25 March 2019 What Piano Brands Should You Consider?

What Piano Brands Should You Consider?

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When you’re in the market for a new piano, looking at all the different piano brands out on the marketplace can make it difficult at best. 

Like other products, if you purchase a high quality piano brand, you’ll know it’s made with care, meeting the high standards the brand name is known for. There are many manufacturers that have been around for decades, and still believe in doing things the old fashioned way. Many pianos were made lovingly by hand, with individual care put into every step of the process. 

For example, we sell high quality Bosendorfer used pianos. Bosendorfer continues to rank high on the quality scale, being one of the oldest and most prestigious manufacturers of acoustic pianos. They are known for their intricate hand-craftsmanship, and their inspiring, rich tonal quality. They don’t just produce a piano, they create a work of art. And they’ve been doing so since the early 1800s. What Piano Brands Should You Consider?

We also carry Steinway & Sons. Steinway & Sons have been manufacturing pianos since the mid 1800s. They are well known in the piano industry for creating some of the best pianos to own. When you walk into a home with a Steinway sitting in the middle, it instantly says quality. Steinway’s are also top of preferred pianos from the biggest musicians in the world. Because they are at the top of the preferred list, the pricing of a Steinway can scare some people away. They aren’t for the hobbyist, and instead, are preferred by people wanting high quality and to invest in a piano that will last a lifetime. 

Of course, there are many high quality manufacturers that are perfect for entry level too. Baldwin is one of the largest piano manufacturers in the US, having been founded in the mid 1800s in Cincinnati. While they are considered more affordable than Steinway’s, they are also known for their reliability and tonal quality. They have detailed craftsmanship and will increase in value if they are well cared for. 

Or how about Yamaha? This is probably one of the most recognized brands. They also top the affordability list. These precision-made pianos are crafted in Japan, and are some of the most widely used pianos in practice rooms and home studios. If you take up the piano and play in different places, chances are you will sit down at a Yamaha at some point in your career. 

These aren’t the only high-quality brands you should consider when you’re ready making a purchase. There are many piano brands that would be a perfect addition to your home. Have a question? The best way to see the difference is to stop by and take a look. We’d be happy to let you play several different brands and hear which would be the perfect choice for your home. 

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13 March 2019 What’s The Right Piano Model For Your Needs?

What’s The Right Piano Model For Your Needs?

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A piano is one of the oldest modern day instruments we use. Head back to the early 18th century; the pianoforte was developed as an update to the older harpsichord. It gave pianoforte players the ability to play notes at different volumes, thus creating more variety in the music played. 

Today’s pianos haven’t changed much over the past few decades. If you want to purchase a new piano for your home, acoustic pianos are a great way to help you produce beautiful sounds. But no matter what your goals and needs are for selecting a new instrument, you’ll have to make a few decisions before you can start making music. What’s The Right Piano Model For Your Needs?

New or Used

Pianos are one of the few instruments where you can select old or new, and receive a high quality instrument. If you know what to look for. Because acoustic pianos haven’t changed a lot in the twentieth century, you can find excellent used pianos that make a great addition to your home. Always look for a piano that properly cared for by the owner if you’re selecting a used one. By trusting a reputable dealer, you’ll ensure you’re buying the highest quality piano for your money. 

Acoustic vs Digital

Of course, modern day changes have allowed digital to change the way we play piano too. Digital pianos don’t use strings to create sound. Instead, digital pianos record the sounds from high quality acoustic pianos and use that to create a rich, full sound. If the convenience of digital suits your needs, be sure you listen to the sound. Does it sound like a piano, or can you hear a tinny, more electronic sound? 

Upright vs Grand

If you have your heart set on bringing an acoustic piano into your home, you’ll have to decide between an upright or a grand. An upright stands upright – it’s taller than it is wide, and is a great choice when space is a factor. A grand piano is larger, with its body lying parallel to the floor. You’ll often hear a grand piano referred to as a concert piano, as it’s the most common piano used in performances. 

In general, a grand piano has a more full bodied sound. Many homeowners dream of having a grand piano on display, and it can add beauty and ambiance to any music room. 

