10 October 2019 Why You Should Consider A Silent Piano

Why You Should Consider A Silent Piano

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Playing the piano in a busy household can sometimes be a problem. More people quit the piano because – “I don’t have time to play.”

It’s not necessarily they are too busy and are never home to sit down in play. Instead, it comes down to having the time to practice when no one else is around. 

Practicing the piano isn’t like turning up your audio equipment and listening to some music. 

Practice is choppy – you play slowly trying to master the tune. 

Practice is repetitious – you might practice the same line over and over again. 

Practice is boring – from the outside, it can be quite tedious listening to someone practice. Scales, short stanzas, and simple tunes aren’t always exciting for people listening. 

Especially if those family members have an agenda of their own. 

Ever had each of your kids trying to do something at the same time? One can’t concentrate on getting homework done while the other is practicing. 

That’s why digital pianos are popular. You can plug in headphones and only the person wearing them will hear. 

But there is another way. The silent piano is still an acoustic piano, but it has the possibility of muting the sound enough where only the person wearing headphones can here. 

That’s perfect for homework sessions, or if you feel like practicing in the middle of the night. 

You can usually pick out silent pianos in two ways if you visit a showroom floor. 

Look for the acoustic piano with a headphone lying nearby. 

Look for the acoustic piano with a console attached underneath the keyboard either on the right or left hand side. It will give you access to plugin a headphone jack with an audio-out option. 

This is made possible by having the console producing sound digitally when the silent piano mode is used. Because the samples are produced using a high-quality acoustic piano, it will sound similar to when you play without the silent mode. Signals are used to go between the two units, so as you touch the keys on the keyboard, it calculates what sound to produce in silent mode. 

These units also allow you to record your performance, which can be a great way of critiquing your practice sessions from time to time. 

Is a silent piano the right choice for you? 

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7 October 2019 Do I Need a Professional Piano Mover?

Do I Need a Professional Piano Mover?

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One look at a piano should be all it takes to realize it’s not like moving other pieces of furniture. Whether its an upright or a grand, these items are big, bulky, and heavy. One slip up can spell disaster. 

Consider the fact that an average piano weighs anywhere from 300 to 1,000 pounds or more. Now, look at how that weight is distributed. Depending on the make and model, it can easily be worth multiple thousands of dollars. This isn’t something you want to trust to the average mover. It takes extreme care, so it’s handled in the right way. If you have a piano you care for, you need to invest in a professional piano mover. 

Professional movers do a lot of things before they ever walk into your home. 

They have the right tools for the job. They use blankets for proper coverage and protection. They use tape to ensure protection stays in place. They use dollies capable of handling a piano’s weight. These use skid boards to ensure a piano stays in place. They use straps to help them with the move. 

They also use the right amount of people. Often, this isn’t a two person job. Depending on the size of your piano, multiple people are needed to ensure it moves easily from the room, through doorways, around corners, and up or down stairs. 

They also know to ensure they have a clear path before they ever lift a finger. Will the piano fit properly through doorways and around corners? We’ve seen many do-it-yourselfers get stuck because they try and shove a piano where it won’t go. 

They also know that many parts of a piano are delicate by nature. The thin, decorative legs can easily snap off. The pedals are easily damaged. All of this should be removed and well protected. 

Once complete, it’s also vital to ensure everything is back in working condition. That means re-tuning it and cleaning it to make sure it’s in top shape. 

If you’re moving and you want some advice, give us a call today. We can help you make your move successfully, with your piano being in as good of shape at your final destination as before you moved. 

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3 October 2019 5 Piano Care Tips

5 Piano Care Tips

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A piano isn’t a quick purchase. It’s something you take time to weigh your options, and select the right one for your needs. Select carefully, and it can bring a lifetime of enjoyment. 

Of course, once you bring it into your home, there are a few piano care tips that will ensure it stays in the best shape possible. Do these few things regularly, and you’ll increase the playability, giving you enjoyment year after year. 

Piano Care Tip #1 Location

Before you ever bring your piano home from the dealer, it’s crucial to select the right place. There are a few things to keep in mind. 

Try to position it on an internal wall, away from windows, vents, and direct sunlight. Each of these can impact your piano in a big way. Sunlight can bleach wood, moisture can creep in and damage the internal structure, and too much heat or cold from registers can warp and further the damage. Pick the right location, and it can bring years of enjoyment. 

Piano Care Tip #2 Cleaning

Like everything in your home, your piano needs cleaning from time to time. However, it’s not like the other furniture items sitting in your home. Avoid chemical cleaners at all costs. They can damage the finish and the internal parts of your piano. Dust it with a feather duster weekly, and use mild soap and water using a well wrung out cloth for difficult spots. 

