7 February 2023 The Different Types of Pianos: Grand vs. Upright vs. Digital

The Different Types of Pianos: Grand vs. Upright vs. Digital

posted by

Thinking of buying a new piano? You’ll quickly learn there are three different types of pianos: grand pianos, upright pianos, and digital pianos. Each type has its own unique characteristics and offers you different experiences while you play. Which is right for you?

Grand Pianos

Grand pianos are the most traditional type of piano known for their beautiful, rich sound. They are also the largest piano, with lengths ranging from 5 feet to 9 feet. The strings of a grand piano run horizontally, and the sound is projected upwards and outwards, giving it a full and resonant sound.

There are two main types of grand pianos: the concert grand and the baby grand. The concert grand is the largest and most expensive, with a length of 9 feet or more. It is designed for professional use in concert halls and is capable of producing a powerful and dynamic sound. The baby grand, on the other hand, is smaller in size (usually around 5 to 6 feet in length) and is more suitable for home use.

One of the main advantages of grand pianos is their high-quality sound. The long strings and large soundboard of a grand piano allow for a wide range of tonal colors and dynamics. They also have a more responsive touch, meaning that the pianist can easily control the volume and tone of the music.

However, grand pianos can be quite expensive and require a lot of maintenance. They also take up considerable space, which may not be practical for everyone.

Upright Pianos

Upright pianos, also known as vertical pianos, are smaller and more compact than grand pianos. They are named after the vertical orientation of their strings, which run from the top of the piano to the bottom. Upright pianos have a more focused and direct sound than grand pianos, and are suitable for smaller spaces.

There are two main types of upright pianos: the studio upright and the console upright. The studio upright is taller and has a larger soundboard, resulting in a richer and more resonant sound. The console upright is smaller and has a more compact soundboard, resulting in a more focused and controlled sound.

One of the main advantages of upright pianos is their affordability and space-saving design. They are also easier to maintain than grand pianos, as the strings and action are more easily accessible.

However, upright pianos may not have the same rich and dynamic sound as grand pianos, and the touch may not be as responsive.

Digital Pianos

Digital pianos are electronic instruments that mimic the sound and feel of a traditional piano. They use digital technology to produce sound and often have built-in speakers and a range of other features, such as different instrument sounds and the ability to record and play back music.

One of the main advantages of digital pianos is their versatility. They can produce a wide range of instrument sounds and can be easily connected to a computer or other devices for recording and editing music. They may be portable, and often require minimal maintenance.

However, digital pianos may not have the same authentic sound and touch as a traditional piano. They can be found at many price points, which makes them good contenders if you do desire a digital experience.

Which piano is right for you? It depends on your goals and needs. The difference between a grand, upright, and digital piano varies considerably. Sit down and touch and feel a wide selection today. 

Filed Under: Buying a Piano Tagged With:
4 February 2023 Top Piano Brands for Every Budget

Top Piano Brands for Every Budget

posted by

Piano enthusiasts have a wide range of brands to choose from when it comes to finding the perfect instrument. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a budget-friendly option or a seasoned pianist searching for a top-of-the-line grand piano, there’s a brand that’s right for you. 

What should you look for on your hunt for the perfect piano?

For beginners on a tight budget, some good options include Yamaha, Casio, and Korg. These brands offer a range of digital pianos at affordable prices, which are perfect for those just starting out. Digital pianos offer many of the same features as traditional acoustic pianos, such as weighted keys and multiple voices, but at a fraction of the cost. They are also much more portable and require minimal maintenance.

As you progress in your skill level and have a little more room in your budget, brands such as Kawai and Steinway & Sons offer a wide range of upright and grand pianos. These pianos are known for their high-quality craftsmanship and rich, full sound. Kawai, in particular, is known for using advanced technology, such as ABS-Carbon composite materials, in their grand piano actions, which helps to create a more precise and responsive touch.

For those looking to splurge on a top-of-the-line grand piano, brands such as Fazioli and Bösendorfer offer some of the finest instruments on the market. These pianos are handcrafted by skilled artisans and are known for their exceptional sound quality and attention to detail. They are also at the upper end of the market, with prices for a new Fazioli grand piano starting at around $100,000.

Other notable piano brands include Boston, Essex (made by Steinway), and Samick. These brands offer a range of upright and grand pianos at various price points, making them suitable for a wide range of skill levels and budgets.