Which model is right for you?

When shopping, consider what you’re goals and needs are. Will you be playing regularly or once in a while? Will you be making an investment that will last you years to come, or are you willing to upgrade in just a few years? 

Not sure? Why not stop by and see our full selection of acoustic pianos, both upright and grand. We can help you make the right selection for your needs.  

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6 March 2019 7 Things To Keep In Mind If Buying a Piano For An Institution

7 Things To Keep In Mind If Buying a Piano For An Institution

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Are you purchasing a new piano for your church sanctuary? Or do you need a new performance piano for your theater? Looking to replace a piano for your graduate students? Or just need one for your beginning middle school students to start to play?

A lot goes into making the best selection for your needs. Chances are this is a purchase that will last for many years to come. How do you know you’re making the right purchase? 

Start With A Few Questions

Chances are you have some ideas for why you need a new piano. But if you haven’t put all of your needs to paper, do so before you start to shop. Who will be using the piano? How often will it be played? Will the piano stay in one location, or moved periodically from location to location? This will help define your needs. 7 Things To Keep In Mind If Buying a Piano For An Institution

Budget

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, you can start to see what your budget can afford. Don’t select the most “bells and whistles” for your money. Instead, focus on quality. If this piano will last for years – decades – ensure you make the right selection to provide years of quality playing. 

Grand or Upright?

Sometimes the choice is obvious – you only have so much room in your location. But sometimes the choice isn’t so obvious. In most cases, uprights are more for practice areas. They take up less space and provide more workspace for music and scores. Grand pianos are more often purchased for locations where players will be performing, and learning the importance of tonal quality and function. 

Piano Size

Carefully consider your space before making a final selection. This is where a reputable dealer can help the most. If you buy a piano that is too large, you can waste money by not gaining the voice and tone quality the piano is capable of producing. A piano that is too small won’t fill the space with the rich sound you expect. Be open to both vertical and grand piano options, because moving from one to another might be your best option. 

New or Used Piano

If an acoustic piano is well cared for, it can last for decades. Sometimes a used piano can get you the sound and quality you’re looking for. However, this isn’t the time to select one solely based on cost. A lot goes into pricing out used piano technology. A reputable dealer can help you make the right selection for your situation. 

Acoustic or Digital Piano

Digital pianos continue to offer higher quality with every new make and model produced. Depending on your needs, either acoustic or digital can make great additions to your institution. Keep in mind that while acoustic pianos can last 30, 40, 50 years or longer without a lot of restoration, digital pianos often require upgrading every few years to keep up with technology. 

Piano Maintenance

While acoustic pianos can last for decades, they do require maintenance to ensure they stay in top condition. Tuning and repair should be a part of your maintenance routine every year; set a schedule with your local tuner who will help you keep your piano in top condition. While digital pianos don’t require tuning or annual maintenance, they do often require more frequent updates to ensure they provide you with the technology available. 

Have more questions about which piano is right for you? We’re here to help. 

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28 February 2019 How Do You Know How Much To Pay For A Used Piano?

How Do You Know How Much To Pay For A Used Piano?

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Looking to bring a piano in your home? Sometimes your best choice is to find a good used piano. 

But how do you know how much it’s worth? 

Makes and models only go so far. You can’t always compare the same make and model together and expect to pay the same price. A lot goes into determining how much a used piano is worth. 

Of course, ultimately it depends on how much someone is willing to sell the piano for, and if they can find a buyer who is willing to pay the price. But how do you know the price you’re paying is fair? What makes a piano “good”? And is paying for one better than taking in a free model?How Do You Know How Much To Pay For A Used Piano?

Comparables – When you find what you think is a good deal, often the best place to start is by doing a little research. When comparing, you can start by taking in the make, model, and brand of the piano. You also have to consider things like age, condition, and location the piano has resided in throughout its life. It’s rare – almost impossible – to find two pianos with the same background. But by using an appraiser or a reputable dealer, you can determine the differences and make adjustments accordingly. 

Depreciation – Depending on the make and model, some pianos hold their value very well. If you can track ownership and location for the piano, some people prefer to take the original cost minus depreciation to calculate the used price. This valuation method can work well when standards are kept high, such as when the piano was kept in good condition in a theater or institution. 

