30 December 2019 Should You Buy a Piano Ready To Restore?

Should You Buy a Piano Ready To Restore?

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Sometimes, looking around at new pianos just doesn’t provide the experience you’re looking for. Sure, they look nice. Beautiful in every way. 

But you want something … different. 

Maybe you should buy a piano ready to restore. 

Pianos are unique in that with some manufacturers and models, they have the ability to increase in value over time. Because they were built in a bygone era using materials that quite often are no longer available, they can have more value today. 

Imagine owning a piano played by some of the greatest musicians of the past century. 

Or how about owning an instrument that sat in one of the greatest concert halls in the world?

If you choose to buy a piano ready to restore, it’s more than selecting one that looks good sitting on the showroom floor. Instead, it’s about finding one that has a story to tell, and then bringing it back to life to sit proudly in your home for years to come. 

The first step is defining your goals. What are you looking for in a piano? Where will it be on display? What’s your budget? From there, we can find a piano perfect for your needs. 

Then you can be a part of the restoration process. Pick your favorite stain color, light, medium, or dark. Prefer a color? Black, white, or somewhere in between. In some cases, you can choose nickel or brass hardware to accent the final look. 

Not only was the piano a work of art before restoration, but it also gained uniqueness by having you be a part of the process. It will truly be something you’ll be proud to put on display in your home, and love for years to come. 

Filed Under: Buying a Piano Tagged With: ,
24 December 2019 Will All Piano Dealers Say The Same Thing About Rebuilding a Piano?

Will All Piano Dealers Say The Same Thing About Rebuilding a Piano?

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Sometimes the best piano to put on display in your home is one you already have access to. 

“My mom has a piano she’d like to give to me. My kids are old enough to start playing, and I’d love to play again too. It was my grandmother’s before her, so it has a lot of sentimental value. But the keys sometimes stick, the finish is wearing, and depending on what note you hit, it’s wildly out of tune. Is there hope for it? Or should I just buy a new one?”

We get questions like this frequently. We also realize that if you ask a dozen different piano dealers the same question, you’re likely to get a dozen different answers. 

A lot of it stems from what the dealer specializes in. If they’re in business to sell pianos, they are going to push you towards buying new. That’s where they make their money, and they don’t want to lose a sale. 

That’s why it’s in your best interest to do your own research. Talk with a variety of piano specialists. Do you have someone who has tuned the piano before? They are often a great resource for the quality of your piano, and can give you a better idea of what’s possible if you choose to rebuild. 

Also, evaluate the condition of your piano. If it was neglected, how? There’s a big difference between a piano that has sat in the corner untuned for a few years, compared to one that’s been tucked into a basement and has sustained water damage. If it has been subjected to the elements for an extended time period, it probably is beyond repair. 

The best place to start when considering your options is to ask. Then ask again. If you start hearing a similar answer from multiple people, you can use that to determine the right steps to take. 

Have a question about rebuilding your piano? We’re here to help. Give us a call today. 

Filed Under: Piano Renovation Tagged With:
21 December 2019 How To Purchase The Perfect Church Piano

How To Purchase The Perfect Church Piano

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If you have any experience with purchasing a church piano, you know every piano is different. Defining your goals is important before you make your final decision. 

For example, the piano you place in a practice room wouldn’t have the same requirements as one you place on a stage. If you’ll be using it in a classroom of kids, it has different requirements than one you’ll be accompanying the choir. 

Your first step is to define your goals clearly. What do you need the piano for? 

  • Will it be kept in one place?
  • Will it be moved around?
  • Who will use it?
  • Who will listen to it?
  • Who will play it?

As you budget for replacing a current piano or adding a new one, don’t discount the value of used pianos. This isn’t about finding one off of Craigslist. Instead, it’s about working with a reputable dealer who can help you discover your needs. 

This is often why restored pianos can be a great purchase. Pianos of yesteryear were built to last. In many cases, the fact that they still are high-quality and in-demand today speaks volumes. And when they are fully restored to their best condition, their sound and tonal quality can often far exceed what you could purchase new for today. 

Which brings us to another question for you. Do you have a scratched, worn out piano in the basement you’ve been thinking about getting rid of? What if it could be brought back to life once again? 

Many of these older pianos are actually diamonds in the rough. Because you have experience with this piano, you know how well it’s been treated over the years. If it was a high-quality instrument in the first place, chances are through restoration, it can be brought back to great condition once again. 

