27 February 2014 Piano Accessories

Piano Accessories

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Ready to invest in a piano and begin to make beautiful music within your home? Pianos can add music, style and ambiance for years to come.

But investing in a good piano doesn’t stop at selecting a great piano. There are many other things that go into the selection process, and ultimately the proper technique of piano playing once you settle in to a routine.Piano Accessories

Piano Bench

To play the piano properly, you’ll need more than your average chair. Proper playing involves being at the proper height and having proper access to the keys from your shoulders and your wrists. If you aren’t comfortable playing, you could cause stress and injury to your arms, neck and back, and ultimately lose interest in playing. A good piano bench offers you all the tools you need for proper sitting at the instrument.

Sheet Music

Sheet music comes in a variety of formats. Chat with your piano dealer at the time of purchase about options in finding sheet music. You can start with books at all levels of playing. Then migrate into preferred music choices – virtually all types and sounds of music today can be found in sheet music. The more you enjoy what you play, the more you’ll play.

Piano Lamps

Piano lamps come in all sorts of sizes, shapes and styles. Some styles allow you to clip the lamp directly to the music desk to have directional light where you need it most. Some piano lamps are shelf designed, sitting on top of the piano and allowing light to fall naturally over the music and the keys. Still others are vertical floor lamps that allow you to move them in to a convenient height and location for the person playing the piano. Whatever your desire, whatever your preference, there’s a perfect lamp for you.

Metronome

A metronome is a practice tool that produces steady beats that help a piano player learn rhythm accurately. Most metronomes are capable of producing beats from 35 to 250 beats per minute, giving you full function for any song you choose to learn and play. Metronomes come in all formats, from online to free standing.

Have even more needs? Talk with us about making your piano playing experience the best it can be. With decades of experience in the industry, we have offered lots of advice, and will be happy to make your experience all it can be as well.

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22 February 2014 6 Warning Signs The Used Piano You Are About To Buy Is Bad

6 Warning Signs The Used Piano You Are About To Buy Is Bad

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You’re in the market for a used piano. What should you look for? What should you avoid?

When it comes to buying a piano, it can be as intimidating as trying to find a good used car. Sure, it may look good on the outside, but does that guarantee you’ll have success with it down the road?

To avoid buying a piano that is anything less than perfect, you’ll need to know how to find its hidden problems.6 Warning Signs The Used Piano You Are About To Buy Is Bad

Start by inspecting the keyboard. The most used part of a piano is its keys. They take a beating, and can be a clear indication that the piano was abused instead of played. Look at the color, look for chips, and look for keys that simply don’t line up. Then strike each key a few times and try out pitches, length of note, and volume. Signs of damage can show up as a buzzing noise or a vibration, notes that are off key, notes that sound like two playing at once, or simply a key that won’t play at all.

Look at the piano’s finish. Don’t just stand in front of it; walk all the way around, looking for chips, cracks or even signs of warping. If a piano was subjected to different humidity patterns, it will show up in the finish. Which in turn will tell you that the inner workings may have been compromised.

Head down to the pedals and make sure they respond. Piano pedals can become unresponsive or simply not work at all for a variety of reasons. They may have received damage in a move, or they simply may have been mistreated throughout its life. Test each pedal with the keyboard and look for clean, balanced tones.

Next move to the inside of the piano and check out the soundboard. The soundboard is located underneath a grand piano, or behind an upright. It should be a clean, straight piece of wood fully connected and reinforced to the piano itself. If any cracking or warping has occurred, it may lead to strange buzzing or rattling sounds.

The hammers should also be checked. Each hammerhead is covered in felt. The felt should be clean and smooth, not worn down or uneven and with grooves. If the wood is exposed through the felt, it may have caused extensive damage to the strings themselves.

And finally look at the pinblock. The pinblock is a wooden piece near the bridge of the piano that holds the tuning pins in place for each string. If the wood is damaged, the pins can loosen, which can cause a buzzing sound and bad pitch. Make sure there is no cracking or splintering, and that pins are snug and secure, without rust or other damage.

