18 December 2020 Going Piano Shopping? Keep These Tips In Mind

Going Piano Shopping? Keep These Tips In Mind

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You’ve decided to go piano shopping. You’re ready to bring music into your home. 

It’s important to take the right steps in the piano buying process to ensure you get a high quality instrument that will last for years to come. 

Your first step is to find a piano showroom that will provide you with an opportunity to learn all about the piano as an instrument. A knowledgeable sales associate can educate you on the differences between brands, sizes, and models. They’ll also be able to answer all of your questions as you move forward. 

Still, there are some things you should pay attention to as you narrow down your choices. 

Sound

Not all pianos sound the same. A piano will even sound different to individuals, depending on their preferences or tone. Some offer a rich tone. Others may be vibrant and lively. Some are built to sound beautiful in a large auditorium, while others will have a stronger voice in a smaller room in your home. By coming into a piano showroom, you’ll have the opportunity to hear a variety of pianos, and be able to pick the one that suits your tastes. 

Keys

While there are many parts on a piano that are considered crucial, arguably the keys would be at the top of the list. To be a great piano player, you learn by touching the keys. If you invest in an inexpensive electronic keyboard, for example, you’ll find they have cheap plastic keys that aren’t properly weighted. You’ll never be able to play by touch if you don’t learn with the proper tools. You should also pay attention to the way every key moves. Does a key stick? Is it cracked? Does it produce sound?

Warranty

A piano isn’t a static piece of furniture you place in a room and forget it’s there. With thousands of parts, there’s a lot that can go wrong. If you choose to work with a reputable dealer, you’ll have the added protection of having a warranty in place, that can protect you from any problems a piano may have encountered during the manufacturing process. Look for a dealer that stands behind their work. 

Play it first

This will be an instrument you bring into your home and play for many years to come. Don’t just look at the finish and admire the setup. Instead, take the time to sit down and play it. Without playing it, you won’t be able to feel it. Don’t be nervous about playing in front of people. You can always ask to sit down by yourself for a few moments to compare your final selections. A reputable dealer understands your desire to be happy with your purchase. They’ll give you time to make an informed decision, and help you be satisfied with your purchase. 

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10 December 2020 It’s The Best Time Of The Year To Buy a New Piano

It’s The Best Time Of The Year To Buy a New Piano

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If you’ve decided to give yourself or your child the gift of music, you might have sticker shock looking at how much pianos cost. Of course, there are many ways to save. If you’re hunting on price alone, chances are you’ve even found someone willing to “give” their piano to you at no cost. 

Your piano will be your tool to create great music. The saying “you get what you pay for” applies here. If you take the time to find a high quality piano, you’re going to love the results, have the desire to play it more, and stick with it throughout your life. 

Is there a best time of year to buy a new piano, to get the best deal possible? Turns out, there is. 

Holidays

Over the holidays, people are busy traveling and spending time with loved ones. They head out more. They travel more. And they’re less likely to shop for an instrument. At the same time, piano dealers understand that if you want to provide your family with a unique gift, it’s a great time to clear out older inventory and make room for newer models. That makes this the perfect time for you to save. 

Back to school

As school bells ring again in the fall, families go on the hunt for the perfect afterschool activities to enroll their children in. As a part of the process, piano dealers know lots of families will look towards the arts and push their children into discovering music. You can find deals on new and used pianos as they offer back to school sales. 

Summer

What do you think about as the weather turns warm and the summer months roll along? Chances are it’s got nothing to do with sitting inside. Piano dealers know that and frequently offer deals on both new and used pianos in an attempt to move inventory and clear the way for newer pianos coming in for the fall. If you have your heart set on a particular style or brand, this is a great time to head into a piano center and take the time to learn more about particular brands. Ask as many questions as you need to find the right piano for your needs. 

Other holidays

At the end of the day, piano showrooms are in the business of selling pianos. They operate similarly to other businesses in that they try and find ways to be approachable by their community. If you’re thinking about investing in a piano, you can watch for great deals throughout the year based on current events. Will you find a President’s Day sale, or even one celebrating the Fourth of July? Stop by; working with a dealer might even reward you with the piano you’ve been longing for at the best deal possible. 