Are you looking to purchase a high-quality piano for your church? Don’t start by looking at pianos, begin by considering your needs. Give us a call and we can help you determine what’s best for your needs, and help you find the right piano for your church. 

Filed Under: Buying a Piano Tagged With: ,
17 December 2019 Understanding The Three R’s of Piano Restoration

Understanding The Three R’s of Piano Restoration

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In every industry, it’s important to know the “speak”. It’s the only way you’ll ensure you get the service you desire. 

In the piano industry, for instance, you’ll often hear the term “piano restoration” used quite a bit. But what you may not know is that “piano restoration” can mean a variety of things, depending on the company you’re trying to do business with. The more you know about this process, the greater understanding you’ll have when trying to get the service you desire. 

Let’s say you’re trying to buy a used piano and the owner tells you it’s been reconditioned. What does that mean? Of maybe a dealer offers repair service? What does that entail? 

Keep in mind that there aren’t clear definitions of the concept of piano restoration. But in general, you’ll find three terms used frequently:

Repair

Repair to a piano usually means fixing isolated problems. It might be a key is broken or a string is missing. There aren’t time-consuming fixes that will keep your piano away for weeks. And in most cases, it’s an isolated issue that can be fixed quickly. It doesn’t involve upgrading the condition of the piano as much as it means fixing a specific problem. 

Reconditioning

Reconditioning a piano refers to bringing a piano back to good working condition while leaving the piano intact as much as possible. Instead of replacing parts, they will be reconditioned so they work at their best. Hammers might be resurfaced rather than replaced. Strings will be retwisted to improve their tone. While replacement will be made as a last resort, all items will try and be fixed to keep the piano in its original condition. 

Rebuilding

Of the three levels of restoration, this is the most complicated and time consuming. Rebuilding means bringing the piano back to factory-new condition, no matter what it takes. And in most cases, the work is extensive. 

It can mean replacing hammers and strings. It can mean replacing the soundboard in the action. It can mean replacing damper felts and restringing strings. It all depends on the needs of the instrument and the amount of money available to be spent on the process. It also depends on the worth of the piano – rebuilding it beyond its original value doesn’t make sense. 

Whether you’re buying a used piano, or considering having work performed on your existing piano, knowing the right terms can help you decide the best approach to piano restoration. 

Filed Under: Piano Renovation Tagged With:
13 December 2019 Is A New Piano Better Than A Used One?

Is A New Piano Better Than A Used One?

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If you’re in the market for a piano, where should you start? Is a new piano better than a used one? Should you look in the classifieds or focus on working with a dealer?

It should come as no surprise to you that fewer people these days play an instrument. All you have to do is look at the school system to determine that. Where every child once learned music in some fashion, with today’s focus on STEM and sports, music has been pushed aside to be an extracurricular activity. 

For many homeowners, the thought of having a piano sitting in their homes is for one of three reasons. Some play, and want a great sounding piano available whenever they have time. Others have a desire to play, and hold onto a piano for the day they have more time. Finally, the last category is people that purchase pianos for aesthetics instead of playability. They want a piano as a piece of furniture, they want it to add to the looks of their homes. Playability is mostly a moot point. 

If you’re in the market for a new piano, your first question should be: why do I want a piano? Is it to play it? Is it to grow as a pianist? Is it to start up a new hobby? Or is it merely to have a piece of furniture on display?

And finally, how important is sound? Because the world of manufacturing has changed considerably over the past couple of generations. 

For many piano manufacturers, pride comes from the way the instrument performs. They build it by hand. They focus on tonal quality, ensuring every note makes beautiful music. 

But because there is a marketplace for every want and desire, China has now entered piano making too. They cater to “entry level”, focusing on giving you a low price for an instrument that looks good sitting in your home. Unfortunately, looks aren’t everything. If you want a high quality instrument that lasts for years, you might not find it in this new wave of pianos. 

Is a new piano better than an old one? Not necessarily. 

Why are you in the market for a piano in the first place? If you want one to play, it might be better to shop used. 

We have a complete selection of used pianos, made with high quality standards and skill. The only way to find the perfect instrument is to stop by, look and hear what each sounds like. We can help you make the right selection for your home. 

Filed Under: Buying a Piano Tagged With:
9 December 2019 Are There Standards In The Piano Restoration Industry?

Are There Standards In The Piano Restoration Industry?

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In many industries, standards and codes exist to ensure technicians in the field meet certain requirements before they can go into business. Plumbers, HVAC, electricians, even mechanics all have standards to protect consumers from unscrupulous behavior. 

