9 December 2013 Why A Piano Is The Perfect Gift For Christmas

Why A Piano Is The Perfect Gift For Christmas

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‘Tis the season to be gift giving and each of us are constantly on the hunt for the perfect gift.  We scour the ads, we search the stores, we stand in lines; all in the quest for that ideal present.

What would you say though if I told you the perfect Christmas present can’t be found at your typical store?  For that special someone on your list, a piano may be the perfect gift for Christmas.  Here’s why.

Why A Piano Is The Perfect Gift For ChristmasA piano is a long term investment.  Toys can get old and uninteresting.  Clothes wear out or become too small.  Food gifts become consumed.  But the gift of a piano is the gift that keeps on giving.  It is the gift of music and personal enrichment.

A piano is an investment in personal enrichment.  Giving a piano for Christmas allows the joy to grow over time.  A piano is an excellent tool for learning music.  If used properly, your gift will grow through the years.  The recipient will benefit from the rounded experiences, the greater education, the mental benefits of musical education, and so much more.

A piano is a great source of entertainment.  As the recipient learns and grows in their musical skill, having a piano at home can be a great way to entertain themselves or others.  Before TV, people often used music as a source of entertainment.  Even today, piano can provide a great, non-technological alternative for entertaining.

A piano can be a great decoration.  A piano can be an excellent addition to any room decor.  In addition, you can use surface areas on a piano for additional decorations.

A piano can be a great conversation starter.  You often won’t find out about the musical talent of those you know until they are in the proximity of a musical instrument.  Giving a piano can give the gift of entertainment and closer friendships for years to come.

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4 December 2013 7 Reasons To Trust Coltharp Piano World When Buying A Piano In Memphis

7 Reasons To Trust Coltharp Piano World When Buying A Piano In Memphis

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1. Owning a piano isn’t a quick decision. It takes time to select the right piano for your needs. When you’ve decided its time to invest in a piano, do you really want to show up at someone’s home and purchase the only piano you’ll see, assuming its in good shape? When you’re ready to buy a piano, its important to weigh your options. New or used? Acoustic or digital? Upright or grand? With so many decisions, its important to get the facts first; something easy to do in our large showroom.

7 Reasons To Trust Coltharp Piano World When Buying A Piano In Memphis2. Longevity is important in an instrument you may have for a lifetime. Coltharp Piano World has been in business for over 50 years. Which means we are experts in everything piano. When you buy a piano from a trusted expert, rest assured you can come back at any time to ask questions that may come up in the future.

3. Owning a piano means maintenance. You can’t buy it and expect it to last 50 years without routine maintenance. We provide expert piano tuning services, something your piano will need on a regular basis. Just ask and we’ll give you more information.

4. Locally owned is important. Its nice to work with someone who’s active in the Memphis community. We’ve been here for over 50 years, and will continue to be of service to you in the future. You’ll work with a friend, not someone who is simply trying to sell you a piano.

5. New or used, there is a piano for everyone. Everyone has a different budget and different requirements. Maybe you’re ready to upgrade to the baby grand you’ve had your eye on. Maybe its your first piano purchase and you want to start small. Maybe you have special décor you’re wanting to accent with a grand piano. Give us your needs and requirements, and we’ll show you a selection of pianos perfect for your needs.

6. Your needs change, we can grow with you. Trying to get your kids into piano lessons? We can help you find the perfect teacher. Moving to a new home? We can move your piano to its new location. Because we’ve been in the piano business for so long, we know the piano industry throughout the Tennessee community. If you have a question, we can help you find the answer.

7. Join us for fun facts about the piano industry. We love to blog about everything piano related. For instance, did you know one of the most common myths is you have to learn to read music first? Do you know how to deal with stage fright before a piano recital? Do you know the piano can inspire in many ways?

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25 October 2013 The Differences Between Portable Keyboards and Digital Pianos

The Differences Between Portable Keyboards and Digital Pianos

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Pianos have long been a fixture in the household, dating as far back as the 1600s. While they have changed a small amount over the years, for the most part the piano is similar in style to the original piece created all those years ago.