Pianos are an investment. They deliver year-round enjoyment for many years to come. No matter what your goals and dreams are for purchasing an instrument, buying a new piano is easy when you build a relationship with your local piano dealer. 

We’ll help you find the right piano for the right price today. 

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7 November 2020 Don’t Make These Mistakes When Buying a Piano

Don’t Make These Mistakes When Buying a Piano

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Are you looking to buy your first piano? It can be a difficult decision to make. Especially when you start your search online, and find a lot of mixed viewpoints on where to start. With decades in the business, here are a few things we recommend our customers keep in mind as they shop. 

What is your commitment level?

Playing the piano isn’t something you’ll pick up overnight. It’s a commitment that can give you a lifetime of pleasure, providing you’re willing to do the work. Are you ready to give what it takes to ensure your child succeeds at playing the piano? It starts with commitment right upfront. You have to have the right tools – a cheap piano you get on sale at the holidays from a big box store isn’t a real piano. You have to have a piano that sounds good and plays good. It should have weighted keys to learn to play by touch. You should invest in proper training, and ensure your child sticks with a schedule to make practice a part of their week. 

Are you ready to maintain the piano?

A piano is a piano, you buy it and play it, right? There’s actually more to it than that. To keep a piano in good playing condition, it needs regular maintenance. That starts with tune-ups. A new piano might require several a year to ensure the notes stay in tune. A seasoned piano may require two a year – this is where working with a piano tuner comes in handy, as she’ll learn how your piano plays. 

Do you know what you’re looking for?

You’re new at piano, so you begin with price. We all do it when we’re taking on a new hobby. But if you’ve learned in other activities that low-balling tools of the trade don’t always work, you won’t be surprised to learn that’s especially true with playing the piano. Shop online and you’ll quickly find pianos at low cost, or even offered for free. You can take lessons for free just from watching YouTube videos. Isn’t that “good enough?”

You already know the answer … No. Those free pianos are free for a reason. Chances are, they’ve sat in a corner for years, decades, without attention, and without proper care. They won’t sound right. They won’t play right. And it’s difficult to fall in love with an activity when you can’t participate properly. A highly trained and motivated instructor will also provide what it takes to stay excited and engaged with lessons and practice. Try that with a YouTube channel.

If you’re going to dedicate yourself to learning the piano, the only way you can reach for success is to do it the right way. 

If you’re buying a piano because you want to play the piano, be sure to spend the time, energy, and money ensuring you select one that can give you years of enjoyment. 

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25 October 2020 Piano or Keyboard – What’s For You?

Piano or Keyboard – What’s For You?

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So you want to learn to play the piano. The first step in the process is getting an instrument you can play as you practice. 

While that may sound like an easy task, from the moment you start looking, you’ll find there are many ways to fulfill the task. You can find inexpensive keyboards at your local big box store. Or you can invest in an acoustic piano that can be a part of your home for years to come. What’s the right choice for you? 

Let’s start with keyboards. What makes digital keyboards increasingly popular is their ability to connect with your computer, and share your creations with family and friends on social media. It’s turned many musicians from players into creators, all at the touch of a button. You can serve as your own orchestra or band, using your keyboard to create dozens of different sounds and setups. 

That makes it sound like investing in a keyboard is the right choice for everyone. Not so fast. Keyboards might be perfect for creating a variety of sounds, but it can also create a reliance on mechanics to create the sounds you are looking for. 

When you take the time to learn how to play an acoustic piano, you are getting down to the basics of learning to play. It’s more difficult at first, because you’re learning how to create music with precision. You’re learning the touch of the keys and the timing of the sounds. You’re learning volume, voice, and how to strike the keys. You’re learning what the pedals are, and how to hold your hands to play properly. This is about knowledge of music, more than utilizing technology to create sound. 

Before you invest in a piano or keyboard, ask yourself a few questions first. 

