18 February 2015 Different Finishes On A Piano

Different Finishes On A Piano

posted by

Pianos come in a variety of woods.

One of the most common is ebony (often called ebonized), which isn’t actual ebony wood, but instead is an inexpensive veneer that has been painted black. While black may be considered traditional, it by no means is your only choice. Mahogany, cherry, walnut and oak are all popular woods. IDifferent Finishes On A Pianof you prefer exotic woods, you can find bubinga, rosewood, and many other styles and colors. And if you prefer color, you can find pianos painted white or ivory, or in some cases through special order you can find red, blue, or many other original colors.

In addition to the wood itself, you will also find a variety of finishes available. Pianos are typically finished in one of two ways – high polish (high gloss) or satin finishes. High polish produces a near mirror-like quality, where as satin will reflect light but not images.

You can find variations on satin finishes. Matte, which is completely flat, will reflect no light. An open pore finish, common on European pianos, provides a grainier texture as the grain is not filled in before finishing is completed. Semigloss is a finish partially between high gloss and matte.

While finish is entirely a personal choice, it is important to note that pianos finishes do take on different qualities, and therefore require different levels of maintenance. Satin finishes tend to show fingerprints more than do the high polish finishes.

Most piano finishes are either lacquer or polyester. A lacquer finish was most common for pianos produced from the early 1900s into the mid 1970s. Polyester made the scene by that point and has gradually taken over the market share. Lacquer finishes are often times considered more beautiful, but they scratch quite easily. Polyester finishes are more durable, making them a better choice in high traffic areas.

No matter what type and style piano you have, its important to care for it in the proper way.

The Three Biggest Tips For Caring For Your Piano

Filed Under: Buying a Piano, Piano Brands Tagged With: ,
14 February 2015 What Is The Difference Between High-End and Low-End Digital Pianos

What Is The Difference Between High-End and Low-End Digital Pianos

posted by

Thinking of purchasing a new digital piano? In today’s world, a digital piano can be the perfect choice for a budding musician. They can be very practical if you are short on space and don’t have the room for a traditional piano; they are easy to transport, which can be a big benefit if a budding musician starts up his own band; and they are easy to maintain, which means no regular tuning sessions to keep it in top form.

If you have already started the hunt for a good digital piano, you’ve probably already noticed there can be a big difference in pricing. There is a reason for that.What Is The Difference Between High-End and Low-End Digital Pianos

So the first question to have answered about a digital piano is – where does it get its sound? When each piano manufacturer sets out to create a digital piano, it must record each individual sound of each individual key. This process is called modeling. They record it at different volumes and different ranges, so that when you press a key on the digital piano, it will create a rich sound that mimics playing an acoustic piano.

Modeling is what distinguishes a high end piano from a low end piano. Higher priced digital pianos will have more complexity in their tonal quality. Lower priced digital pianos can have very simple mechanisms, and in some cases be quite tinny in sound quality.

While sound quality is a major difference between high end and low end digital pianos, it isn’t the only difference. For some piano players, there is something equal in importance to sound … it’s the feel.

When an acoustic piano is played, the notes have a “feel” when they are touched and played. By putting different amounts of pressure on the keys, you can change the sound that is produced.

With lower end digital pianos, it’s a one touch one sound process. With higher end pianos, they incorporate that “feel” into the piano, giving digital piano players the same capabilities of creating sound by depressing keys at the desired level.

In addition to the importance of sound and feel, a digital piano can have many other characteristics that separate the two.

  • Speakers
  • Output quality
  • Recording device
  • Additional sounds and features
  • Casing and cabinet material

Many differences occur between the high end and low end offerings, and also between the different manufacturers. In some cases, there is very little pricing variance to move into more features and more practical comfort. It all depends on the desire of the musician, and the desire of the sound being produced.

If you’ve never seen a variety of digital pianos in action, stop by and let us show you the differences. The education you’ll receive just by looking can quickly show you where the differences really lie, and help you be more comfortable with your final selection.

Filed Under: Buying a Piano, Owning a Piano Tagged With: ,
4 February 2015 Choosing Color For Your Piano

Choosing Color For Your Piano

posted by

“I’m buying a grand piano soon, and the only thing that’s holding me back is color. I’ve done a lot of research, and have seen various discussions on color choices. I’ve seen many people say that the only color you should consider is black. But frankly, black just isn’t my style; I prefer either a walnut look, or I’m really leaning towards white, which I consider to be light and airy and will match my décor perfectly. Is resale value really that bad for white pianos? Should I forget my preferences and go with the trends – which seems to be black?”

