23 August 2014 How To Find A Piano Tuning Company In Memphis

How To Find A Piano Tuning Company In Memphis

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When was the last time you had a professional come in and tune your piano?

Piano tuning is necessary to ensure your piano is in top condition. Imagine learning to drive a car if the engine keeps dying at every stop light. Or learning to bake when the oven can only be set to one temperature. Yes, you have access to the right tools, but they aren’t performing in an optimal way. And without optimal performance, you can’t get the results, and your desire to continue with a project quickly goes away.

Learning to play on a piano that is out of tune impedes the experience. It is difficult to play notes that sound just a bit off, or have lingering notes caused by defective hammers and strings.How To Find A Piano Tuning Company In Memphis

When looking for a piano tuner, keep in mind that there are varying levels of expertise. A piano tuner tunes a piano – he tightens or loosens the strings to find the right pitch, so they play the correct tone when struck by the hammer.

A piano technician will tune your piano, but can also provide more skills on an as needed basis. He can regulate, repair or voice your piano so that it sounds and plays its best. Keep in mind that a piano does not need all of these services every time, but depending on age, conditions, and hours played, like anything, it will need work over time. The key is recognizing a problem early and fixing it before it becomes critical.

A repair can include a variety of issues with your piano. Anything from fixing a broken string, to replacing a worn out or broken part would help extend the life of your piano. Pianos need to be played to stay in top condition. And when played, the moving parts can become old, brittle, and crack over time.

Regulating a piano is the process of making sure all moving parts are moving at the same distance at the right time. A properly regulated piano is easier to control, more rewarding to play, and produces a better sound. Which overall helps you become a better player.

Voicing a piano helps it sound its best. Have you ever listened to a choir or an orchestra where one voice is out of tune? It stands out. Pianos are like that too. Each has its own voice, capable of making a variety of sounds and tones. When one part is off, it stands out every time that note is played. With a few simple techniques, the range can be brought back into tune, and once again provide beautiful, quality music that is a joy to play.

With all of these services available and in need to keep your piano at its best, where do you find the ideal person to work on it?

Start by asking the people around you. As a piano player, you probably know other piano players as well. Piano teachers, orchestra members, even local schools all have their pianos tuned and regulated on a regular basis, and would be happy to provide a referral. And if you are here in Memphis, you can also stop by or give us a call at any time. We’ve been in the industry for over 50 years, and are experts at all things piano. Whether you have a simple question, or are in need of a new piano, we can provide you with advice at any time. We love pianos, and look forward to sharing that love with you.

Filed Under: Owning a Piano, Piano Restoration Tagged With: ,
21 August 2014 Why Vertical Piano Maintenance Is Important

Why Vertical Piano Maintenance Is Important

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When buying a piano, you have two choices: a vertical piano or a grand piano. The difference lies in the size of the instrument and the way it is constructed.

A vertical piano is made to save on space. Also known as an upright, it is meant to fit into to tight spaces, lie flush against a wall, and give optimal sound in a condensed format.

All pianos, whether vertical or grand format, need routine maintenance and tuning to keep it in peak performance. One of the benefits of purchasing a vertical piano from a dealer – whether you look at a new or used vertical piano – is you can also use them as a reputable piano technician that will be able to provide regular tunings and maintenance on an as needed basis.Why Vertical Piano Maintenance Is Important

Vertical pianos are different than grand pianos in the way they are constructed. Therefore when hiring a technician, its important to hire someone that works on vertical pianos regularly, as they have their own unique nuances.

Regular tuning is needed as a piano is played, strings and hammers stretch and wear, and the sound changes based on every day circumstances. Care and maintenance depends on where your piano is located and the types of influences it has on a daily basis.

  • Is your home regulated for temperature and humidity?
  • Is the piano subjected to direct sunlight?
  • How often is it played?
  • What conditions does it have within the room itself?

When problems start to arise, it usually begins with the piano’s inner workings … in other words, with the piano’s soundboard.

The soundboard will move due to changes in the humidity of the room, and its really not something that can be changed. Because it’s a moving, working, breathing unit, changes will happen. You can use a humidity control system to keep humidity regulated, but keep in mind that wood will change. And as it changes, the sound will change as well.

Regular maintenance is the key to giving your piano the best care possible. If its been a while since you’ve had your piano tuned or repaired, give us a call today. We can help you maintain your piano’s sound, and provide you with top quality care.