  • Where will you play the piano or keyboard?
  • What is your ultimate goal?
  • Will you be predominantly playing for yourself?
  • Do you hope to play with a group?
  • Do you hope to transfer your skills to other instruments?

The more you choose to make music a part of your life, the more important it is to get down to theory, and have a broad understanding of how the piano works. 

What’s the best choice for you: piano or keyboard? 

We’d love to hear what helped you make your final selection. 

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7 October 2020 Establishing a Target Plan for Which Piano To Buy For Your Church

Establishing a Target Plan for Which Piano To Buy For Your Church

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If you’re a musical director for a church, it can sometimes be difficult to ensure you have the right pianos in place for all of your musical needs. Especially if you have members willing to donate one they are no longer using. 

Should you accept it? Or should you hold out for one better suited for your needs. Even if it means you have to pay premium dollars for it later on. 

There is a difference between a piano designed for home use, and one created to handle commercial applications. The tonal quality of one for a small home is different than one that will project music out into a congregation or auditorium. 

Large Sanctuaries

Whether the piano is to be used as a solar instrument or one that accompanies vocalists, it’s not recommended to buy anything less than a 6 foot grand piano that is performance or professional grade. If you have a large congregation, will be recording performances, or regularly hold recitals or other musical events, you might upgrade to a seven to nine foot performance grand piano. The sound increase will make the music stand out that much more. 

Choir Rooms and Rehearsal Spaces

Because these rooms are smaller and less critical, you have more options for what piano to use. A grand 5’6” to 6’ is perfectly acceptable in these situations. You can also move to an upright; just be sure it’s a professional series and can produce high quality sound. A performance quality upright 46 inches or taller can often produce superior tonal quality to many grands under 5’6”. 

Verticals between 48 and 49 inches are built for performance, with larger soundboards, longer strings, and heavier hammers. They work well for choir accompaniment. 

Verticals over 50 inches can often sound like a grand piano, and have good projection in smaller auditoriums. They are often less expensive than the smallest of grand pianos, making them a good choice in these situations.  

Grands 5’6” to 6’4” are midsize grands, and are too small to be considered professional. They work well in rehearsal spaces, or rooms where accompaniment is their only purpose. 

Semi-grands range from 6’5” to 7’11” and are built to provide high quality sound in smaller halls. They do very well for accompaniment work. 

Full concert grand 8’ to 9’ or longer are reserved for professional settings where solo work occurs regularly. If you will be showcasing piano in your concert series, this is the best piano to have on hand. 

What size piano is needed for your church setting? 

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14 September 2020 How To Select a Performance Piano

How To Select a Performance Piano

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A piano is a piano, right? If you’re a concert pianist, you know that statement isn’t true. 

Because every piano is created in a different manner. Every piano has its own voice. And to play a piano that has a deep, rich sound perfect for your ears, that makes playing it that much more enjoyable. 

As a pianist grows in capability, chances are they play on a variety of instruments. They become more experienced at what makes a great piano, and what doesn’t. 

Performance pianos are often purchased for commercial settings – a concert hall, a church, or a school. Occasionally they are purchased for home use too, especially if the homeowner is a professional. 

While the average person might not be able to tell the subtle differences between pianos, a true professional will. And when it comes to buying, they usually have a preference in mind. 

Start there. Start with brands, makes, or models you desire. Then pay attention to what’s available in your market. If you have several on the table, eliminate the least powerful. 

A piano is all about self expression. It’s about creating the right sound for you and your audience. 

In the end, it’s a personal choice. 

Evaluate every instrument you are considering for:

Power – a piano is one of the most powerful instruments in an orchestra. It commands attention no matter what the size of the hall. Be sure it projects that power outward, and can sound good in its final location. 

Tone – tonal quality is all about pitch, timbre, sustain, and volume. This is about the sound the piano creates internally, and how it projects that sound out. 