Don’t see a particular brand here? This is just the start. There are many high-quality piano brands that make wonderful additions to any home. 

Whether you’re a beginner looking for an affordable starter piano or a professional searching for a top-of-the-line grand piano, there’s a brand that’s right for you. Do your research and consider your needs and preferences when deciding, and you’ll be sure to find the perfect piano for you.

Filed Under: Buying a Piano Tagged With:
28 January 2023 How to Choose the Right Piano for Your Needs and Preferences

How to Choose the Right Piano for Your Needs and Preferences

posted by

Why do you want to learn the piano? Is it to pick up a new skill? Or find a way to de-stress at the end of the day? 

People have a variety of reasons for selecting a new piano. But once you’ve decided you’re ready for the investment, how to choose the right piano may seem like a difficult task. Here are a few things to consider:

Purpose: What do you plan to use the piano for? If you’re an advanced player looking for a high-quality instrument for concerts and recordings, you’ll want something different than someone who is just starting out and needs a basic instrument for home practice.

Space: How much space do you have for a piano? A grand piano can be a beautiful addition to any home, but it takes up a lot of space and can be expensive to maintain. An upright piano takes up less space and is more affordable, but it may not have the same sound quality as a grand.

Budget: What is your budget for a piano? Pianos can range in price from a few hundred dollars for a starter to several hundred thousand dollars for a high-end concert grand. Determine your budget and look for pianos within that range.

New vs. used: Do you want a new or used piano? New pianos come with warranties and are generally in good condition, but they can be more expensive. Used pianos can be a good option if you’re on a tight budget, but they may require more maintenance and may not have the same sound quality as a new piano. Don’t discount used pianos, however. They are often a good choice for in-home use. 

Acoustic vs. digital: Do you want an acoustic or digital piano? Acoustic pianos are traditional instruments that use hammers and strings to produce sound. Digital pianos use electronic components to replicate the sound of an acoustic piano and often have additional features such as the ability to play other instrument sounds or record your playing.

Brand: What brand of piano do you want? There are many reputable piano brands to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Do some research and try out a few different brands to see which one you like best.

Size: A large home with a music room will have more space than a small urban condo that needs flexibility. Do you prefer something you can tuck into the closet when not in use, or do you want it to be the star of the room, put on display?

Touch and action: How does the piano feel? The touch and action of a piano refers to the keys and how they feel when you play. Some pianos have a lighter touch, which is easier for beginners, while others have a heavier touch, which can be better for advanced players. Try out a few different pianos to see which one feels the best to you.

Sound: How does the piano sound? The sound of a piano is subjective and can vary greatly from one instrument to another. Listen to a few different pianos and choose one with a sound that you like.

By considering these factors, you can choose the right piano for your needs and preferences. Remember to try out a few different pianos before making a decision and don’t be afraid to ask a salesperson or a musician for their opinion.

Filed Under: Buying a Piano Tagged With:
10 January 2023 Why It’s Time To Upgrade Your Piano

Why It’s Time To Upgrade Your Piano

posted by

Pianos are a beloved instrument and a cornerstone of musical culture. But if you have an old piano, it may be time to upgrade to a newer model. Here are a few reasons why:

Improved sound quality: Modern pianos are built with higher-quality materials and advanced technology, which means they can produce a richer, more vibrant sound. This is especially important if you’re a professional musician or if you simply want to get the most out of your instrument.

Better touch and response: Over time, the action (the mechanism that connects the keys to the hammers) on older pianos can become worn and unresponsive. This can make it challenging to play with precision and expression. If you upgrade your piano to a new, modern model, it will be more responsive to the touch, which can greatly enhance your playing experience.

Increased durability: Pianos are a significant investment, and you want yours to last as long as possible. Newer pianos are built to withstand the rigors of regular use and are built to last for many years with proper maintenance. This means you’ll be able to enjoy your instrument for longer and get more value for your money.

Modern features: Many newer pianos come equipped with a variety of modern features, such as built-in metronomes, digital recording capabilities, and the ability to connect to external devices like computers and smartphones. These can make practicing and performing more convenient and fun.

Enhanced aesthetics: Pianos are beautiful instruments, and newer models can add an elegant touch to any room. With their sleek designs and high-quality finishes, upgrading your piano can be a stunning addition to your home decor.

