7 May 2022 The Only Reason To Ever Buy a Piano

The Only Reason To Ever Buy a Piano

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When we buy many things for our home, we tend to use a checklist to settle on the best choice. 

When you buy a piano, you need a different approach. 

Here’s why. 

Let’s say you’re in the market for a new dishwasher. Before you head to the store, you do a little research and define what’s best to suit your needs:

  • You measure your space
  • You find a quality brand with a good service record
  • You define what features you want your dishwasher to have
  • You select a color to match your decor

You don’t “fall in love” with a dishwasher. Instead, you find one that best suits your needs. It’s a workhorse inside your home, one you rely on every day. 

But a piano is different. If you take the same course of action when buying a piano, you’ll wind up purchasing a piano that doesn’t suit your tastes. 

Some people approach piano buying as a task-based exercise:

  • Measure the space
  • Set a budget
  • Select a color
  • Focus on price

But focusing on the specifications and not on the way the piano sounds can lead to buyer’s remorse. 

Pianos are a personal taste. They each produce sounds in a different way. And it’s that sound that makes you fall in love with making music. 

When you sit down to play, you experience the joy of creating a unique blend of sounds that all come together to create a song. 

If it’s out of tune, for example, hitting specific notes will make you cringe. It will make you pull back, not wanting to experience that again. And that might end your desire to play. 

If you’re in the market to buy a piano, why not ensure it’s the best instrument for you? Don’t buy the first one you see. Spend time with the instrument, and make sure the piano you select is ultimately the best one for you. 

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21 April 2022 Hunting For a Good Used Piano

Hunting For a Good Used Piano

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When you’re in the market for a used piano, it may seem like they are available everywhere. Search online, head to Craigslist, or even look at the bulletin at your local coffee shop, and you may find several used pianos to consider. 

How do you know you’ve found a good used piano?

You won’t be able to determine its playability by looking at it in a picture. Stand in front of it, or walk around it – you still can’t tell if it works well. 

The only way to ensure you find a good used piano is to dig in and really see how it works. 

What to bring

Whether you’ve played the piano before or not, it’s important to determine if it is in good working condition. To do that, you’ll need to bring several things with you to help you evaluate the condition. 

  • A flashlight – for peering underneath the lid
  • A notepad and a pen – for taking notes about the quality
  • Time – spend time getting to know the piano before you move forward

What to check

While you may wish to invest in a piano that works well with your decor, more important is to ensure it sounds good to your ear. 

People play the piano because they love the sound it makes. If you don’t like the music it creates, you’re less likely to want to play it. 

As you’re hunting for a good used piano, pay attention to these aspects of the piano. 

The keyboard – sit down and play every note. Even if you’ve never played the piano before, you’ll recognize if it doesn’t sound right. Start at the left and play each note, including the black keys. Do you hear any buzzing or clicking noises? Are there keys that won’t play? Does it sound out of tune to your ear? 

The brand of piano – while there are many high-quality piano brands in the world today, you can learn a lot about a piano just by doing a quick search for the brand. Note the reputation of the builder. Are they still in business? What reviews can you find online? 

Use your flashlight and get under the lid – maintenance can truly be revealed with a little light under the lid. Check on the tuning pins attached to the pinblock. Are the piano strings properly attached? How do they appear? If you see rust or corrosion, or even a heavy accumulation of dust, it can be a clue that this used piano wasn’t well cared for. 

Check the soundboard for any cracks – this could be the cause of any annoying buzzing you hear when you play. A cracked soundboard will require extensive renovation to restore it to proper working condition. 

Recheck each piano note with the lid open – you can also replay every note and watch how the hammers hit each string. What you couldn’t hear while testing for a sound the first time through may be more visible as you watch the action from within. 

Sit down and play – or have someone with you who can play even a simple song. Does it sound good to your ear? Do you enjoy the music it makes? The biggest part of wanting to play comes from enjoying the music you create. If it doesn’t sound quite right to your ear, it’s best to look for another piano that does. 

Trusting a piano dealer with your used piano purchase means you’ll also gain the knowledge and professionalism of the person you’re working with. They will answer every question, and show you the differences between makes and brands. Their ultimate goal is to ensure you get the instrument perfect for your enjoyment. 

How can we help you purchase the right used piano for you? 

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17 April 2022 Is It Okay To Buy a Used Piano?

Is It Okay To Buy a Used Piano?

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Do a quick search online, and you’ll find lots of horror stories about parents who buy a used piano, only to find out it simply doesn’t work. It will cost more to renovate it than what the piano is worth. 

And that can be frustrating when you’re taking up a new hobby. That can be enough to turn you away from it forever. 

Can you buy a quality used piano? Is it possible? And if so, how do you go about it?

Luckily, the answer is yes; you can find high-quality used pianos on the market. Bring the right piano home, and it will give you years of enjoyment. 