Current Value – For some, the easiest way to value a piano is to determine what it would take to restore the piano to its original playability. If the piano is in good working order, has value based on its make and model, but in need of a little work, paying the difference can give you a fair price. This means you might have to perform a little renovation to bring it to proper working condition. But it can give you a great value for your money. 

Of course, finding the “diamond in the rough” is difficult for most consumers. That’s why trusting a reputable piano dealer can work in your favor. If you have a question about finding the right piano for you, we’re here to help. 

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29 January 2019 Should I Buy A Used Digital Piano  

Should I Buy A Used Digital Piano  

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You’ll often find used acoustic pianos for sale in your neighborhood, but what about digital pianos? Should you consider investing in a used digital piano if your child is just starting out?

While there’s always a concern that buying something used will cost you more money in the long run, the truth is a good used digital piano can help save you money. Of course, it depends on your goals and your needs. 

The most obvious reason to buy used is to save money. Used digital pianos can drop the price tag by 10 to 20 percent off of the new price. The more a piano is used, the more the price will likely drop. As new students progress and find they enjoy playing the piano, they often upgrade and trade in their starters. This can be a good deal for you, because more than likely the piano was well maintained. To evaluate a used digital piano, look at:

Should I Buy A Used Digital Piano  Condition:

Take a walk around the piano – does it look good on the outside? This can easily alert you to a neglected instrument. Every scratch or ding that’s visible alerts you to a possible problem with the way it will play. However, it’s equally important to assess the inner workings and functionality. You should test every key and make sure it feels and sounds satisfactory. 

Accessories:

Digital pianos come with all kinds of accessories. Does the price include AC adaptors, sustain pedals, music rests, or furniture stands? Also ensure you receive cords, cables, manuals, and software or CDs to be able to connect up and digitize your music after you bring your instrument home. 

Warranties:

All electronics run the risk of malfunctioning. That’s why all electronics come with a warranty to ensure you receive a high quality instrument. You might not receive full access to warranties if you buy online or from a private seller. Be sure you understand all of the benefits you are receiving before you hand over your credit card. 

Feel like you’re getting a great deal? You can always do a quick search online. A reputable dealer will ensure you get a competitive price, and ensure that you’ll be comfortable with your purchase after you bring it home. 

Are you ready to invest in a digital piano for your home?

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21 January 2019 Before You Buy: What Your Piano Should Look and Feel Like

Before You Buy: What Your Piano Should Look and Feel Like

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So you’re ready to buy your first piano. 

A piano isn’t just an instrument you’ll tuck away – out of sight, out of mind. Instead, the piano becomes a centerpiece of your home. Of course, it provides a place for you and your children to learn a new skill. Why not gather friends and family around for a night of music? 

But more than simply learning to play the piano, it’s the one instrument that takes up its own presence sitting in one of your rooms. It has to bring character and personality to your home. It makes a statement, so it’s equally as important to choose one that looks and feels perfect for who you are. Before You Buy: What Your Piano Should Look and Feel Like

Let’s start with the obvious – space

It’s easy to get fixated on things that truly don’t matter. 

Like price. Select one solely based on price, and you’ll likely bring home a piano that doesn’t fit with any of your decor. It will be the most expensive thing you purchase that you try and shove into a corner to hide from the rest of your furnishings. 

Or grandeur. Yes, we’ve seen plenty of people buy a piano simply because of how grand it will look in their homes. Only to get it home and not have the space for it anywhere. You don’t want to buy a statement piece whose only statement is: how can I walk around it when it touches every wall in the room?

A piano is designed to live harmoniously with the other fixtures in your room. It’s also best away from windows, doors, or heating vents that can damage the instrument and require more tunings and repair. 

Now, let’s talk about looks

Once you’ve taken stock of where you want your piano placed, measure it. Take pictures of it. Consider what you want your piano to say within the room. Blend nicely? Take center stage? 

There really is a piano for everyone. Not everyone should purchase a classical grand with a traditional black case. 