Upgrading your piano can bring numerous benefits, from improved sound quality and touch response to increased durability and modern features. If you’re ready to take your musical experience to the next level, it may be time to consider upgrading your piano.

Filed Under: Buying a Piano Tagged With:
4 December 2022 Why Can I Find Upright Pianos So Cheap?

Why Can I Find Upright Pianos So Cheap?

posted by

It’s a classic tale. You’ve decided to enroll your child in piano lessons. You want to give them the gift of music, and you’ve read in parenting magazines that it helps with memory skills and builds a higher IQ. 

You look online and find cheap upright pianos everywhere. There’s one not too far away from you. 

Should you say: Yes?

When you find these “good deals,” a part of you questions why. How can anyone offer a cheap piano? What’s wrong with it? Glad you asked. 

Moving fees 

Let’s start with the most basic item first. If you find a cheap upright piano, you’ll have to move it into your home. If it’s a long distance, that means there will be shipping costs. If it’s closer by, you might be tempted to do it yourself. 

Pianos weigh hundreds of pounds, depending on the size you get. They’re big and bulky, top-heavy in some areas while delicate in others. Dropping it will cause extensive damage at best. Or worse, you might find yourself with an injury. 

The person selling it for cheap is just trying to get rid of it. Are you factoring in the cost of moving it?

Repair and restoration

When people advertise a “cheap upright piano,” it’s usually for one reason: they just want it out of their homes. It’s sat there in the corner accumulating dust for years. Maybe it was moved to the basement or a garage to get it “out of the way.” Now, they want it gone. 

While it sat there, it was also neglected. Zero maintenance. Zero tuning and repair. 

Tuning is required to keep a piano playable, with a voice you fall in love with, that sounds good to you and others. Imagine playing a song where several of the notes fall flat. Makes you shiver without even hearing the note. 

If a piano falls way out of tune, it may no longer be tunable. That requires extensive repair work to ensure it’s playable once again. That can involve changes to the:

  • Pinblock
  • Strings
  • Soundboard
  • Action
  • Keyboard

The more extensive the damage, the more the repair bill adds up. 

And that makes your “cheap upright piano” purchase not such a good deal. 

There is a better way. 

Select a new or used piano that is ready to play to give yourself every advantage of learning how to play. It’ll be moved to your home, set up, and tuned. You’ll have the best chance of success from the moment you say “yes.”

Isn’t that better?

Filed Under: Buying a Piano Tagged With:
28 November 2022 How To Buy a Piano For Christmas

How To Buy a Piano For Christmas

posted by

Want to surprise your family with a new piano for Christmas? It’s a popular time of the year for families to bring the gift of music into their homes. 

Buy for your needs

Before you start to shop for a new piano, consider your needs carefully. You’ll find many big box stores place a piano at the end of an aisle, hoping for a few shoppers to bring one home. 

You get what you get when you shop from a selection of one. There’s no looking at options, or considering what’s best for your family. If you’ve never played before, you’re relying on what’s sold to the masses, and that may not best suit your needs. 

When buying a piano, it’s better to weigh your options carefully, consider your options, and make the best selection.

Buy for the future

A toy piano is just that – a toy. You can’t learn the piano if you practice on a toy. It won’t have the same sound. It won’t have the right touch. 

What are your goals? Do you want your kids to take lessons? Do you want to learn to play? Will you be playing for years?

Consider what piano will suit your needs now and into the future. While starter pianos are ever-popular, even just a few minutes of consideration can help you make the wisest choices. 

Buy for the surprise

While it may seem impossible to “sneak” a piano home and wrap it up, there are creative approaches for your surprise. 

Wrap the box. Pianos are shipped in a box for protection. Ask at the time of your purchase, and you might be able to bring a box home. 

Create a video recording. Sit down and record yourself playing your new piano. Walk around it and provide a tour. Then share your video message with everyone as you open your presents on Christmas morning. 

Buy sheet music. If your kids have hinted at wanting to play like their favorite musician, find sheet music that gives them a chance to play their favorite music. 

Will you be buying a new piano for Christmas this year? 

Filed Under: Buying a Piano Tagged With:
24 November 2022 Choosing The Best Piano For Your House

Choosing The Best Piano For Your House

posted by

If you’re shopping for a piano, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and confused by the features. With so many things to consider, it takes time to ensure you make the best purchase to suit your needs. 

But there’s something else to consider – choosing the best piano for your house. Not all houses are meant to put a grand piano on display. In some cases, you simply don’t have the room. 