Filed Under: Owning a Piano, Piano Restoration Tagged With: ,
16 August 2014 Safely Restoring Ivory Piano Keys

Safely Restoring Ivory Piano Keys

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One of the things that often makes a piano special is the history behind it. Imagine sitting down to play a piano that once sat in your great grandmothers home. Just knowing that it was used throughout your history as a source of joy and entertainment can easily make you want to display it front and center in your home.

But if you’ve recently remodeled your home, that decades old, maybe even century old piano or more might not have the same appeal as it once did. And in many cases, one of the largest things that makes it stands out is the keys. Who wants the center stage to fall on yellowed and discolored, or possibly even broken piano keys?Safely Restoring Ivory Piano Keys

Ebony and ivory are rare and precious materials. Replacing keys made from both ivory and ebony can be a very difficult, expensive and time consuming process. And in some cases can be altogether impossible.

When in doubt, check in with a professional before you try and restore these precious materials on your own. There is a level of expertise needed to keep them in good condition without doing further damage. Yes, you can’t believe all the home remedies you find through a simple Google search!

First of all, keep in mind that ivory is a very porous material; it doesn’t do well in high moisture situations, and immediate drying is crucial. Too much moisture can cause ivory to malform, and can also allow seepage through to the glue and wood materials underneath.

Because it is a porous material, stains are often much deeper than the surface. Because it will take a little muscle, it will also take more time. It can take several hours to bring an entire piano keyboard back to its pure white levels.

Many sites recommend lemon juice, which does have whitening power. Keep in mind that lemon juice does have acidic properties, which can wear down the ivory over time. Others recommend milk, which is a far better choice because of its calcium and fatty acid. Use sparingly to prevent seepage.

For stubborn stains, you can purchase an ivory scraper. But keep in mind that this is impacting the ivory layers on your keys. If your piano has ivory, chances are its been cleaned and maintained many times over its life, all which impact the quality and the layers of the keys themselves.

If you have any questions about maintaining the keyboard, especially if its made from ebony and ivory, please give us a call. We can help you choose the right materials and processes to bring it back to a condition you love having on display, and one that will give life to your piano for many more years to come.

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13 August 2014 How To Make Piano Recitals More Fun

How To Make Piano Recitals More Fun

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Piano recitals are a great way to showcase all that your students have learned over the past few months. Yet for many, recitals can be a source of frustration and fear.

In all cases, it starts with the instructor, and how you approach recital day. If you make it joyful and full of fun, it will be a day that both your students and their families look forward to and appreciate in many ways.

Looking for a few ways to make it even more fun? We’ve found these tips from many successful instructors throughout our community.How To Make Piano Recitals More Fun

Never Hold The Same Recital Twice

Recitals are always a mixture of young and old, beginning, intermediate and advanced. Which means you’ll always have someone at each level, capable of playing only a few songs at any given time. Your advanced students and families can quickly grow bored if they know they’ll hear the same songs at every recital, so mix it up instead. Mix classical with popular songs. Have duets to help motivate two students with similar skill. Ask if any student plays another instrument in school; they may be willing to add that to the mix as well. Or even focus in on a theme – how about having every student play a song from Les Miserables or Harry Potter? This also gives you a theme for a small party afterwards.

Recitals Can Be Community Events

Recitals are usually held in the instructors location, but they don’t have to be. If you have a community rec center in your neighborhood, why not rent it out for the afternoon and post flyers? Some nursing homes also have large gathering rooms with pianos, and would welcome the opportunity for a performance from players of all ages. Kids always feel great when they play for their families, but it can be equally rewarding to receive praise from others too.

Costumes Are Great

These work well with a theme recital. Instead of putting on your symphony best, have each person dress up like a character from the movies, and play the theme song from the movie. Then you can have parents and family guess who each child is, and even have a contest for the best character.

Piano Request

Instead of having each child play in order to a specific schedule, have a free roaming recital instead. Set up a mini café in which parents, family and friends can stroll through the café and have coffee, tea and dessert. Students can play in any order they choose, and play as often as they wish. Just make sure they are courteous to all, and each student is offered an equal chance at performing. If a student is up to it, they can even take special requests to show off their talents even more.

Involve The Family

Does a student’s mom, dad or grandparent play the piano? Why not let them play a duet together? It will hold special meaning for them and their loved one’s and make the recital even more memorable.

Team Bach vs Team Beethoven

People tend to migrate towards a specific type of music. Divide your students up into equal groups and present based on interests. Presentations should be short, but they should work together to showcase talent and music from one specific composer. Then they compete against each other to see who has the better music … all in fun of course. The key is keeping the audience more engaged, and the students having fun and appreciating music in a new way.