Piano Care Tip #3 Decorations

Because your piano can take up a lot of space in a home, some people turn it into a collection site. They stack books, place picture frames, or even put plants and other decorations on top. Your piano is built to perform the way it was designed. By placing random objects on it, you’re impacting the tonal quality of the instrument. If you put plants or water glasses on it, you risk damaging it from spills. 

Piano Care Tip #4 Storage and Movement

Pianos aren’t like other pieces of furniture. You can’t stack them into a basement and expect them to continue working. If you need to store a piano while you renovate your home, for example, it’s best if you hire professional piano movers and store it in a place where it can maintain temperature and humidity levels equal to your home. Professional movers are skilled in handling a piano gently, so that it will work correctly when it gets to its final resting place. Experienced movers ensure you won’t have extensive damage when your move is complete. 

Piano Care Tip #5 Tuning

Every piano is a moving, living instrument that changes every day. Playing it impacts it. So does sitting. If you’ve just invested in a new piano, it’s recommended to tune it up to four times in the first year to ensure the strings are properly balanced. If you work with a tuner regularly, they can help you determine the right schedule for your piano, to ensure it’s always playing at its best. 

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28 September 2019 Finding The Perfect Place For My Piano

Finding The Perfect Place For My Piano

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“Just stick it in the corner.” 

“Put it against the wall.”

If you’ve had a piano delivered to your home, you might have uttered a phrase similar to the ones above. But are they the best choices? Where is the perfect place to put a piano? Does it make a difference?

While it may sound like sound vibrates throughout a piano, in truth, it’s created by the soundboard. The soundboard is a large piece of wood that amplifies the vibration of the strings. 

If you were to pluck a string, it wouldn’t create much sound. You wouldn’t get the rich tonal quality you expect every time you strike a key on your piano. That’s why the soundboard is in place.  

Depending on what type of piano you’re playing determines where the soundboard is placed. On an upright, the soundboard sits right in front of you as you play the piano. All sound vibrates back at you. For an upright, the soundboard is lying flat. The sound vibrates up towards the lid before bouncing back out into the environment. 

The upright pushes sound back towards the player, while the grand pushes sound out towards the audience. That’s one of the primary reasons you see grands used in concert settings. 

If you place an upright along the wall, the sound will be flattened by the wall, and bounce back through, possibly into the music rack. That further muffles the sound, making it softer, more closed. 

If you place a grand in the corner, an open lid will bounce sound up, out from the lid, into the wall, and project the sound out into the room. Think of it as a projection system, one that can add greater concentration of sound throughout the room. 

This doesn’t mean a corner is the best choice for piano placement. What it does showcase is placement matters. Be conscious of where you place your piano depending on the results you hope to achieve. 

Walls make a difference. Be conscious of how close you put either uprights or grands in your home. It can significantly impact sound quality. 

Be careful if you have drapes or rugs nearby as they can further deaden sound. 

If you have further questions on creating the perfect music room, just ask. We’re here to help with all of your piano needs. 

Filed Under: Owning a Piano, Piano Playing Tagged With:
23 September 2019 The Science Behind Learning The Piano

The Science Behind Learning The Piano

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Why do you play the piano? Ask dozens of students and they’ll all give you different reasons. For fun. For enjoyment. For skill. Possibly even for a career. 

What’s more, learning the piano can ensure a lifelong skill. Unlike sports or other activities, piano is something you can enjoy and take part in for the rest of your life. And there’s further reason to so. According to many studies, there are many benefits of learning to play the piano

It increases brain processing

As we age, the ability to process usually slows down. Some studies show that if you continue to be active in playing the piano, the process doesn’t occur as fast. Playing the piano can also help slow memory loss, giving you the ability to continue to work through complex problems much longer in life. 

It helps with comprehension

Have you heard that musicians are better at math? There’s scientific evidence proving it. If you’ve heard of “The Mozart Effect”, it showed that even listening to Mozart for ten minutes before performing specific tasks can increase a wide variety of skills, including comprehension. A great reason to put classical music on while you study or attempt to solve problems. 

It helps with coordination

If you’ve ever sat down at the piano for even a moment, you know it takes a lot of concentration to put every action together. Both hands touch different notes, while your eyes focus on reading sheet music. That means every time you sit down you’re working at controlling both hand and eye coordination. 

Learning the piano no matter what your age can give you a lifetime of enjoyment. It’s something you can play, listen to, and enjoy for many years to come. 