Small spaces

If you live in a home with compact spaces and low ceilings, a smaller upright may be the perfect solution. It can be nestled back into a corner, or snuggled up to a wall. Their music will carry beautifully as it sends warmth throughout the room. 

While it’s easy to get lost in the type of piano you desire, work with a sales associate to find the right piano to suit your home. Measure your walls and ceiling height. How much room do you have available? They can help you find a quality upright that suits your needs. 

Large spaces

The larger your space, the more options you’ll have. You can select the piano that best suits your needs, and sounds good to your ears. 

Once again, speak with a sales associate about your room size. Measure the ceiling height, and take note of the furnishings. Some pianos will produce a bright sound with high ceilings and lots of windows. Others may get lost in the furnishings, especially with heavy drapery and thick, plush carpets. Sound depends on the aesthetics of a room, and a seasoned piano player can help you select the perfect piano for your room layout. 

Shared spaces

Do you have a room where everyone gathers? A family room where there is constant action? 

It may make sense to place a piano in a shared space. After all, you enjoy being together as a family, and a piano could entice sing-alongs. 

Yet in this case, it may also be challenging to get in daily practice. Choosing the best piano may mean moving digital. This will allow a piano player to plug in headphones and play no matter who else is around. 

Personal spaces

Yes, you can bring a piano into any room. If you have a budding music writer, maybe a good choice includes a piano that’s portable. You can set it up, pack it away, even carry it to a club or music hall. 

What’s the right piano for you?

There are dozens of piano manufacturers. There are many different piano choices to allow you to select the right one for you. 

If you’re in the market for a new piano, it’s not just the piano itself to consider. Pay attention to where you’ll place the piano inside your home to ensure maximum playability. 

Have further questions? Just ask. 

Filed Under: Buying a Piano Tagged With:
18 November 2022 Buying a Used Piano From a Private Party is a Risk

Buying a Used Piano From a Private Party is a Risk

posted by

In the market for a piano? Why not consider buying a used piano? With so many on the market, it may be your best investment. 

Yet if you decide that a used piano is the way to go, consider who you will buy from and the quality you’ll receive. 

Buying used is now widely accepted throughout many industries. Find it on eBay. Or scroll through Craigslist. You’ll be surprised at the “deals” you can find. 

But what works for a desk or a chair might work differently for a piano. Here’s why. 

Maintenance and care

Have you ever purchased a used car that looked beautiful outside, yet driving it only a few miles alerted you to extensive problems? If you’ve ever driven a lemon, you know how much money you put into your investment. 

Pianos are similar by nature. While you can look at the outside of the piano and see its beauty, it won’t alert you to potential problems lurking inside. Pianos are made from organic materials. That means it matters how they were cared for, and how they were stored. 

Temperature and relative humidity matter for a piano. If it sat in a cold basement or garage for years, where it often came close to freezing, it can warp and damage the wood. Too much moisture could cause rust and corrosion of the piano strings. And sunlight streaming across the wood can dry it out, crack it, and impact the sound. 

Extensive damage

That “free” piano might not be “free” for very long. Extensive damage, even if it isn’t visible when you first look at it, can wind up causing your thousands of dollars. 

Imagine a glass of water tipping underneath the lid. The water drips and streams across thousands of parts. Over time, it dries out wood, jams pins, and causes problems with the strings. 

Or what happens if someone drops the piano while moving it? They might have moved it from one room to the next, with every intention of getting rid of it – that’s why they put it on Craigslist. But moving a piano is expensive, so they asked a friend. And it bump-bump-bumped as they drug it down the stairs. You can’t see the damage, but it’s just starting to appear. 

How a dealer can help

Dealers sell used pianos too. Their goal is to get their clients into the very best piano to suit their needs. And sometimes, that means used. 

A reputable dealer takes care of every used piano that comes through their door. They fully inspect it to ensure every piece is in good working order.

And that means you’ll have peace of mind when you bring it home, knowing it’s a high quality instrument that will give you years of pleasure. 

Filed Under: Buying a Piano Tagged With:
24 October 2022 This Is How You Buy The Best Piano

This Is How You Buy The Best Piano

posted by

Investing in a new hobby often brings sticker shock as you shop for the necessary equipment. From taking up cooking to starting a sport, it can often take a heavy investment to get what you need to succeed. 