Not in the piano restoration industry. If you have the desire to work in the piano restoration industry, all you have to do is open up a business according to state laws, and you can begin marketing your services to the general public immediately. 

There is the Piano Technicians Guild, which is a source of expertise within the piano service and technology fields. To join, you fill out the application and pay a fee. Testing is only required if you choose to earn the Registered Piano Technician accreditation. This means many who choose to use the Piano Technicians Guild logo can do so simply by writing a check. 

Hobbyists often decide to move into the piano restoration industry because it can be very lucrative. Depending on the piano project, it can be worth tens of thousands of dollars to rebuild a piano. 

There are over 12,000 moving parts on a piano, all working together to create sound. That’s a lot of parts!

Now imagine a less than scrupulous piano rebuilder does not have the exact part he’s looking for. Will he make substitutions? 

How will you ever know?

Like any industry, if you want something done the right way, it’s important to do your research before you sign on the dotted line. 

Ask questions before you hire a refurbisher. Do a little research online to determine their reputation. Only hire them after you’re comfortable with their skills. 

It’s the only way you’ll ensure quality throughout the project. 

Filed Under: Piano Renovation, Piano Restoration Tagged With:
7 December 2019 If You Don’t Live In Memphis, Is It Worth Buying and Shipping A Piano To Your Home?

If You Don’t Live In Memphis, Is It Worth Buying and Shipping A Piano To Your Home?

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For some people, playing the piano is more than just a hobby. It’s a central part of their lives. 

Does that describe your relationship with your piano? 

Does it sit center stage in your family room? Have your kids all learned to play? Do you sit down at the keyboard to lose a little stress? Does your entire family gather around for sing-a-longs on a regular basis? 

Piano isn’t just a hobby. It’s a way of life for some people. 

But maybe you’ve upgraded your home, and you’ve decided it’s time to upgrade your piano as well. 

As much as you’ve loved your starter piano, it’s time for something grander. Possibly a baby grand. You’ve always pictured a sleek baby grand becoming the center of your new music library. 

Who do you trust? 

Thanks to the internet, you can do as much research as you want. You can find individuals trying to sell off their own pianos. You can find dealers in your local area, promising they can make you a deal and get you the piano of your dreams. Who do you trust?

If you don’t live in Memphis, why would you even look at a piano dealer who resides in Memphis? Shouldn’t you look a little closer to home? 

Maybe not. We’ve been in the business for decades. We don’t just know a thing or two about pianos; we live it, breathe it. We can help you find the right new piano, or hunt for the perfect used or vintage piano to suit your needs. Moving – we offer moving services. In need of piano tuning or restoration services? We can help there too. And if you have the perfect piano in mind – you know exactly what make or model you’re looking for – we can help locate it and ship it to you, no matter where you are. 

Our business is pianos. You don’t have to be in Memphis to take advantage of our superior customer service. Just call; we’re ready to help you today. 

Filed Under: Owning a Piano Tagged With:
4 December 2019 Is A Piano Ever Beyond Repair?

Is A Piano Ever Beyond Repair?

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You love your piano. It’s been in your family for generations. 

Maybe it’s just been passed down to you. You’ve made a special spot in your home for it. You picture your kids learning how to play, or maybe the family gathered around while you sing Christmas carols late into the night. 

Your grandma cared for it. Your mom maintained it the best she could. Now it’s your turn. 

But when you tap a few keys, something isn’t quite right. Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So … and there it is. A note that’s completely out of tune. 

And when you continue up the scales, you hit a note that doesn’t play at all. No sound. Even the key sticks, and needs a little tapping to make it come back up. 

The outside could use a little shining up. It’s scratched. The finish has worn off in places and is reduced to a dull color that’s almost lifeless. 

You had hopes of it taking center stage in your family room. Now you just aren’t sure. No matter how much you love your family heirloom, maybe it would be better if you invested in a new piano. Even some of the local dealers have suggested it. Is it true?

Here’s the thing. You’d be amazed at how many times some dealers tell you the only way to get a high quality piano is to purchase a new one; repairing a piano and refurbishing it back to its original condition isn’t an option. It’s too far gone, they say. 

If a dealer doesn’t also offer refurbishing, a lot of times they’ll push you towards purchasing a new piano because that’s where they make money. They have the best intentions. And to be fair, in some cases, a piano can’t be saved. If it has extensive water damage, for example, it’s probably beyond repair. 

If a piano is well loved, has been in a family for generations, and just needs a little TLC to bring it back to life, it’s possible. 