When it comes to buying a piano, you should consider three things:

  1. Tone
  2. TouchChoosing Color For Your Piano
  3. Appearance

If you will be playing your piano on a regular basis, the only thing that truly matters is how well the piano sounds. Pianos should be rich in sound. If a piano is in tune, and is properly voiced to provide a tone that is as great to listen to as it is to play, you’ll be happy with your purchase for many years.

Instead of looking at a piano for its looks, sit down and see how it feels. If your piano is going to get a lot of use, its important that you are comfortable with the way the keys feel against your fingers, and the way you sit in front of the keyboard. Comfort factor should always rank high in your final decision.

Only after the first two needs are met should you put any weight towards appearance. Appearance is a personal choice. Some like black, some like white.

If you look through a variety of piano shops, do a few searches online, or even watch musical shows on television, you’ll notice that the majority of pianos are black, or fall into wood colors like mahogany, walnut or cherry. Yet white and ivory are an option, and lets face it, the world would be a boring place if we all liked the same things.

While its true, white pianos may not sell as easily as the more traditional color line, who is this piano ultimately for?

If your décor tastes prefer lighter furniture, if white complements your décor more so than darker colors, white may be the perfect choice for you. If you are purchasing a piano to be a part of your home for years to come, white may be the right choice to make.

Don’t let popular opinion sway your decision. Buy the piano that will give you the most enjoyment overall, and you’ll be satisfied with your purchase for years.

Filed Under: Buying a Piano Tagged With: , ,
17 January 2015 Why Are Grand Pianos Better Than Uprights?

Why Are Grand Pianos Better Than Uprights?

posted by

If you’re new to the music world, and have just started looking at pianos, you’ve probably made an automatic assumption that grand pianos are better than uprights. And with good reason.

If you’ve ever attended the symphony, or watched one of the latest reality shows where music is involved, chances are the person creating the music is playing a grand piano, not an upright.

But why? What makes a grand piano “better”?Why Are Grand Pianos Better Than Uprights?

The biggest reason is the sound. A grand piano can produce a fuller, richer sound because it has the soundboard to do so. Grand pianos can range anywhere from 4 to 10 feet in length, versus an upright piano that ranges from 3 to 5 feet in height. Because of this, the strings connected to the soundboard in a grand piano can be longer in length, and reach both the lower and higher frequencies with far more capability.

The grand piano is shaped the way it is to provide optimum acoustic properties for the full range of notes. It also allows the lid to be lifted to deflect the sound into the audience, which of course is impossible with an upright.

The grand piano also has a major advantage with the orientation of the action – the mechanism that converts a player’s actions of striking a key, to the hammers inside the piano actually hitting the strings. In a grand piano, the hammers hit straight up against the strings, and gravity allows the hammer to fall back into its home position. In an upright, a mechanism is in place that pulls back the hammer, keeping them from damping against the strings and creating a more diluted sound. Thus the action of the grand is much more sensitive than that of an upright, providing a clearer, crisper approach to music.

Does that make a grand piano “better” than an upright? It truly is in the eye of the beholder. A high quality upright can produce a fuller, richer sound than some bottom end grand pianos. And depending on the type of music you are trying to create, an upright may produce a better sound than a grand (most honky tonk bands use an upright, not a grand).

If you are choosing a piano for your home, it also comes down to price and size. Does your home truly have the space for a grand piano? If not, an upright may be the perfect choice for your needs. As long as you focus on quality of sound, and purchase the best quality for your budget, you’ll receive the perfect piano for your needs.

Filed Under: Buying a Piano, Owning a Piano Tagged With:
6 January 2015 “Cheap Piano For Sale” Isn’t Always A Good Thing

“Cheap Piano For Sale” Isn’t Always A Good Thing

posted by

As a musician, names can mean a lot.

When it comes to owning a piano, having one of the better names such as Steinway, Chickering or Knabe on display can be a source of pride and accomplishment.

But upgrading from the family heirloom that’s been passed down generation to generation, to an in-demand piano can present its own set of challenges … mainly cost.“Cheap Piano For Sale” Isn’t Always A Good Thing

Yet in today’s world, finding a “diamond in the rough” seems like a pretty easy thing to do. All it takes is a quick scan on Craigslist to find many bargains listed with great names, and even better price tags. How can you say no to a bargain?

The ads always go something like this:

Used Steinway piano in good condition

Stored in heated garage for past 15 years

Needs some refinishing work

$100

Wow! What a deal.

The picture shows the stain is gone in places, but overall, it looks like its in good condition. A little staining, maybe tuning it a little, and it should be good to go.