Action – you can’t just purchase a piano off the internet. You have to sit down and play them. Because pianos are ever-changing, you can’t assume a piano today will remain in the same condition. It changes over time. But it should feel and sound natural, especially to the person playing it. It can be adjusted over time to create different sounds, but playing it will help the pianist feel the music it can create. 

Performance pianos should be acclimated to its final resting point, whether in a concert hall or in your home. Once it’s been inside for a few days, a tuner can ensure it’s properly regulated. Also, keep in mind that different people may be playing it, and have different ideas on how it should sound. We recommend acclimating it extensively, giving everyone a chance to play it and voice their opinions. 

That will help you create a piano that’s right for its location, for years into the future. 

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11 September 2020 Advice on Buying a Used Piano

Advice on Buying a Used Piano

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When parents decide to sign up their child for piano lessons, they are faced with several decisions. The first being based around buying an instrument. 

  • Is buying a used piano okay, or do we need to invest in new? 
  • Will my child quickly lose interest in playing the piano?
  • A piano is a piano. They can start to learn on anything; can’t we just upgrade when they show interest? 

Of course, many parents wind up selecting a piano that doesn’t motivate their child to take action. And their interest in music wanes. 

Why?

If a piano is too old, doesn’t play well, or doesn’t provide the proper resources for a child to learn with, it becomes useless to a child. But a child can’t express this. They don’t understand what’s wrong. They just know their playing isn’t satisfying, they can’t achieve the results their teacher is looking for, 

For these reasons, we recommend learning all you can about a piano before you buy. 

Buying a used piano doesn’t have to be difficult. Your child can do quite well by learning on a used instrument. The key is in what you buy. 

Yes, you can find used instruments on Craigslist. You might even be able to find them for free. 

But if you do a little investigation, their story is often something like this. You call up the owner and they say:

“It was my mother’s. I’ve had it in the basement for a couple of decades. It’s in good condition. Nobody’s played it for years. But the finish still shines.”

The finish isn’t what matters. It’s the internal workings that create a piano worth playing. And if it’s been sitting there that long, untouched, chances are the wood and strings and other components aren’t in their best condition. They’ve slowly degraded over time. 

Without proper tuning, it won’t sound its best. And there’s a chance it can never return to its proper sound. 

Is that what your child will be learning on? 

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7 September 2020 Buying a High End Piano

Buying a High End Piano

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A piano is a piano, right? 

Even in your heart, you know that’s probably not true. Why would there be so many sizes and shapes and brands if that were the case?

Still, we have a lot of conversations like this one:

“My daughter wants to play the piano. Why isn’t the free one I can get on Craigslist good enough? I can’t tell the difference anyway.”

“Have you ever compared the tonal quality of several pianos?”

“No. But a piano is a piano, right?”

Like every product you purchase, you get what you pay for. 

Those pianos you can pick up for a few hundred dollars will perform at that level. If they don’t have any value, there’s a reason for that. Maybe keys don’t work. Maybe the notes will sound a little off. It may have a tinny sound. 

And that impacts playability. 

There are significant differences in the manufacturing process of different levels of pianos. 

Some are handmade, while others are mass-produced. What that means is some instruments are created in a factory, every piece screwed, hammered, or bound into place in the quickest way possible to get it out on the floor, for sale, ready to bring in a profit. Others sit in the factory, lovingly worked on each day until the creator feels the piano is finally ready to release. 

Quality pianos are produced with performance in mind. They pay attention to all of the characteristics that make a piano sound great. Every tone, every touch, is played over and over again until each note sounds just right. 

Let’s go back to a parent wanting to give their child the gift of music. Sure, you want to ensure they like to play and will stick with it before you invest in more. 

But piano isn’t something you pick up and learn in a few simple lessons. It’s something that becomes a part of you, throughout your life. 

It’s a friend, something you can sit down and play when the feeling arises. It can be an ebb and flow throughout your life. It’s there, waiting. 

And that’s when buying a high quality piano matters most. 

Because it can be with you for a lifetime. 