But stretch beyond looks too when making your final decision. Touch it. Feel the keys. Listen to their sounds. 

Just like people, every piano has its own unique personality. Some pianos you “get.” You just know they’re the right one for you. 

For more ideas on finding the perfect piano for your home, stop by today. 

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7 January 2019 How To Find The Right Seller Before You Buy Your Piano

How To Find The Right Seller Before You Buy Your Piano

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Today is an interesting time in history. When you’re ready to buy something new, you go into heavy learning mode. Thanks to the internet, that’s easier than ever. 

You open up a browser window or shout out to Alexa with one simple goal in mind: what do I need to know about buying a piano? 

Of course, you go into overdrive. There’s a lot to learn. 

One of the quickest things you’ll pick up is not every piano is the same. Just like not every piano seller is the same. 

If you really want to select a high quality piano for your home, one that will bring years of joy, you have to think of quality first. And that takes a little work to find in both the instrument and in the seller. How To Find The Right Seller Before You Buy Your Piano

We all want to find a credible, trustworthy person to buy from. We all hope they tell the truth and provide accurate information about the piano we’re looking to buy. But it doesn’t take more than a simple home finance class back in school to teach us that is rarely the case. 

How do you find a reputable seller you can trust?

Referral – still the best way to find a credible seller is going old school – get referrals from those around you. Luckily the ways you get a referral have expanded a bit. Start with neighbors, family, and friends. If they don’t play, talk to the music teacher at your child’s school. Or use the internet. As you find possible sellers, do a little search online. It won’t take you long to start building a picture in your mind. 

Ask questions – you don’t have to buy a piano in the first few minutes of meeting someone. Ask questions and see how they respond. If they keep pushing the sale, that’s your reason to step away. A reputable seller will never push you too quickly. They want to ensure all of your needs are met. They are in this for the long term. 

Avoid the “yeses” – you can tell when someone wants to “dump” their product on you when they give you “yeses” to all of your questions. Yes, this is the best. Yes, you’re going to love it. Yes, there isn’t anything else out there like it. And that’s when it’s time to walk away. 

When you find the right seller, you’ll know it. They are there simply to take care of your needs. You’ll feel good about your purchase. You’ll know you got the best deal for your money. You’ll feel confident that you made a selection that will last for a very long time. 

And when you sit at your piano and listen to the music, you’ll be happy with your purchase. 

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21 December 2018 Need Piano Purchase Advice?

Need Piano Purchase Advice?

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Looking for a lifelong skill to give your kids? Why not give them piano lessons? The gift of music will benefit them in many ways. 

If you’ve decided this is the year to add a piano to your home, there are many options available for you. Used pianos are often a great choice – if they are gently used. 

Buy used – not overused

This is one of the biggest mistakes a person can make. They look at an ad on Craigslist, or get a “good deal” from a friend of a friend. Too often the “good deal” turns into a nightmare, and they spend a whole lot more trying to make it playable again. Need Piano Purchase Advice?

Set your budget

Understand the costs of purchasing a piano before you begin. It’s not just the piano itself; there are other costs to bring it into your home. You may find a good deal on a piano, but how much will it cost to move it into your home? Sure, you can push and pull, but one mistake could spell disaster. A mover ensures it’s moved without cause. You’ll also need to bring in a tuner to ensure the sound quality is at its best. Need a new bench? These are all things an independent seller won’t tell you. But as a piano dealer with decades of experience, we ensure you get only the best when you select a used piano from us. 

Work with a professional

If you’ve never played piano before, it’s difficult to select the best for your child. But if you make the wrong choice, they may not have the proper tool for the job. 

Does it create music that sounds good to the ear?

Is it at the right pitch?

Does each key operate the way it should?

You might not understand that. And an independent trying to get rid of his only piano won’t share that kind of information. 

But a dealer will be able to show you what to look for, and what to consider. You can try out multiple pianos to learn the differences. 

And only after you’ve chosen the right piano for your situation will you bring it home and give your child the best advantage for making music. 