The Differences Between Portable Keyboards and Digital PianosBut with the technological advances we’ve made over the past few decades, the piano has made rapid advances as well. Digital pianos and portable keyboards have made their way into the piano family. These new innovations may seem the same but they are in fact very different. So what are the differences between portable keyboards and digital pianos? It all comes to their size, their features, and how much they cost.

Size

One of the main differences between portable keyboards and digital pianos is their size. Portable keyboards are smaller for transporting. This is why they are called portable. Weighing less than 20 pounds, also have a smaller range of keys. Portable keyboards are easy to store and carry around.

On the other hand, digital pianos are impossible to store because they can weigh up to 70 pounds. They also have more keys than the portable counterpart. They typically come with their own case or stand that is meant for a more permanent display within your home.

Price

Of course, the bigger model is usually more expensive, and this is the case when comparing the prices of digital pianos and portable keyboards. Digital pianos cost a great deal more than the portable keyboards, and you can spend thousands of dollars depending on the brand and features. However, portable keyboards are less expensive. You can get a portable keyboard for a few hundred dollars depending on size.

Keys

The keys on a portable keyboard are very light and feel like plastic. They might not have touch-sensitivity, so the ability to play numerous notes at once may be limited. The keys on a digital piano are full-length, and some models have adjustable touch-sensitivity. They also have an acoustic feel to them.

The differences between portable and digital pianos can be dramatic. The best way to learn more about each and which is the best fit for you is to head in to a reputable piano dealer. You can try out a variety of makes and models, and determine which meets your objectives in the best possible way.

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23 October 2013 7 Ways To Find The Best Piano Store In Memphis

7 Ways To Find The Best Piano Store In Memphis

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Purchasing a piano for your family can bring a lifetime of enjoyment. But deciding its time to buy a piano is the easy part. Where do you go from there? How do you know where to buy or who to trust? Is there a difference in the places you can buy a piano – new or used – in Memphis?

1. Start by assessing your needs

7 Ways To Find The Best Piano Store In MemphisWhen people are ready to buy a piano – whether its for personal pleasure or to start your kids out on playing the piano – often the first thought goes to money. Yet that’s one of the last things you should consider. Instead, start by assessing your needs. Do you want a piano that will compliment your home’s décor? What musical tone are you looking for? Where will the piano reside in your home? How often will it be played? Especially if you’ve never owned a piano before, jumping into something because of price can drastically limit your options – and allow you to purchase something that truly isn’t right for you. Ignore the price factor for now and list the things that are important to you.

2. The difference between new and used

When you are ready to buy a piano, buying doesn’t always equate to new. As a reputable Memphis Piano Store, we offer a lot of options, both new and used. Both new and used pianos can offer you the benefits of a great piano at a reasonable cost – you just have to know what to look for. A reputable piano dealer will help you through the process and show you the differences.

3. The difference between buying from a Memphis retail dealer and a private individual

When you purchase a new or used piano from a reputable retail dealer, you’ll find a host of benefits. New pianos usually come with manufacturers warranties and complimentary services to ensure your buying experience is positive. Used pianos are generally reconditioned and come with a dealer warranty to make sure you receive the ideal piano for you. And as a retail dealer here in the Memphis area for years, we also work a variety of services to help you trade up when the time is right, and receive ideal service from the moment you buy through the years of playing and enjoyment.

Purchasing a new or used piano privately offers little in the form of guarantees. The piano is usually less expensive than retail, assuming the seller has a realistic understanding of piano values. Yet the piano itself will come with no warranty, and little assurance to the true quality of the piano. Was it tuned on a regular basis? Is it in good working order now? All responsibility will fall on you, the buyer, the moment you agree to buy it – from assuring it is moved properly into your home, to the condition of the instrument and how it will play.

4. Look for longevity

Like every business, some retail piano stores come and go. When you look for longevity, you’ll find a piano retailer you can trust now and well into the future when you have additional piano needs. Pianos are lifetime investments. Working with a piano dealer who has stood the test of time will ensure you get quality service at a reasonable cost.