“I’ll take it!” And the deal is complete.

Unfortunately, if you truly want a piano you can play, that sounds good, and will add years of enjoyment to your life, you may have just made the worst deal of your life.

Here’s why.

The first step is getting your “new” piano home. You can pay to have a professional piano mover move the piano from the heated garage to your home. Or if you stick with the bargain concept, you can get a few friends to help you move it. That will involve renting a truck and finding several people that are willing to move a several hundred pound instrument into place. And pianos aren’t an easy thing to move; they are large, their weight is disproportionately placed in several areas, they are bulky, they are heavy, and they have tiny legs that can easily be broken off. And that’s just the outside. Heavy banging or sudden jarring can cause even more damage to the intricate pieces on the inside that give a piano its life and its sound.

Once you get it to its final resting spot in good condition, its time to call in the experts. If a piano has been sitting in storage for 15 years, you can bet it hasn’t been tuned in at least that long. Is the pinblock still in good shape? Are the strings in working condition? Will it hold a tune? How much time will it take to get it into tune? This is where the fun can begin, and where your real cost can start. In the best scenario, it can take a simple tuning, revamping a few strings, and regular maintenance to bring it back into playable condition. At the worst, it may not be playable without extensive restoration.

Even though it’s a Steinway, even Steinway’s have different values. Has it been damaged in its life? Is it an upright or a grand? Does it have a full range keyboard? There are a lot of variables that will determine its ultimate worth, both before and after potential restoration.

While each phase takes time, it also takes money. And unless you are a trained professional, most are projects you simply can’t take on yourself. In some cases it may take hundreds or even thousands of dollars to bring a piano back into good working condition. And if you don’t have the time or the money to do it, it may wind up back in the garage once again – only now its in your garage instead.

If playing the piano is your goal, start with a piano in playing condition from the moment it arrives in your home. And start making beautiful music tonight.

Filed Under: Buying a Piano Tagged With: ,
31 December 2014 How To Break Your Piano Practice Bad Habits

How To Break Your Piano Practice Bad Habits

posted by

We all have them with everything we do. We start out with the best of intentions. But something gets in the way. And soon, our bad habits stand in the way of us achieving the kind of results we’ve always desired.

Yes, I could be talking about anything. After all, how many of us really want to stick with that diet we started when fresh baked chocolate chip cookies are put in front of us?How To Break Your Piano Practice Bad Habits

When it comes to playing the piano, we all start out with the best of intentions. After all, the goal is to play beautiful music with one of the most versatile instruments around.

But like all great intentions, things can go array. And before long you may be finding yourself dreading practice, questioning why you ever wanted to play the piano in the first place.

Problems with practicing the piano usually fall into one of several categories:

  • Timing issues
  • Playing issues
  • Goals

Timing

Playing the piano means practice. If you don’t set up a routine to practice on a consistent basis, you will never improve your skills. One of the most common bad habits is not incorporating practice into your weekly routine. Its easy to “get busy” and have something else take its place. But if the piano is truly important in your life, the only way to make it happen is to practice on a regular basis. While it doesn’t have to be every day at a certain time, you should be able to carve out time every week. Once you find a routine that works for you, stick with it and make it a priority. When you see the results, you’ll be more likely to keep the pattern.

Playing

Many people try and learn piano on their own. They watch a few videos, read a book or two, or refer back to lessons they’ve had in the past. The problem with doing things on your own is you may not be doing things the right way. If your posture is wrong, it may be causing problems with your arm or hand movement. If you don’t understand the music, you may be playing with the wrong tonal quality. With every task you do, every new hobby you try, the only way to perfect it is through practice and critique. A piano teacher’s job is to give critique; to help you through the bad habits and turn them into good. If you’ve been stuck for a while, it may be a simple “a-ha” moment that can help you make a few leaps.

Goals

When it comes to playing the piano, is it simply to play a piece of music, or enjoy playing a piece of music? If your goal is to simply play it, the enjoyment may be lost. You practice to get the notes right, playing it through again and again to make it from beginning to end.

Music should never be approached in this manner. It doesn’t matter the difficulty of the piece of music, how many songs you can learn in a period of time, or how quickly you advance into difficult pieces. Instead, its about letting the music flow through you. When you “feel” the music, it accomplishes a lot. It gives you enjoyment, it takes away stress, it fills you with a sense of accomplishment. Take a look at your true goals; are they on target to enjoy the music you make? Do you have the things necessary to make this a reality?

Whether its trying a new song, or creating a new music room that will allow you to play to your full potential, without the right goal in mind, you may just be setting yourself up for failure.