You can also ask yourself how much the piano will be worth down the road. If you select a good starter piano now, can you upgrade when your little one falls in love with playing? With a piano dealer, it’s possible. We frequently work with clients who upgrade as their desires change. Want a better upright for better sound? Or maybe a grand piano when you upgrade your home? 

We can help you no matter what your desires or what piano is right for you. Digital or acoustic, upright or grand, we have the right piano for you. 

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18 December 2018 Cheap Piano For Sale: It Could Be A Costly Mistake

Cheap Piano For Sale: It Could Be A Costly Mistake

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So you want your child to learn the piano. You’ve heard how important music is to their development. Now it’s time to find the right piano. 

With a few searches, you might be intimidated by the prices. Why not find the cheapest one you can? With a quick search, you find a cheap piano for sale. Act fast and it might be yours. 

But is that a good idea? 

Many people jump into a purchase like this, only to be disappointed from the moment they get it into their home. Because cheap pianos can have a lot of problems.

They aren’t in tuneCheap Piano For Sale: It Could Be A Costly Mistake

Have you ever heard a singer miss a note? You cringe as they continue on out of tune. The same can happen with a piano. Play a scale and it sounds fine … until you hit “the note.” And then another one. And another. You can’t play a piano that’s out of tune; if it doesn’t sound right, you can’t create music. And if it requires several rounds of tuning just to bring it to an acceptable level, how “cheap” is that cheap piano really going to be?

They aren’t tuneable

You can bring a tuner to work on your piano. But in some cases, a piano simply isn’t worth tuning. If it sits for years, decades, without being properly maintained, there might not be a way to fix what no longer works. 

They don’t have musicality 

Have you ever heard an instrument that just doesn’t sound right? The notes are tinny. It just doesn’t have the right voice. Think that instrument is any fun to play? Part of the joy of learning how to play is to create beautiful music. If you can’t do that, you’re more likely to give up. 

They aren’t worth the investment

Ever settled on something you thought was a good deal, only to have to put a whole lot of time and money into it to bring it back to any kind of workable condition? You lose interest very quickly. The same holds true for any type of investment, from a bike, to a car, to a piano. Sometimes it’s worth spending a little extra to know you have a good deal. An individual with one item to sell has one goal in mind: selling that one item. When a dealer has multiple items to sell, they are more interested in getting you into the right option. They know to keep you happy, they have to give you the right information. And that means helping you make the right choice for you. 

Want something cheap? Or are you ready to purchase the right piano for you?

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12 December 2018 Don’t Include A Portable Piano On Your Christmas Wish List

Don’t Include A Portable Piano On Your Christmas Wish List

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Parents have a lot of opinions on the best way to teach their kids. But I’ll bet you’ve never heard these:

Learn to read, and I’ll buy you a book. 

Learn a sport, and I’ll buy you the proper gear. 

Why? It’s pretty obvious. In both examples, parents realize that you have to have the proper tools to excel. And as a parent, it’s our job to ensure they have what it takes to succeed. 

That’s why it’s funny the approach many parents take when it comes to music. Don’t Include A Portable Piano On Your Christmas Wish List

They want to push their kids to be musically inclined. They may have even read about the advantages of kids who play music. Yes, they often have better organizational skills. And yes, they often do a lot better on tests. But then they head out and price a piano and freeze. Can they really afford that?

So they look for alternatives. And it’s easy to find a cheap alternative to a piano in your favorite big box store. Why not get a portable piano as a gift and see if your child takes to it? If they seem to like it, you can always upgrade later. 

And that’s where the problems begin. 

Interest alone can’t help your child become a great musician. You have to have the proper tools to ensure she gains the proper skill set along the way. 

Those cheap imitations can’t compete with the real thing. They don’t sound the same. They don’t play the same. And when you can’t hear proper intonation or feel the way a piano is designed to feel, it can throw your skills off as you learn and grow. 

It’s also important to treat it as a commitment, not as a hobby. And when you buy a portable piano, you often treat it as a toy. Lessons and practice take commitment. You have to ensure it’s built into your week. If you’re not committed, your child never will be. And they’ll lose the skill long before they ever gain it. 

Are you committed to giving your child the gift of music? Invest in a quality piano today. 

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