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20 February 2014 7 Places You Should Never Place Your Piano

7 Places You Should Never Place Your Piano

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You’ve decided to bring the joy of music into your life. Maybe you’ve decided to finally take up the piano as a New Year’s resolution. Or maybe you’ve read how piano playing benefits your child; who wouldn’t want to do all they can for their child’s future success?

Now that the piano is on the way, where will you put it in your home? Are some places better than others?

The answer is yes. Pianos may be one of the largest pieces of furniture you’ll have in your home, but in reality they are delicate in nature. And there are some places where a piano simply should never be kept.7 Places You Should Never Place Your Piano

A dark, warm room with lots of moisture in it can aid in the possibility of mold and bacteria growth inside the piano. If mold attaches to the intricate pieces inside, it can weaken internal wood, damage the structure, and ultimately even cause harm to the health of your family and pets.

A room in which humidity levels fluctuate all the time can begin to take its toll quickly. Changing humidity can wreak havoc on a piano’s finish, can weaken the strings, and warp the wood both inside and out. Pianos retain their playability by having constant humidity in a relatively stable environment.

Severe changes in temperature can also cause damage to a piano. Never place a piano near a window in which sunlight pours across the piano several hours a day. A fan or air conditioning unit close by can cause temperatures to fluctuate 10, 20, even 30 degrees or more within a few minutes of time. Fireplaces can let in drafts. And even a computer in constant use can increase the temperature right around the piano.

Open windows and doors can let in all kinds of weather. Sunlight, wind, rain, snow – every element your piano comes in contact with means a potential hazard in remaining a stable, playable instrument.

Storage units are sometimes a necessity in our lives. But what are the conditions in that storage unit? Does it have proper heat and cooling? Will it sustain drafts? Avoid storage as much as possible.

Carpets and dry rooms never go hand in hand. You’ve had that zapping feeling before; imagine that on a digital piano. Keep humidity levels at a constant – around 55 percent – to avoid static build up and damage to your keyboard.

Tight locations can mean a more difficult time getting your piano in and out. While you may love your house in the city, the narrow staircase and the small door may mean your piano isn’t going through without damage. Always rely on a professional piano mover for advice.

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15 February 2014 Finding The Value Of Your Used Piano

Finding The Value Of Your Used Piano

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Moving to a new home? Downsizing from the big suburban home to a smaller home in the city? If one of the tasks on your to do list is to find the value of your used piano and potentially sell it, you may want to rethink putting an ad up on Craigslist and jumping at the first opportunity you find.Finding The Value Of Your Used Piano

There is a lot to determining value – its not as simple as looking at the make and model and assigning a number based on that. If you haven’t looked at pianos in a while, you may be shocked at what the current market could bring. But before you randomly select a number to move forward, keep a few things in mind.

  • First, sit down and record the history the piano has with you. When did you purchase it? Where has the piano existed all these years? Has been kept in the same place or moved periodically? How many times has it been tuned? The more information you can gather, the more helpful it will be in determining a final price.
  • Before you can start looking for dollar signs, you have to determine the condition of your piano. You can do this by inspecting both the inside and the outside of your piano. When inspecting the interior, look for cracks on the soundboard, hammer felt that is loose, worn-down or rusty strings, and grooves in the wood surrounding the strings.
  • When inspecting the exterior, look at its overall appearance, such as if the finish is scratched or damaged in any way. Pay attention to how each key sounds, and make sure the pedals do not stick when you press them or show signs of rust. Also, make sure the piano’s legs are strong and sturdy without any signs of damage.
  • After you have determined the overall condition of your piano, you need to determine the date of manufacture, the manufacturer’s name, and the serial number. The manufacturer’s name is usually found on the front of the keyboard or the soundboard. The serial number is found on a metal plate near the keys of the piano or the pin block. You may need the assistance of a professional to remove certain components of the piano to access the metal plate. Once you have this information, you can use it to determine the date of manufacture.
  • Now that you have all of the necessary information, you can start looking for the value. The best place to look is The Piano Book: Buying & Owning a New or Used Piano, which is updated every year or every other year. Think of it as a blue book for pianos.
  • Finally talk with a reputable piano dealer before you put your ad in the classifieds. With a little bit of upkeep and care, your piano may become even more valuable. A piano dealer will take all into consideration and give you a fair value for what the piano is truly worth. He may even be able to help point you in the right direction for finding a buyer for it as well.
  • And if you’re considering a trade in, the perfect place to go is to your piano center. Just because you’re changing space size doesn’t mean you still can’t have music in your life. Maybe its time to move from a baby grand to an upright – giving you more room throughout your new home.