Filed Under: Buying a Piano, Owning a Piano, Piano Music Tagged With: ,

Grand Piano Finishes and Styles

posted by

If you are in the market for a piano, you’ll quickly find that there are many more options with upright pianos versus their counterparts, the grand piano.

Yet when most people think about a piano, and choose to put it on display in their home not just as a musical instrument, but also as a piece of art, more than likely the grand piano will be the instrument of choice.Grand Piano Finishes and Styles

Grand pianos come in a variety of woods: mahogany, cherry, walnut, oak are the most common. In some cases you’ll find an ebony piano, which is made of inexpensive, sturdy veneer that has been painted black. Higher priced pianos may be constructed from exotic woods such as bubinga or rosewood.

In addition to the type of wood itself, the piano can also be finished in a variety of ways. You’ll typically find pianos finished in either a high gloss or satin finish; high gloss gives a mirror-like effect, where as satin reflects some of the light. You’ll also find flat finishes, more common in European pianos, in which the grain is not filled in before finishing, giving it a grainier texture with an overall flat lighting quality. And in some cases, you can special order a piano in a variety of colors, including ivory or white, or even in bigger and bolder colors such as red or blue.

Most piano finishes are either lacquer or polyester. Lacquer was the most popular finish during the 20th century, with polyester becoming more popular in the 80s and 90s. Lacquer finishes are a smoother finish, which also means they can scratch easier than their counterpart, the polyester finish. Polyester finishes are more durable, and are a great choice in high traffic areas, such as a church or a school.

While the overall look of a grand piano is one that is easily recognizable by all, there are distinct qualities that can add style to your final selection. A traditional grand piano has a solid piano case, straight or slightly tapered legs, and usually a rather plain, solid music rack above the keyboard.

A Victorian style brings out the finesse of the late 1800s, with large, round fluted legs and a fancy music rack. Still other styles, such as the Queen Anne or French Provincial, provide elaborate curved legs similar to the period in which it originated, and will offer embellishments and music racks that compliment the style.

Whether you have a specific look and style in mind, or simply want to have artistic expression in your home, a grand piano can add style like no other piece of furniture can. Let us help you find the perfect addition to your home today with a grand piano.

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

Where Are Today’s Pianos Made?

posted by

When many people think of a new piano, they tend to think in terms of years gone by. Old names in the piano industry have changed over the years, with manufacturers varying greatly. The number of pianos produced every year has also been changing, giving way to new leaders both domestic and from abroad. In the 1970s, the majority of the pianos sold in the US were made in the US by about a dozen different makers. Hundreds of thousands were sold every year.

Fast forward to today’s market and you’ll find an entirely different dynamic. Numbers have now dropped to around 40,000 new acoustic pianos sold annually, with over 30 different companies from around the world producing around 70 different brand names.Where Are Today’s Pianos Made?

How did this change happen?

In the 1960s, Japanese manufacturers began a wave of imports that took America by storm. That gave way to pianos from Korea being imported in the 80s and 90s, which put most American manufacturers out of business.

As Korean wages rose, it moved piano production to Indonesia and China. The 2000s was also a time for technological advances and computer aided design that allowed manufacturing quality to raise substantially. Even pianos at the lowest price range could have dynamics and precision only found in higher price models of yesteryear.

Since the 1990s, the European manufacturers have also aggressively been targeting the US, giving even more choice to the high end marketplace. To better survive the global economy, more companies are diversifying and increasing their product lines to move into all price ranges. Because parts and labor are being used interchangeably, it often blurs the line between the lower, mid and upper ranges, allowing consumers to be the winner in getting higher quality at an affordable price.

What does all of this mean to you?

If you are in the market for a new piano, the options are better than ever before. Stop by and compare some of the top names in the industry, and find the perfect piano for your needs.

Filed Under: Buying a Piano Tagged With: ,
29 November 2014 Choosing A Piano As A Christmas Gift

Choosing A Piano As A Christmas Gift

posted by

Whether its on the Christmas wish list of your teenage son, or its been on the bucket list of your spouse for years, why not make this the year you surprise him or her with a brand new piano?

Pianos come in all different shapes and sizes, with many different options, and at many different price ranges. Which means before you begin looking for the perfect piano for your loved one, its important you determine needs first. Start with a few simple questions:Choosing A Piano As A Christmas Gift

  • Do you prefer an upright or grand piano?
  • Do you prefer an acoustic or a digital?
  • Would something portable be more beneficial, or will it hold a special place within your home?
  • How much are you willing to spend?