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4 June 2020 It’s Time To Upgrade Your Piano If …

It’s Time To Upgrade Your Piano If …

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You wanted your child to play the piano, and they’ve been doing well with it for months. You’re happy with their progress. But now, their instructor is telling you it’s time to upgrade your piano. 

What does that mean? Why do you need to upgrade? Isn’t a piano a piano? 

Let’s look at the number of reasons why upgrading might be a good idea. 

Touch

A lot of parents are initially shocked at the price of a piano. Then they struggle with spending money on an instrument they aren’t sure their child will continue to play. So they invest in something inexpensive, often digital. Something they find at their favorite big box store, perhaps. While this may be good in the beginning, it can’t help your child learn the intricate details of playing the piano. 

The biggest reason is because of touch. Traditional pianos have touch weight, which refers to the resistance the keys have when you press them down. This weight is designed to teach a person dynamic response. Over time, you learn to press into the keys with varying weight to receive different responses from the tonal quality of the music being played. If your piano doesn’t have that capability, you lose out learning this critical step. 

Action

Pianos have thousands of parts, each put together in such a way to create sound. Over time, these parts can start to wear down, creating friction in the way they come together. Imagine if strings are loose or broken; the sound quality won’t be there. How can you play if the music being made isn’t right? 

Size

The standard keyboard has 88 keys. Many digital pianos are built compact for size and flexibility. But without a full range of keys, at some point, a piano player simply can’t play what they desire. 

Size also matters in the overall construction of the piano itself. If you’re received a piano from a friend, you might have an older, more compact size. Pianos were built for a variety of reasons, one for compact living space. Everything about the piano was reduced, including the size of the keys themselves. Again, it’s back to the feel of the piano. If your child wants to move forward with their musical talent, they have to understand how to get full depth from the instrument. And that’s simply not possible on all instruments. 

Tone

Of course, tone is also a big reason to upgrade. Basic pianos will never sound as good as concert level pianos. Moving up improves the overall quality of the sound. If you want to hear the difference in piano tone, give us a call. We can share with you the differences, and help you make the right choice for your needs. 

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18 March 2020 How Do You Buy A First Piano

How Do You Buy A First Piano

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Selecting activities for your child is something every parent has to do. Should you involve them in sports? How about the arts? Is music the way to go? 

There are many reasons to give your child the gift of music. It helps with memory. It improves their performance in school. It helps with listening skills. It can even boost testing ability. 

Great reasons for select playing the piano. 

Once you’ve decided to send your kids to piano lessons, however, you’ll have to buy your first piano. And once you choose to do that, you’ll usually face three questions from the start. 

1. I’m not sure if my child will like this. Should I buy something simple until I’m sure?

2. Should I buy acoustic or digital; what’s the difference?

3. Where should I buy a first piano? 

Let’s start with the first. 

We hear this statement a lot. When parents find out the cost of a piano, they often become wary of spending money on an activity that is so new. What if your child doesn’t like it? Then you’re stuck with an expensive instrument no one will play. 

Yet a piano is the basic tool your child needs to learn to play. If they don’t have a proper tool at the start, they are less likely to enjoy the process. It’s like playing football with a golf ball and walking shoes instead of cleats. If an instrument doesn’t have great tonal quality, it’ll be like playing on a toy. And your child won’t enjoy the outcome. 

There are good and bad points to the final piano you select. Some prefer acoustic while others prefer digital. But no matter what piano you choose, you should always ensure it’s properly weighted and has full size keys. Smaller keyboards won’t have the proper 88 notes. They might also have keys that aren’t responsive. They have a trigger effect that makes it feel like an acoustic. Without that, your child won’t be able to convert to other pianos as they improve their learning. 

If you don’t know much about pianos, it’s a good idea to learn a little about the process before you make your final selection. That’s where coming into our store can help. We’re happy to teach you all you need to know about making your final selection. We also have the ability to help you decide between used and new, and to work within your budget. 

That’s something you’ll never find searching on Craigslist. You might wind up with an instrument that doesn’t even play. 

And without that, your child will never learn to love learning to play the piano. 

How can we help you make your final selection when buying your first piano? 

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