Whatever your needs, whatever your questions, give us a call today.

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12 February 2014 How To Clean and Disinfect Piano Keys

How To Clean and Disinfect Piano Keys

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Owning a piano can be a very rewarding experience. If you properly maintain the piano, it will give you many, many years of service.

Piano maintenance goes beyond having it tuned and repaired by a professional. It is also important to clean and disinfect the piano keys on a regular basis. Think about it – the keys of your piano get the most action. The keys are where your fingers press when playing a beautiful piece of music. Dirt and oils from your fingers can easily transfer to the keys, leaving them dingy and discolored.How To Clean and Disinfect Piano Keys

Washing your hands before each playing session is the best method of prevention, but you will still need to clean and disinfect the keys from time to time.

  • Dilute mild soap with filtered water to create a cleaning solution. Avoid any chemical cleaners because they can actually cause more damage to the keys.
  • Use a clean, white cloth. Only dampen it with the solution – never soak it. You do not want to get moisture in-between the keys.
  • Wipe the keys in a downward motion towards you, never side-to-side or up and down. This will help you avoid getting any moisture in-between the keys or in-between the keys and the piano itself.
  • Wipe one key at a time, then dry it before moving on to the next key.
  • Use a separate cloth for cleaning the black keys and clean them last.
  • For disinfecting your piano keys, never use disinfectants such as Lysol. These sprays are fine for around the house, but like other chemicals, they can cause more damage than good.
  • Create a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts filtered water to disinfect your piano keys. Follow the cleaning method to disinfect each key of your piano.
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8 February 2014 Playing The Piano – Its All In The Wrist

Playing The Piano – Its All In The Wrist

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Think for a moment as to how you play the piano. Is it with your fingers? Or does your whole body need to be present to get the sound you are looking for?

Kind of a trick question. Obviously you whole body needs to be present, focusing in on the notes you are striking and the sound you are creating. Yet as a beginner, its easy to forget that its more than your fingers that make the final sound.

Its not the hunt and peck method that will achieve success. Instead, it’s the movement and rhythm of how your arms and your wrists connect with your fingers and the keys that will ultimately bring success. Playing The Piano – Its All In The Wrist

Your arms provide the weight. Your fingers connect with the keys. But its your wrists that provide the action to get the job done.

If your wrists are immobile and tensed, the weight of your arms will never connect with the tapping of your fingers, and the end result will be a sound that is shallow instead of deep and beautiful. And if you separate the movement being made from your arm to your fingertips, you run more of a risk of injury to both your hands and your wrists.

When your wrists are relaxed and flexible, there is a natural flow between your arms and the keyboard. You’ll have a comfortable feeling and create a comfortable sound from beginning to end. And you’ll have no tension, no injuries, and ultimately no pain in the long run.

How do you ensure you are playing the piano the correct way? Before you sit down the next time, do a few things before you connect with the keys.

Take a few deep breaths and relax.

Flex your arms, wrists, hands and fingertips to relieve any pressure.

Warm up! Yes, just like you can’t run a marathon at top pace without stretching and warming up, you should never sit down to a piano playing session without warming up and being prepared. Stretching, a few scales to release tension and get into the “zone” will improve your chances of success.

And make sure you are ready to make the most beautiful music of your life.

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6 February 2014 10 Steps To Finding The Best Piano Dealer In Memphis

10 Steps To Finding The Best Piano Dealer In Memphis

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Step #1 What are your needs?

Before you ever start looking at pianos, its important to assess your needs first. What is your primary reason for wanting a piano? Is it for a child beginning lessons for the first time? Or is to take up an old hobby and combine your love for piano and the computer? There is a difference between acoustic and digital pianos – knowing what your primary desires are will start leading you in the right direction.10 Steps To Finding The Best Piano Dealer In Memphis

Step #2 Where will the piano go?