By answering those few questions, you can easily have all you’ll need to make the perfect choice.

Uprights come in all different types of heights, finishes and cabinets. The height is measured from the floor to the top of the piano; the overall size being the most important factor in determining tone quality and volume. The taller the piano, the longer the strings, the bigger the soundboard, the louder the sound. There are some professional or full size upright pianos that may have larger strings and larger soundboards than some small grand pianos.

Grand pianos also range in size, style and finish. The length of a grand piano is measured from the front of the keyboard to the very back of the piano when the lid is closed. Piano teachers, music schools, universities and serious amateurs often prefer a medium grand piano because of its tone and its volume. The largest grands – concert grands – are mostly used in concert halls, auditoriums, churches and public performing locations.

Choosing an upright versus a grand is usually a personal choice based on space. Both can look beautiful and play equally well, depending on your final selection. Other than the most common characteristics – finish, style, size, shape – the most important aspect in choosing a piano is the action of the piano. In grands, the strings are horizontal, with the hammer hitting the string from below and dropping back into place. The movement is the same direction as gravity, allowing for faster repetition and better tone quality. In uprights, the hammers hit the strings from the side, so slower sound repetition is produced. Depending on your desires, a higher quality upright can meet higher standards in sound compared with the smallest of grands. Be sure to test and know what you’re getting to avoid disappointment later.

Digital pianos are purchased for a variety of reasons, and may be the perfect choice for the budding musician in your life. They don’t require tuning, can easily be moved from place to place, have a lot of functionality with them, and can offer both recording and playback features you won’t find with acoustic pianos. Although they cannot compare with the quality sound of an acoustic piano, they do provide opportunity for creating sound in many different ways. And for the price, its often a good choice for teens playing in bands or starting up other musical groups.

Whether you only have an idea of what type of piano you want, or know the exact model and brand, stop by today. We can help you select the perfect piano, and help you keep it a surprise right up until the big day.

Filed Under: Buying a Piano Tagged With: , ,
1 November 2014 Why Your Piano Needs Piano Tuning

Why Your Piano Needs Piano Tuning

posted by

From the time you bring a piano into your home, it requires regular maintenance to keep it looking and sounding its best. Part of it is cleaning it and keeping it dust free; that’s the part you can do regularly. Then there is the part that requires a piano to be tuned on a regular basis; that’s the part you’ll have to bring in a piano technician.

Why Your Piano Needs Piano TuningPianos are complex instruments. Because one part impacts another, and effects the overall sound quality, its important to keep everything in top condition. If you do not keep a piano tuned for musical purposes, consider your potential for selling your piano some day. Only a piano in great condition can be sold easily, and great condition means a piano that has had regular tunings and sounds its best.

Regular tunings prevent further damage. When a string tension is optimal, it will produce optimal sound. However, if the tension is lax or too tight, it can quickly impact the other delicate piano parts, and in some cases damage them to the point of needing to be replaced. Tunings help keep all parts running smoothly and working together, preventing damage from occurring to neighboring pieces.

In some cases its easy for a player to “hear” a problem. Run through a scale and when one or two notes sound “off”, you know you have a problem. But that’s not always the case. Sometimes the smallest of problems are difficult to hear, but without proper maintenance, a larger, more expensive problem is around the corner.

Not all piano tuners are piano technicians, meaning they might not be able to find and fix all the problems associated with keeping a piano in good working order. When you’re hiring a piano tuner, make sure he is experienced and can help you maintain your piano at its optimal level.

Regular tunings should start from the moment you bring your piano home. If it’s a new piano, or new to your home and its environment, it may take a few tunings a year to get it settled into its new location. As it ages, piano tuning frequency will reduce as well. The longer it goes in between tunings, the more severe the problems can be. If a piano goes two or more years without tuning, it may need things like:

Pitch Raising – a pre-tuning process that prepares the strings to be tuned. This takes expert guidance, as an incorrect process can negatively impact the piano’s timbre, impact the string vibration, and cause interference in the strings.

Double Tuning – a general tuning that is performed before a fine tuning process. The first tuning is crucial because if its not done effectively, it can cause weak strings to go further out of tune. Fine tuning is only performed when strings reach close to optimal level, and minor adjustments can be made.

No matter if you have a brand new piano in need of its very first tuning, or you’ve owned a piano for years and can’t remember the last time it was tuned, there is no better time than the present to start the process. Call us today; we’re happy to help you maintain your piano and keep it strong and healthy for years to come.

Filed Under: Buying a Piano, Piano Renovation Tagged With: ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »