to check the repetition. 

Integrity

Do a thorough walk-thru of the entire piano, inside and out. Look for small cracks in the structure. Look for missing pieces on the inside. Look for varying qualities of artistry, which can tell you it’s been rebuilt by someone who didn’t understand quality. Even if you don’t understand the workings of a piano, you can usually pick out differences in quality. 

Bring a technician with you

Depending on the price tag of your purchase, it might be a good idea to bring a piano technician with you. They may see things you won’t. It also gives them an opportunity to assess how well a piano has been cared for over the years, and what it would take to keep it that way in the future. 

Are you ready to buy a used piano? Do it the right way and you’ll ensure an instrument you’ll love to play for years to come. 

Filed Under: Buying a Piano Tagged With:
« Previous Page
Next Page »