Do you want to make a statement with a large grand piano in your formal living space? Or are you short on space and would love to have a more portable piano you can move when you need to? Pianos come in all shapes and sizes, so its important to get one that fits into your lifestyle.

Step #3 What is your budget?

Pianos come in all shapes and sizes. They also come in all price ranges. New. Used. Top of the line. Antique. With so many choices, its important to establish how much you are willing to spend before focusing in on which piano is the perfect match for you.

Step #4 New or used?

In many cases a used can offer you just as much as a new. When you purchase used from a reputable dealer, they know the history or the piano, they’ve refurbished or repaired it, and can offer you guarantees on future performance. Or if you decide on a new piano, you may get top technology that offer you lots of opportunity in the future.

Step #5 Where to look?

Mention you are in the market for a piano and you’ll probably find lots of choices appearing all around you. But is a friend of a friend who has an old piano in the garage really the best place to shop for something like a piano? Pianos will only be as good as the upkeep and maintenance they’ve had in the past. And when you aren’t sure, you may be trying to make beautiful music with something that just isn’t up for the job anymore. Reputation is everything when it comes to buying a piano.

Step #6 What questions should you ask?

The longer a piano dealer has been in business, the more history he or she has with the industry, the more knowledge they can provide you. Where can I get sheet music? Who should I rely on for piano lessons? Whatever questions you have, they should always have an answer close at hand.

Step #7 Stay open minded

While its important to go into it with some idea of what you want and need, keep an open mind as well. Once a piano consultant hears what your needs are, he may point you in a slightly different direction; one that will be even better to suit your needs.

Step #8 What about delivery?

Will you be required to move the piano from its current location to your home by yourself? Or do they provide piano delivery service? Moving a piano is different than moving any other type of furniture, so make sure you have the support you need to get the job done the right way.

Step #9 What’s the history?

If a piano is used, what is its history? How old is it? Where has it been kept of stored? How well has it been maintained? If someone can’t tell you its history, chances are it wasn’t that good.

Step #10 What should you do in the future?

When should you consider upgrading? How often should your piano be tuned? A reputable piano dealer will be able to advise you on how to take care of your new piano purchase now and years into the future.

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1 February 2014 Play The Piano Better By Getting Rid Of Cold Hands

Play The Piano Better By Getting Rid Of Cold Hands

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If you absolutely love playing the piano, but you do not love the cold feeling you always seem to get in your fingers and hands, it is time to make some changes!

There is no reason why cold hands should stop you from enjoying tickling those ivories any longer. Here are some tips to help you play the piano even better by getting rid of your cold hands.

Play The Piano Better By Getting Rid Of Cold HandsRelax. The best thing you can do to get rid of those cold hands is to relax. Tension and anxiety, such as what you feel before performing in front of a crowd, can make your entire body tense – including your circulatory system. If your extremities are not getting good blood flow, they are going to be cold.

Take care of your body. Proper exercise and nutrition, both important aspects of a healthy lifestyle, will ensure that your body is getting everything it needs to keep the blood flowing freely, reduce tension, and keep your hands and fingers warm.

Breathe. Your body needs oxygen. When you are feeling tension or anxiety, not only must you try to relax, you must also pay attention to your breathing. Deep, relaxing breaths will help calm your body and mind and help get the blood flowing freely again to your hands and fingers.

Stay informed. Knowledge is power. If you are doing everything you can to combat cold hands and still find yourself fighting the chill, it is time for a visit to your doctor. Discuss your situation in depth, let him know what steps you are taking to help, and let him determine if there are any underlying health issues causing your cold hands.

Once you have eliminated the coldness in your hands and fingers, you will be able to enjoy hours in front of the piano again!

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29 January 2014 The Pros and Cons of Buying a Used Piano

The Pros and Cons of Buying a Used Piano

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The decision to purchase a piano is a big one. Buying a piano means that you are making a commitment and investment that is long-term. Because of this, you want to get the most out of your money and commitment by buying the best piano for you.