Give Them A Gift

Visit the dollar store or section at your local big box store. You’ll find things year round that you can use as small gift ideas. You can have picture day with the recital and put each student’s picture in an individualized frame. Or have a small craft project that’s music themed and can be completed very quickly at the end of the performance. In some cases you can even find items that will help you carry out a theme – how about Aloha days where everyone wears Hawaiian shirts and drinks from a coconut glass? Use your imagination and have your guests commenting it was the best recital ever!

Filed Under: Owning a Piano, Piano Lessons Tagged With: ,
9 August 2014 Should You Learn On A Piano or a Keyboard?

Should You Learn On A Piano or a Keyboard?

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We hear it time and time again. Parents want to introduce their kids to music, yet aren’t sure if their kids will enjoy it.

“I just want something inexpensive to see if they like it before I move towards a bigger investment.”

So they pick up a random piano through Craigslist, or choose a keyboard on sale at the big box store. This can be a big mistake. Would you start your child out in a basketball camp with a flat ball and sandals on their feet? Of course not. Yet the same applies to the world of music. If they don’t have the proper tool, they won’t be able to enjoy the beginning processes because it will be frustrating at best.Should You Learn On A Piano or a Keyboard?

If you are in the market for a piano to help your kids get started down the path of music, you can do it on a budget. There are many pianos and keyboards available within all price ranges, the key is knowing what’s the best choice for your situation.

Living Arrangements

Start with your current living arrangements. Are you in a small apartment or a large home? Do you want the piano to be available to your child in her room, or a part of the décor in your living space? Will your child be off to college soon, or do you plan on having the piano in your home for decades? Acoustic pianos come in all shapes and sizes, from the smallest of uprights to the largest of grand pianos. Keyboards are meant to be portable and are perfect for those that choose to move them regularly. Only you know which is best for your situation.

Style

If you are starting a small child out on piano for the first time, they may not understand what style is best. The older a child is, the more they can be a part of the process. A digital piano can be a versatile option for those that want to stretch into many types of music, and have access to turn their skills into something more. If they want access to the latest computerized techniques as well as learning to play the piano, digital may be the way to go.

Keyboard

If you are thinking about heading in the direction of a keyboard, keep in mind that there are many sizes and options. An acoustic piano has 88 keys; digital keyboards have several ranges. You can find a keyboard with 88 notes, but 76 or even 61 key models are popular too. You can also choose keyboards that resemble acoustic piano keys – they are weighted for a more realistic experience – or less expensive models will have smaller, thinner keys with a plastic feel. In order to transition between the two and be able to play any piano overall, make sure you choose one with a realistic feel.

The best way to learn about your options and discover the right choice for you is to compare. You can’t do that through a Craigslist ad, but you can by stopping by our store and seeing which is the right choice for you. Stop by today; we’re happy to point you in the right direction.

Filed Under: Buying a Piano, Piano Playing Tagged With: ,
6 August 2014 5 Things You Should Know Before Moving Your Piano

5 Things You Should Know Before Moving Your Piano

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Have you ever witnessed how a furniture mover works? They are very efficient in the way they move. They can lift easier, turn it to make it fit perfectly even through the narrowest of spaces, and pull out a tool or two to make the job even easier.

You hire them because they are efficient at what they do.

Yet no matter how much experience they have moving a large dresser or an extra long couch, doesn’t prepare them for the delicate items that need a little more TLC.

That’s where expert service is needed. And in the case of moving your piano, anyone but a piano mover simply can’t provide the amount of expertise needed to make sure your piano arrives in the best of shape. They are heavy. They are bulky. They are quite valuable. And in many cases, a standard moving company won’t offer you any guarantees that your piano will arrive in great working condition if you choose to include it in on your move.5 Things You Should Know Before Moving Your Piano

Piano movers are efficient in the way they work because that’s all they do. They have the right tools for the job, and know exactly how to move your piano from one place to another without the problems.

Ready to move your piano? Make sure you keep these things in mind.

Plan The Move

Moving is difficult; there are many things to think about. Yet the more planning you do upfront, the more you share with your movers, the more seamless the process will be on moving day. Tell your piano movers what type of piano they will be moving, and provide details on where your piano currently sits, and where it will be moved to. Provide information on narrow doors, long hallways, or how many stairs there are in the process. The more they know, the better prepared they will be the day of the move.