Are you ready to learn the piano? Get started by finding the perfect piano for your home. Stop by today and see our full selection of acoustic and digital pianos. There’s a perfect one waiting for you. 

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21 September 2019 Want To Install a Player System On Your Piano?

Want To Install a Player System On Your Piano?

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For many piano players, playing the piano is only part of what they enjoy; the other is listening to a favorite composition or piece of music. And while you can always pop a CD into your music system, or tune into your favorite channel on Spotify, why not restore your piano to include a player system? 

Installing a player system on your piano can give your piano new life. It can put your piano on display, and keep it active and healthy while you enjoy the music you’ve grown to love. 

The first step is to evaluate player systems. Each system comes with its own array of add-on components and abilities. They can range in price and offer a variety of functionalities, depending on your ultimate desire. 

They can include things like:

  • Large music libraries
  • Recording features
  • Playlist functionality
  • iPad interfaces
  • Ability to incorporate other instruments into the mix

If you want to install a player system on your piano, the best way to approach it is during the restoration process. That way, it’s fully integrated with new parts and new systems, and will be an investment you grow to love for years to come. 

Are you ready to update your piano with a player system? 

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17 September 2019 7 Things You Should Know About Piano Restoration

7 Things You Should Know About Piano Restoration

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You’ve had your piano in your home for years. It has history. It’s been with you through many years of playing. 

But now you’re thinking about something new – something more better suited for the way you play. Should you buy a new piano? Or should you think about piano restoration? Here are a few things to consider. 

Restoration can be less expensive than new

A lot of clients who consider restoration have a piano with significant value. A Steinway piano, for example, holds its value well over time. It can be far less to work with a restoration team and replace worn out parts and refinish the exterior to look brand new. 

Restoring can add as much as 70 years of life to your piano

Pianos aren’t something that wear out quickly. If you invest in a high-quality piano, it can be with you for decades. That’s why it’s often better to restore a high-quality piano that needs a little work than to try and trade in for the same quality with a new. Restore it once, and it may be with you for life. 

Restoring can change the look

Just because you’re restoring your old piano doesn’t mean it has to stay looking the way it has in the past. One of the easiest things to change is the look. Want a high gloss finish instead of natural wood? Looking for a particular color or stain? Restoring can give you exactly what you want. 

Not all pianos are worth restoring

Some pianos are handmade, others are mass-produced. Depending on the make and model of your piano can help you determine whether it’s worth restoring. Give us a call; it’s the best way to start the process of determining the right step for you. 

The restoration process isn’t the same for every piano

A piano has thousands of parts that work in detail together. Depending on the restoration process needed will determine how long it takes to complete the project. It’s not unheard of for a start-to-finish process to take up to 6 months. 

You will have to hire a mover both ways

It’s important to get your piano to and from the restoration shop in a safe manner. That means hiring a qualified mover to ensure it’s safely delivered from one place to another. We can help you with this too. 

Restoration adds value to your piano

If you already have a high valued piano, restoring it will only increase its value. Proper restoration takes into account the brand, the parts, and restores each piece to its original condition. It reuses existing parts whenever possible. And when it’s finished, your work of art will be even more beautiful. One you’ll be proud to display for many years to come. 

Filed Under: Piano Renovation, Piano Restoration Tagged With:
13 September 2019 Creating A Music Room Around Your Piano

Creating A Music Room Around Your Piano

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Decorating your home is one of the most fun projects you’ll take on. This is where you add your personality. This is how you create a space you’ll love to come home to each night. 

For piano lovers, you don’t want to push your piano into the corner – out of sight, out of mind. Instead, if you’re like a lot of piano lovers, you’ll want to put your piano on display, front and center. 

No matter how big or small your home is, we have some tips for you to keep in mind while creating your music room. 

First, decide where your piano will go

This may sound like an obvious step, but sometimes your ideal space doesn’t match what’s best for the piano. Pianos are more than furniture; they are working ever-changing instruments that need care to keep them in the best playing condition possible. If you’re considering a room, and have a spot picked out, consider these factors:

  • How much foot traffic the area sees – will placing a piano here change the flow of the room? The home?
  • The climate – does the area receive direct sunlight? Does it have vents or registers where heat and cool air will impact the wood?
  • Is this the perfect place for practice, playing, and enjoying? Pianos add ambiance to any room; just ensure everyone in the home will enjoy it. 

Second, put your piano front and center for full enjoyment

Many homeowners tuck their pianos into a corner and forget about them. It’s not much fun to practice in a dark, dingy corner. And the more of an afterthought your piano comes, the more you’ll begin to place other things around it – stacks of books, pile papers on the bench, place knick knacks on the top of the piano. For that reason, we suggest making your piano center of attention for maximum enjoyment. 