5. Education

Did you know young children have different piano needs than older children? And older children have different needs than an adult learning to play? Sounds simple enough. But it still can be confusing if you are trying to find a piano on your own. Small fingers have a lighter touch and need greater sensitivity to respond to their piano playing skills. A reputable piano dealer can help you through all the questions, and provide you with solid advice you can use to make your final decision.

6. Ask questions

One of the easiest ways to flush out the good from the bad is to start asking questions. A reputable piano dealer will make sure you are comfortable with all of the answers, no matter how small or detailed. If you start feeling frustrated or simply don’t understand the process, walk away. There are great dealers that are willing to work with you from beginning to end, until you are comfortable to make your final decision.

7. Okay, now its about the money

I know, you’re still thinking about the money. And rightfully so. Pianos can be a huge investment for a family. As a piano dealer right here in Memphis, I understand this and work with everyone that walks through the door. Be upfront with your budget and we can easily weigh your options and fit you into the best piano for your needs … and your budget.

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29 September 2013 How To Buy An Upright Piano

How To Buy An Upright Piano

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A piano. That would be the perfect addition to your home. You’ve wanted your kids to learn to play, and you wouldn’t mind picking up on the piano lessons you had long ago. It could be a wonderful addition to your home. Except for one problem; space. Where would you put it in your small home?

How To Buy An Upright PianoWhen many people think “piano”, they tend to think of the grand pianos they see on television or in concerts. But pianos are so much more – there really is a size and style for just about every situation.

What you need is an upright piano. An upright piano takes very little space and can be placed along a wall or in many tight corners of your home. Yes it is possible. And here are a few tips on how to buy one.

  • Look for the name brand on the piano. You can usually find this on the fallboard (the covering for the piano keys) or under the lid of the piano on a metal plate. If you are unable to find a name brand, the piano may have been a simple started piano. The brand will help you determine the overall lasting quality of the piano, so do your best to determine the brand.
  • Measure the piano. A studio upright is normally between 44 inches and 49 inches. A full-size upright is anything in excess of 49 inches. Taller pianos have longer strings and larger soundboards – all factors in creating a better sound.
  • Determine the age of the piano. The seller will usually have an idea of the age of the piano. If not, you can usually find a serial number on the metal plate to help you figure out the age. Age is important because no matter how good of shape an old piano is in, it is still old. If you can’t verify its restoration process, which a quality dealer will be able to provide to you, you are taking a risk with sound quality.
  • Ask questions about the piano. Find out where the piano was stored, when the last time was that it had a tuning, how often it was used, etc. Ask detailed questions to help you determine if the piano was well maintained – or simply left unforgotten in a garage or basement.
  • Test the keys of the piano to make sure that each one works. Find out if and when the piano had any major repairs performed. Finally, discuss the price and warranty. Even if you are buying used, if you buy from a certified dealer, you may still be eligible for a warranty.
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The Best New Pianos On The Market Today

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What makes a new piano great? How do you know if you are buying a new piano that will fit perfectly into your home AND make the best sound possible?

All new pianos produced today have one thing in common: they are all unique.

Sure, a piano goes through a process just like the piano before it and the piano after it. Yet no two are exactly alike for a variety of reasons.

  • What kind of wood was selected?
  • Where did the tree come from?
  • Did the tree face drought conditions?
  • Did the tree receive lots of sunlight?

No matter where the wood is gathered from or what conditions it grew in, each tree is unique. Which means when the wood is used to put together the piano, it will impact the quality and sound in a different way.

Then we move on to other questions.

  • How were the keys made?
  • How were the keys placed into the final design?
  • How were the strings attached?
  • What environment was the piano produced in?
  • Where did the piano travel from creation to final destination?

Yes, a lot of questions. But more importantly, a lot of answers.

Each answer has the impact of changing the product in its own unique way.

And finally, what about the brand name?

1. Kohler & Campbell

2. Knabe & Company

3. Seiler

4. Pramberger

5. Samick

6. Chickering

7. Conover Cable

8. Niemeyer

9. Remington

10. Wurlitzer

Yes, they are all world class piano makers. Yet Pramberger develops their pianos in a slightly different manner than Wurlitzer. Samick operates facilities in a different location than Chickering.