Work With The Other Movers

Movers have their own rhythm. They know what to move into the truck first to maximize space. They can also create a “mess” in the process as they move things around to get to the things they want first. Before the move begins, tell your movers what time the piano movers will be at your old house and when they will arrive at your new one. This is especially important if you aren’t in one place or another – make sure they know about each other and work together.

Clear A Path In Both Places

What makes moving a piano different than other furniture is its bulk. A piano – especially a grand piano – needs more space for the move. Make sure the movers leave a clean path for piano moving, to ensure greatest efficiency of everyone’s time.

Do You Want The Piano Tuned?

When a piano is moved, it goes through a lot of movement and jostling. Its also the easiest time to lose its pitch. If you would like your piano tuned once its in its new home, be sure to mention it so its included as a part of your set up.

Remove Personal Items

Its easy to assume the piano bench is the perfect place to keep music and books safe during the move. Yet its also an easy way for things to get lost. Take an extra minute and place all personal items in a box for full protection until you are in your new home, unpacked and ready to go.

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2 August 2014 What’s Your Piano’s Bluebook Value?

What’s Your Piano’s Bluebook Value?

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Have an old piano and are wondering about its value? Did you recently inherit a piano and wonder if its worth restoring to enhance its value?

We get questions like this all the time.

If you are trying to determine a fair value for your piano, it can be a difficult process at best. There are many things that go into the process of determining its value. Things like:

  • Local market – a piano from a dealer in New York City will cost more than from a dealer in a small mid-west town
  • Supply and demand – there is more demand in a large city filled with musical opportunities than in a small rural town
  • Quality – quality of a piano is determined both by the internal and external features of the piano, as well as the manufacturer, when it was made, and the care it received

What’s Your Piano’s Bluebook Value?Yet if you head online, you’ll find all kinds of sites that offer you bluebook value of a piano, charge you a small fee for “coaching” to tell you what you should pay for a piano, or even offer to appraise your piano to tell you its worth.

The problem is most of the time, this is pure guess work.

Traditional bluebook values for items like cars are easier to track because a car has a title that follows it through its life. The title will show the make, model, year, color, etc of the car, and assess its value based on all events that occur around that car. Its easy to track.

Not so with a piano. Pianos don’t have titles, they aren’t registered, and there is no way of tracking all the detail that followed a piano throughout its life. So where do sites like these get their information?

If you are in the market for a piano, there are a few ways to ensure you get the best value for your money.

Work with a reputable dealer that knows pianos. When you buy from online sites and individual sellers, you have no idea the history of the piano, its care or its ability to create quality music. A dealer makes sure every piano that is sold meets certain qualifications and will provide quality sound in the future.

Compare pianos. When you call on an ad from Craigslist, what you see is what you get. You buy, you haul it away, you deal with the consequences. You purchase as is and will have no idea if it’s the right piano for you, your learning abilities, or the location you will place the piano. All of which make a huge difference in your ability to stick with playing the piano for a lifetime.

Quality can quickly be compromised if the piano isn’t well cared for. If an individual is selling it, how well was it maintained? Did it exist in a storage shed or a garage for years before it was cleared away? Has it been tuned in the last year (or even decade for that matter)? Even when you push and pull to get it into the back of your truck, bounce it around as you move it into your home, all of that can take its toll on the sound quality.

If you don’t have quality sound, you are less likely to continue playing because you simply won’t be able to “hear” something that makes sense.

If you want to give yourself or your family the best chance at success, make sure you buy a quality piano from a reputable dealer.

Filed Under: Owning a Piano, Piano Restoration Tagged With: ,
29 July 2014 Back To School: Piano Players More Likely To Go To College

Back To School: Piano Players More Likely To Go To College

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Kids all across America are getting ready to head back to school in the next few weeks. And while they begin thinking of homework and early morning routines, parents begin thinking of a whole lot more. Things like:

  • Are they doing enough to place their kids on the right track?
  • Are they receiving the best instruction in STEM activities?
  • Are they on the right track for college?

Back To School: Piano Players More Likely To Go To CollegeAs a parent, STEM activities are the new pressure point. Everything the school system and the media talks about is how to get your kids on the right track for science and math. These activities will ensure a bright future. These activities are the key to getting into college and succeeding in life overall.

And while we agree emphasis in these areas is a good thing, there is also another way to give your kids a gift they can use for a lifetime, and will give them a better chance at college too: the gift of piano.

According to a variety of surveys performed over the years, if you played an instrument as a child, there was a better chance you continued your education through college as well. Creating music gives you:

  • Heightened mental focus
  • Enhanced creativity
  • Improved confidence
  • The ability to self teach

Many will argue that its as important as learning a second language, and even more important than being involved in sports.