Create open space around it for other people to join in. You can place other instruments nearby – guitar, violin, even small instruments like drums and flutes. This is a way to get the entire family playing together. 

You don’t have to leave your piano in traditional stains or colors. Some of the most functional music rooms put brightly colored pianos center stage. Red, yellow, blue, green, or white, if you make it a part of your room, you’re more likely to use it. 

How have you decorated your music room to make it the most used room in your home? 

Filed Under: Owning a Piano Tagged With:
10 September 2019 An Easy Way To Find The Serial Number On Any Piano

An Easy Way To Find The Serial Number On Any Piano

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Want to find out how much your piano is worth? The best place to start is by finding the serial number on your piano. This number is unique to every piano created. Think of it as the VIN number of the piano world. 

However, finding it is another story. Your piano is large, with thousands of tiny parts inside and out. The serial number is small. In most cases, serial numbers are seven or fewer characters, mostly numbers, but occasionally you’ll find letters too. 

Not every manufacturer puts the serial number in the same place. And depending on the make and the model, even that’s changed over time. 

Grand Piano

With a grand piano, the serial number can be placed in numerous areas. 

  • Some may print the serial number on a plaque on the inside of the rim or case
  • Some may stamp the serial number on the soundboard, top or bottom
  • Some may print and adhere a sticker to the back of the piano
  • Some may print the serial number behind the keyslip in front of the keyboard

Depending on the age and condition of your piano, you may have to give the inside of your piano a thorough cleaning to find the numbers. If restoration has occurred before, the numbers could have been covered up by upgrades. 

Upright Piano

Vertical pianos have less space to print the serial number, so it’s usually easier to find. You can usually find it by lifting the lid; look at the gold harp plate, and it’s usually there. If not, take a look:

  • On the top of the lid
  • On either of the side walls
  • On one of the hammers
  • On the back of the piano, often stamped onto the wood

Why is the serial number so important? Because this is the starting point to find out how much value your instrument has. A serial starts by telling you how old the piano is. When you combine this with the make and model, most dealers will instantly be able to tell you its worth. 

Keep in mind that this is the starting point. Care and maintenance also play a big role in value. But if you’re considering selling your piano, or trading up for a better one, finding your serial number is a great place to start. 

Filed Under: Buying a Piano, Owning a Piano Tagged With:
6 September 2019 Selecting The Perfect Grand Piano For Your Home

Selecting The Perfect Grand Piano For Your Home

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Whether you’ve been playing the piano for a lifetime, or have a strong desire to start something new, nothing can compare to owning a grand piano. Yet selecting the perfect grand piano for your home is a big decision. With so many brands and styles on the market, how do you know which one to choose?

Here at Coltharp Piano World, we’ve helped thousands of customers select the right piano for their needs. Finding the right piano is a personal process, but we’ve found there are a few basic things to consider before honing in on your final decision. 

Select The Right Size

It’s easy to get a little overwhelmed by the options when you come in and view our selection. What looks good on the showroom floor might not be the best choice for your home. Grand pianos come in many different sizes:

Small Grand – up to 5 feet

Baby Grand – 5 to 5 ½ feet

Medium Grand – 5’6” to 5’9”

Parlor or Living Room Grand – 5’10” to 6’1”

Semi-Concert or Ballroom Grand – 6’2” to 7 feet

Concert Grand – anything larger than 7 feet

The best size for your home depends on how much space you have for the final piano. 

Select The Right Color

While sound may be everything when purchasing a piano, looks are also important to ensure it fits the style of your home. Color creates mood and aesthetics, and can be considered as traditional, modern, or eclectic. Want a polished classical ebony piano? Or may new age painted to match your interior? There’s a piano for you. You’ll find different woods, including:

  • Mahogany
  • Rosewood
  • Oak
  • Walnut
  • Cherry
  • Maple

Choose satin or polished finishes. Or create your own. 

Select The Right Tone

The size of the grand piano and the soundboard and string length is what ultimately determines the tonal quality of the instrument. The larger the soundboard, the longer the strings, the greater the volume and tonal quality. If sound quality is your utmost priority, move towards the largest piano size possible for your room dimensions. 

Ultimately, sound is determined by size and craftsmanship, so it’s best to spend ample time researching the right manufacturer for your desires. We can help you determine with sound blends well with your expectations, and ensure you make the right purchase for your home. 

What’s the perfect grand piano for your home? With many different makes and models on the market, it can be a difficult decision. If you’re creating a music room in your home, let us help you finalize your decision. 

Filed Under: Buying a Piano Tagged With:
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