Which means each piano from each individual company has its own potential.

Is there a “best” or an “ideal”? Everyone has their own opinions.

Yet if you are in the market for a quality new piano, really the choice is yours.

Which new piano is best for you?

Stop by the best pianos in Memphis and find out for yourself.

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14 August 2013 7 Tips To Buying A Piano From A Reputable Dealer

7 Tips To Buying A Piano From A Reputable Dealer

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If you have decided that you want to learn how to play the piano or that you want your child to learn, the first step in the process is you will have to buy the actual piano.

7 Tips To Buying A Piano From A Reputable DealerBuying a piano may sound easy enough – classified ads are often a go-to source for people searching for affordable, used instruments. However, a piano is different than a used flute or clarinet. A piano is an investment and should be treated as such.

Here are 7 tips for buying a piano.

  1. Always buy from a reputable dealer. You can use the Internet, as well as word of mouth, to find a reliable, dependable dealer that only sells quality instruments. Pianos must be maintained for quality – do you really want to buy a piano that has been stored in someone’s garage for a decade?
  2. You get what you pay for, so if you go cheap on your piano, you will wind up with just that – a cheap piano. Cheap pianos do not have the same sound quality as higher quality, more expensive pianos. And while that may not seem like a big deal to a beginning child who is just starting out, if they can’t pick up tones during practice, they may get frustrated and choose to quit. Quality matters.
  3. Avoid online shopping. This is a piano, not a purse. Such a large instrument and investment should not be purchased online. You need the chance to see and hear the piano before you purchase it. It is also important to note that you never know exactly whom you are dealing with over the Internet.
  4. Quality materials create quality pianos. Choose a trusted, reputable brand name when shopping for your piano to ensure that you receive a quality instrument.
  5. Consider the design of the piano before you purchase. Grand pianos produce some of the finest, richest tones, but you may not have room for such a large piano in your home. Upright pianos are the next best option.
  6. When you choose the brand name for your piano, make sure you choose one that backs up their craftsmanship. This goes beyond the actual building of the piano and includes partnering with reputable dealers and tuners to ensure that your piano stays in great shape.
  7. If ever in doubt, contact an expert. Utilize the Internet to find someone who knows about pianos and can advise you on your purchase.
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3 August 2013 What Is An Electric Piano?

What Is An Electric Piano?

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“My son has announced he would like to play the electric piano. What is an electric piano, is it a good quality instrument, and should I pursue this? How is an electric piano different from the traditional piano I learned to play on?”

What Is An Electric Piano?In today’s world, most of our activities have turned to technology. And in the case of pianos, technology has definitely made its influence.

An electric piano is simply an electric musical instrument.

The earliest electric pianos were invented in the late 1920s. Their popularity began growing in the 1950s as more music celebrities began including electric piano in their hits. Think Duke Ellington’s big band era, or Ray Charles’ famous hit What’d I Say.

Electric pianos began reaching their peak in the 1970s, and began declining as we moved into the new digital era. Digital pianos are a modern form of an electric piano, designed to serve primarily as an alternative to a traditional piano both in sound and the way it feels to play.

When your son announced his desire to play the electric piano, chances are he is interested in the benefits of what comes with today’s digital pianos.

Most digital pianos can be connected to a computer. With appropriate software, the computer can handle many things, including sound generation, mixing of tracks, music notation, musical instruction, composition tasks, and more. They can also be used with headphones – meaning your son can play to his hearts content no matter what time of the day he has “inspiration”.

There are many choices when it comes to purchasing a digital piano. New, used – the options are many. Stop by today and find the perfect piano that will make both you and your son smile.

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18 July 2013 Why Purchase A Digital Piano

Why Purchase A Digital Piano

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Why Purchase A Digital Piano

You’ve decided to buy a piano. And with a bit of research, you’ve discovered you need to make a choice – acoustic piano or digital piano? What?