While studies show music as a whole is beneficial in children’s lives, overall one of the best instruments to learn on is the piano. Why? Piano has the benefit of being able to create both harmony and melody, and allowing a child to hear music even at the youngest age and with the most basic skills. With other instruments, they quickly learn it needs many to play a complete song; not so with the piano.

While its important to start out kids young, its equally as important to keep them interested along the way. A child that continues with music is more likely to raise their scores on basic comprehension testing, and will do better on college entrance exams like the SAT. Once in college, studies show that more music majors continue on with medical school and do very well in the process.

If you’re convinced music is the right future for your kids, stop by today. We have pianos that fit any budget, and can point you in the right direction to give your kids every chance at success possible.

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26 July 2014 Why Any Age Is The Right Age To Learn Piano

Why Any Age Is The Right Age To Learn Piano

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  • Learn a new language.
  • Travel more.
  • Learn to play the piano.

Did you know learning to play the piano is high on many peoples bucket lists? Right up there with speaking a different language and traveling to far away places, the piano holds a mystery that many of us wish we could have in our skill bank.Why Any Age Is The Right Age To Learn Piano

Yet for many of us, we leave it on the list with the concept of “someday” in our minds. Why?

Of all the things on your list, playing the piano is probably one of the easiest.

To truly pick up a language and get good at it, you need to travel. But piano is something you can do right now in the comfort of your own home.

So, what’s holding you back?

Studies show it is harder for an aging brain to learn new things. Add in a stiff back, wrists tired from a day at the computer and sore fingers, and all those add up to big reasons why you shouldn’t give it a try, right?

Well, that’s not what we fear most. Instead, most of us focus in on what family and friends will say, and if we truly have the self confidence to take on such a new, different and challenging task such as the piano. We fear failing and looking like a fool in front of those we love.

If playing the piano has been on your list for a while, think back to the true reasons you haven’t started the process yet. What kind of “excuses” have you put in the way?

“I need to find a piano.”

“I need to find a piano teacher.”

“I need to find the time to play.”

Each of these is easy to solve. And we can help you today.

Finding a piano is as easy as stopping by. We have pianos within every price range, to fit any budget. We have new and used pianos. We have small, portable digital pianos, all the way up to the finest of concert grand pianos.

In short, we have one perfect to match your needs.

Once you choose a piano, we can even point you in the right direction of a teacher who loves to work with beginning adult students.

And once you have the first two steps down, the act of practicing falls naturally into play.

It really isn’t as difficult as it seems. All it takes is positive action on the very first step of the process. Take that action now; stop by today and choose your very first piano.

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23 July 2014 Choosing The Right Piano For Your Church

Choosing The Right Piano For Your Church

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Does your church have the budget to select a new piano this year?

Its not as easy as heading in and buying the first one you see. If you select the wrong piano for your needs, it can cause plenty of problems now and down the road.

Because there is a lot of variety in the piano industry, with many sizes, styles and kinds available, take into account a few crucial factors before you make your final selection.

Start with the spaceChoosing The Right Piano For Your Church

How large of a space do you have? Smaller churches may have a small space off to the side of the congregation, while a large church may have an entire area dedicated for the piano. Keep in mind that older churches typically have smaller spaces than new churches built for today’s technology. Make sure you take accurate measurements before you make your final selection.

Look to the mood

Different churches have different styles of worship. Likewise, the final piano you choose can produce different sounds and different moods. Do you prefer quiet and solemn, or lively and energetic? Does your congregation expect a traditional sermon, or do they look forward to new age sounds? Also think about what your piano will have as accompaniment; will it be the only sound, or have an entire band and choir with it?

Fit in to the surroundings

The architecture of your church should play a part in the final selection process. A large, open space will be complimented with a beautiful baby grand, while a smaller space may do better with a smaller upright. The last thing you want is a beautiful new piano to look out of place with its final resting spot. Because it will be on display for years, make sure it compliments the surrounding area and matches the architecture of the building.

Acoustics

Every church is built a little differently. The materials used and the exact placement of the piano will all impact the overall sound quality produced. What do you like about your current piano? What do you wish you could change? Do you want a richer, more vibrant sound, or are you comfortable with the sound currently being produced? Be sure to bring all these ideas to the table when making your final selection.

With so much to consider, it may be wise to bring in a reputable piano consultant at the beginning phase of selection. With over 50 years of experience, we can help point you in the right direction, and help you love your final selection without any regrets.

Filed Under: Owning a Piano Tagged With: ,
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