A new piano sitting on the showroom floor is going to be better than your family heirloom sitting at home, waiting for repair. It will sound better, look better, function better. 

But a piano is rarely beyond repair. With just a little work, it can be restored to all it was. If you have questions about your piano, and what it would take to repair it to create an instrument that looks and sounds brand new, let’s talk. We’re happy to give you a quote and help you discover how to save a piece of history you’ll be proud to play, and act as a caregiver to hand it down to your own kids someday.  

Filed Under: Piano Renovation, Piano Restoration Tagged With:
28 November 2019 Creative Ways To Surprise Your Family With A Piano Under The Tree

Creative Ways To Surprise Your Family With A Piano Under The Tree

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Want to surprise your family with a piano for the holidays? Here are some creative ways to surprise your family with a piano under the tree. 

Every year, you load gifts under the tree in hopes of creating the perfect surprise. Some gifts are forgotten almost as quickly as they are received. Many are returned. More are used for a bit before given away. 

If you’re looking for the perfect gift you’ll keep on using for years to come, why not wrap up a piano this holiday season? 

Yet we realize how difficult it can be to bring home a piano and tuck it under the tree. Still, what could be more fun than giving the gift that keeps on giving? We have some creative ways to give a piano under the tree and surprise your loved one on Christmas morning. 

Wrap The Box

Pianos come in a very large box. However, you don’t usually see it because you purchase a piano directly off our showroom floor. When we deliver it, it’s set up and ready to go. But we do keep a few cardboard boxes in the back – just ask, and we’re happy to tuck one into your truck for you to take home and wrap. It’ll be the perfect way to keep your recipient guessing all season long. 

Wrap The Piano Lid Key

Almost every acoustic piano comes with a key that locks the lid over the piano keys. Wrap up this key in a tiny box and decorate it with pretty paper. You can include a photo or a letter describing what it’s for. If your piano is already in place in another part of your home, create a scavenger hunt for the recipient to find it. 

Wrap A Piano Ornament

If you do a little searching, you can find a Christmas ornament shaped like a piano. Wrap it up with a special note about how they’ll be able to create their own music with their own piano – delivered right after the holidays!

Sheet Music

Instead of wrapping the piano, buy a selection of sheet music and place that in the box. Make sure it’s an appropriate skill level for whoever will be playing the piano. 

Piano Lessons

Will the recipient need piano lessons too? Provide a gift card and wrap that up. This gives them a chance to get started playing right after the holidays. 

Wrap The Bench

Instead of wrapping the entire piano, wrap the bench instead. You can keep it in the box, or wrap it out of the box to keep them guessing. You can include a photo of the piano too if it’ll be delivered after the holidays. 

Filed Under: Buying a Piano Tagged With:
24 November 2019 Keeping Up With Piano Practice Over The Holiday Season

Keeping Up With Piano Practice Over The Holiday Season

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year … 

It’s also one of the busiest times of the year. 

If you’re having trouble finding the time to fit everything in between parties and activities and dinners, don’t let piano practice be the one activity that takes the hit. It’s easy to push piano practice aside, figuring it can wait until the new year when things return to normal. 

And while kids need a break from the same old routine, stepping away from the piano means a lot of the work they’ve done up until this point will be forgotten and disappear. 

Instead of taking a breather from playing the piano, change up the routine over the holidays instead. You can change the way your child practices the piano by doing these four things instead. 

Encourage mini recitals and sing-a-longs

Have you ever noticed you do more singing around the holidays? That’s because the most well-loved songs come out and become a part of our daily lives. Have your child work up a selection of music appropriate for their skill level. Then have them either play it in mini recital format, or create a family sing-a-long. Either way, it’s a great way to have your child show off their skills. 

Surprise your piano teacher

While you might want to give your piano teacher a special gift for the holidays, what they’d like even more is if you surprise them with a new song on the day of the first lesson after the holidays. Work ahead in your practice book, or find sheet music of a song you love. 

Download a new app

When was the last time you looked in the app store for piano apps? You might be surprised at the number of new apps that have been added. Help your child select a new app – find a game that helps them practice, or an app that lets them create their own music. You’re sure to find something that keeps their creative juices flowing. 

Go shopping for new music together

It’s easy to stick with the piano lesson books assigned by your piano teacher. But when was the last time you browsed through the available sheet music at your favorite music store? Let your child select a few songs appropriate for their skill level, and let them work on something new during the holidays. 

Filed Under: Piano Playing Tagged With:
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