Should a digital piano even be in the running? Is it truly a good instrument, or is it more of an expensive toy?

Good question.

While most of us think back to our youth when the only choice we had was an acoustic piano. We think of the upright sitting in Grandma’s living room, or the baby grand we played on for lessons. Can digital ever compare with that?

Yes. A good digital piano may actually be a better choice than an acoustic piano in the same price range. And depending on the user and their goals and desires, a digital piano can actually motivate the user to continue on.

Let me give you an example.

Kids today start out on computers and mobile devices almost from birth. We show them videos and let them play games when we’re busy and need a little interrupted time. They play games that help develop coordination and rhythm. They start playing around on Garage Band, developing their own sounds. The next obvious step is to introduce them to a more sophisticated tool … the piano.

But an acoustic piano does one thing. A digital piano takes that concept to a whole different level.

Digitals have built in sounds, many of which are useful and fun. For instance, Bach actually loved playing with sounds, and wrote a great deal of his music for harpsichord, not piano. Most digitals have a harpsichord sound, giving you the ability to play the music as it was intended.

When first starting out, one of the first things a teacher teaches is to keep time to the beat. Digital pianos have a built in metronome to allow the student to understand and develop a steady sense of time.

When does your child prefer to play and practice? Are others in the room trying to work on homework? Sometimes its hard keeping everything at home moving smoothly. With a digital, timing is never an issue. Simply plug in headphones for privacy, and a child can practice to their hearts content without disturbing others in the room.

And when they need a little bit of extra guidance, or want to record a concept to share with their teacher later on, the handy built in recorder can do the trick.

Digital pianos can be simple, or they can be as full featured as you desire. Digital pianos can be portable to carry with you to school, lessons, and even on vacation. Or they can resemble the good old acoustic pianos that bring back memories. With so many options, now may be the perfect time to stop in and see what would be the perfect choice for you.

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What You Should Know About Buying A Grand Piano

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When you decide to buy a grand piano, its as much a decision about the sound that comes out of it as the look that will fill your home.

A grand piano will sound different than other pianos you may choose – an important point if you place value in your music. Not only will the instrument produce different sounds because of its design, it also needs more room in your home. And with more room brings more opportunity for the sound to travel.

A grand piano also takes up a considerably more room than other types. It can’t be tucked into a corner or aligned along a wall. Instead, it takes center stage, no matter if your room is small or large.

Your first step will be deciding on a new or used piano. Both have their pros and cons. In either aspect, focus in on the brand. A reputable piano dealer can always answer all your questions, no matter how large or small, and provide you with a wealth of information on where your choices come from and their benefits.

As with any product, a brand name can tell you a lot about the instrument itself and how well its manufactured. If you look at the auto industry, you understand that in the Ford line, a Fiesta is at the low end while a Mustang Shelby would be at the high end. The same works in piano branding. Some lines are meant to be affordable; some break all the rules and offer you the best quality available. Look to the brand name as a beginning point to making your final selection – good names include Pramberger, Samick, Kohler & Campbell, Knabe, and Seiler.

Withing the Grand Piano industry, you will often hear them referred to by size – Baby Grand, Parlor Grand, and Concert Grand for example. What makes a Grand Piano move from one category to another is its size. The larger the piano, the bigger the soundboard, the longer the bass strings, the stronger and richer the tone.

If you decide to buy a used piano, your questions may be more in-depth. How old is the piano? Where did it come from? How good of shape is it in? Has it had major work? Buying from a reputable piano dealer, however, does have its advantages. When you buy it at an estate sale, you have no idea its condition – in many cases neither do the sellers. But by buying from us, you know its been completely restored and given our quality seal of approval. Meaning you can trust your used grand piano will give you quality entertainment for years.

While you are buying a Memphis Grand Piano for its musical qualities, that doesn’t mean you can’t focus in on the little details as well. What color fits best with your décor? What style do you prefer? What does the bench look like?

A grand piano is an investment that can last for decades. And the best place to start is to come in and take a look around. We understand this can be a major decision – let us help you ask the right questions, and find the perfect piano for your home.

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