Playing the piano is no different. If you’ve ever played with a toy piano, you know it sounds like a toy. It’s smaller than an acoustic piano, it sounds tinny, somewhat fake. To use that as you start to learn the basic rules of playing would be like learning to play soccer with a flat ball. 

To be good at anything, you have to invest in quality tools. How do you buy the best piano to get a high quality instrument without breaking the bank?

Start by considering your space

When you start to shop, you’ll discover you have three choices. If you have all the space in the world, and want a piano to impress, a grand piano may be just what you’re looking for. Or maybe you’re looking for an upright that will slide right in with your current decor. Are you tight on space? Digital pianos offer flexibility without sacrificing quality. 

Your space can also dictate various features. If you own a large home where every family member has their own space to work freely on hobbies, a grand or upright piano may be the right solution. If you have one common room where everyone in the home spends time together, digital may offer more features that suit your needs. They provide silent mode, where you can plug in headphones and play without disturbing others in the room. 

Carefully weigh your options 

A piano isn’t something you can invest in online, without touching and feeling it, and hearing how it sounds. When you visit a dealer, you can play multiple pianos to feel and hear the difference. That’s important to fully understand what your new piano plays like. You have to connect with the piano to build a desire to practice regularly. 

Acoustic pianos offer classic playability. If you learn on a traditional acoustic piano, you can transfer your skills to any piano. Of course, if your goal is to be the next TikTok sensation, maybe you desire to start with digital from the start. That doesn’t mean you should compromise on quality. Even The best digitals have all the characteristics of a high quality acoustic, adding more functions that are easily transferred to digital. For some, it’s the best of both worlds.  

What’s the best piano for you?

Buying the best piano isn’t a “one size fits all” process. It’s a careful balance of getting the right instrument to ensure growth for years, while ensuring you have the tools necessary to fulfill your goals and desires. 

Want help finding the right piano to suit your needs? We can help you find and buy the best piano for accomplishing your goals. Stop by today. 

Filed Under: Buying a Piano Tagged With:
18 October 2022 How Do I Know Which Piano To Buy?

How Do I Know Which Piano To Buy?

posted by

You’re ready to buy a piano. Which piano should you buy? With so many to choose from, it can be a difficult decision. 

Yet before you let “price” factor in and make a selection you regret, get a better understanding of knowing how to find the right piano to suit your needs. 

Start with your desires

Why do you want to learn the piano? Why are you introducing the piano into your kids’ lives? For most, it comes down to a desire to make music. Maybe you’ve read studies showing that playing the piano boosts brain power, increases memory skills, and can significantly raise test scores. Perhaps you’ve seen it’s a good hobby to pursue to lower anxiety and help with stress relief. 

This is your why. You have a desire to learn, with end goals in mind. It helps you understand where you wish to take your piano playing now and into the future. 

When you see this as a long-term goal, why settle on a piano that won’t be able to help you with that goal? It can help you answer questions like:

  • Do I like the way this piano sounds?
  • Does this piano fit nicely into my decor?
  • Will it suit my needs for many years to come?

Why price doesn’t matter – or does it?

It’s easy to shop for anything based on price, including a new piano. You have a budget in mind. And when you start looking at pianos, you’ll see their prices vary greatly. You can get one for free on Craigslist, significantly rising when you walk into a piano store. What’s the difference?

It ultimately comes down to playability. 

When you find “free” deals, it’s usually from an individual who no longer wants the piano. It’s sat in a corner for years – decades – gathering dust. It hasn’t been played. It hasn’t been tuned. And chances are, it’s lost its voice. You’ll hear it when you sit down to play. And it might take significant time, energy, and money to bring it back to playing condition. 

When you want to play the piano, you need the proper tools. That means a high-quality piano that captures your attention, is fun to play, and creates beautiful music to your ear. It gives you every reason to have the desire to sit down and play, and to continue playing the piano. 

Select the right one

Piano players change over time. The more you play, the more you’ll understand the piano. 

The piano you select today may not last for your lifetime, although it could. This may also be a time to choose a starter piano, to provide you with the best instrument to build your understanding, while fitting nicely into your budget. You’ll know when it’s time to upgrade, and move into a better playing instrument. 

Sit down and play. Then try another one. The only way you’ll find one that works for you is to try several out. 

You’ll be able to hear the difference. And with a piano expert to help guide you, you’ll quickly be able to assess which piano to buy. 

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