It’s no secret that pianos can be expensive. Pianos are never something you buy today and sell in a garage sale tomorrow. Instead, like a great piece of furniture, it is meant to be a loving addition to your home, giving your home style and class for years to come.

The Pros and Cons of Buying a Used PianoBecause pianos offer longevity, in addition to being able to purchase a new one, you also have the option of purchasing used. If you are looking to purchase a used piano, you need to identity your needs as well as other factors. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of buying a used piano:

Pros of buying a used piano

  • Price- One of the biggest advantages of buying a used piano is a lower price upfront. In many cases you can buy a higher level of piano and still stick with your budget.
  • Rebuilding options- Some used pianos can even be rebuilt to provide the latest in piano technology.
  • A good used piano’s voice ages well- The timbre of a well-kept piano evolves over time.

Cons of buying a used piano

  • Used pianos don’t have warranties- While you save money buying a used piano, it doesn’t come with the peace of mind in the form of a manufacturer’s warranty. Especially if you buy from a homeowner rather than a dealer, your purchase will be “as is”.
  • Hidden problems may exist- Be sure to check for common signs of piano damage, as some people who are selling used pianos did not take care of them properly over the years.
  • Used pianos are susceptible to mold- Room conditions can leave a used piano prone to mold and bacteria growth, which can be harmful to your health.

While it may be tempting to answer the ad in the classified section and get a great deal, consider your options carefully. A professional piano dealer will only sell you the best used pianos available. They will make sure they are well tuned, in great shape, and will still have a lot of life to give as you play it in the coming years. Can the owner in the classified ad guarantee that?

Remember, you want to get the most out of your piano investment. So carefully consider the pros and cons according to your particular situation, and you’ll make the decision that’s right for you!

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25 January 2014 Piano Practice and Hand Injuries

Piano Practice and Hand Injuries

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The only way to get better at playing the piano is practice. But how do you practice the piano if you have a hand injury?

If your hand injury comes from outside activities – a broken hand or wrist do to a sports related injury for instance – there is nothing you can do but let it heal in the appropriate amount of time.

Piano Practice and Hand InjuriesBut if your hand injury comes from piano playing – and ideally you should practice regularly in a consistent way that doesn’t lead to injury – the first thing to deal with is the how.

When you are facing pianistic challenges and your stress and tension levels are too high, it is possible to push too hard, and find yourself with a stress related injury. Carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis are just two of the many repetitive motion related injuries a pianist may face over time.

While only a doctor can truly give you medical advice and help you to relieve your pain, there are ways you can effectively deal with any muscle strain or small hand injury.

First discover what is causing your hand injury.

Do you have tension in your arms when you play? If your arms are tensed, your elbows or wrists rigid and immobile, your risk increases of developing a hand injury. Tension can be a sign of poor posture. Make sure you have proper placement at the piano, including a bench or seat appropriate for your height.

Are you practicing on a regular basis? Remember when you went and lifted weights at the gym for the very first time? You were still and sore afterwards. The same can happen to a pianist who practices irregularly for months, then crams in session after session leading up a week or two before a performance. Stress occurs when you do things too intensely.

Do you play with your fingers, or with your entire arm? If you move only your fingers when you play the piano, your arm, including wrist, elbows and shoulders can become stressed in the process.

Are you approaching practice in the right way? If you have psychological tension, or a negative attitude when you sit down to play, it can come out in your methods and approach. State of mind controls everything. Never start to play if your heart and mind aren’t in it. Not only can it affect your performance, it can literally effect your health.

Next, change your approach to piano playing.

Stop practicing once you face a hand injury. You must give your hand time to rest and heal before you move back into playing action.

Resume your practice gradually. Make it a regular part of your week, not something you do on the spur of the moment.

Fix anything you discovered wrong with your routine. If you need a new bench, buy one. If you need to change your routine, change it. If you change your approach now, you’ll gradually increase your success overall. And have a new appreciation for your approach to piano playing.

Filed Under: Owning a Piano, Piano Lessons Tagged With: , ,
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