Where do you begin? 

The most important step is to understand how to find a high-quality used piano. 

You won’t find one looking in the classifieds, perusing Craigslist, or taking one from your next-door neighbor, who happened to have one in a basement corner. Find your used piano this way, and you’ll most likely find yourself with lots of repair bills. 

Quality used pianos come from well cared for pianos that were properly maintained throughout their lifetime. As a piano dealer, we often get pianos from a variety of resources:

  • People who trade up to better pianos as they improve their skills. 
  • People who downsize and can no longer house their prized piano. 

It’s not always people who trade up – churches, schools, even piano teachers occasionally want to upgrade their equipment. High-quality pianos will stand the test of time – decades in some cases. 

If you’re ready to buy a used piano, a few tips to keep in mind include:

  • Find the best quality you can find. This doesn’t mean accepting the first low-priced instrument you find. Instead, take your time to listen to several, sit down and play them, and discover the different tones. You’ll find one you resonate with one more than others. 
  • Consider your goals. If you’re planning on investing in a piano that lasts a lifetime, pay attention to the brand, and work with a dealer who can help you find top quality. If you want something that holds value, sounds great, and can be traded up as you progress, a dealer can help you find that piano too. 
  • Sound is everything. That’s why so many different pianos are on the market. Listen to them, pick one you resonate with. This will increase the likelihood you’ll want to play, and sit down and practice each day. 

Do you have any questions about buying a used piano? How can we help you find the right piano to suit your needs?

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14 April 2022 Inspecting a Used Piano Before You Buy

Inspecting a Used Piano Before You Buy

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Many people decide that buying a used piano is the right choice to suit their needs. Yet buying used can also leave you with an instrument that doesn’t give you what you set out to achieve. 

That’s why the inspection process is vital to your success. It ensures you bring home an instrument you’ll love for years, and be happy to play every day. 

Before you say “yes”, spend some time understanding what should be a part of inspecting a used piano before narrowing down your list. Finding a “good deal” may seem easy to do. But that “good deal” can quickly turn into a project that may mean restoring it, or selling it and buying something new. 

Before you begin looking, define your goals. Do you have a particular brand in mind? Where are you in your piano learning curve? If you’re buying your first piano, and starting lessons soon, your tastes will differ from someone who’s been playing for years. 

This isn’t a purchase you can decide on through a checklist, marking the boxes with wants and desires:

  • Size of the piano
  • Color
  • Particular brand
  • Price 

Instead, this is a purchase you’ll be using in creative format. This is something you’ll touch, learn to play, use to make music, and come to a point where you create joy as you sit down to play. 

If you’re unsure of what the difference is, inspecting a used piano can help you discover your talent. Sit down and play one. Now sit down and play another. 

While that’s impossible to do from a homeowner selling a used piano, if you come into our store, we can show you several that suit your needs. Sit down and play them all. See how they feel. Listen to how they sound. 

Once you hear the difference, you’ll gravitate towards one. 

And that’s how you know you’ve found the ideal piano for you. 

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10 April 2022 Use These 4 Steps To Buy The Perfect Piano

Use These 4 Steps To Buy The Perfect Piano

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Why are there so many different piano brands, makes, and models? Because every buyer has different needs. You’ll find pianos in every price range, in various sizes, and with a variety of sounds. 

Of course, not all are created equal. A newbie just getting started will have different wants than a professional. That’s why it’s important to understand what you’re looking for before you shop. With these steps in mind, you’ll be able to buy the perfect piano to suit your needs now and into the future. 

Start with your budget

Yes, you can find “free” pianos. But in almost every circumstance, even “free” is going to cost you. If it’s sat in a basement corner untouched and not maintained for years, you’ll hear it in the music produced. You might not be able to bring it back to proper tune – and it’s hard playing a piano that doesn’t sound “right.” While you may have a budget in mind, it pays to spend some time researching pianos before you settle on a price. You may learn that with a bit of extra towards your purchase, you can get precisely what you want. 

Make room for it in your home

Pianos are meant to be enjoyed and played. If you place it in a room you rarely visit, or in a busy location where you’ll never have the opportunity to play, you’re less likely to keep up with your practice routine. Pianos are also sensitive to their environment. Avoid drafts from doors and windows, and a place where direct sunlight won’t be a problem. Never place a piano on an outside wall; stable humidity and temperatures will keep your piano in good working condition. 

Take the time necessary to get the right piano

For most piano players, buying a high-quality instrument will give you years of enjoyment. This isn’t a purchase you should rush into. Do your research and ensure you’re getting what’s suitable for you. You should also play multiple pianos to hear the different sounds. Find one that sounds good to your ear. This will increase your likelihood of playing it every day.

Don’t move it yourself

Have you watched comedies where a piano falls to the ground or slides down a hill because it’s not correctly moved? Those scenes are more realistic than you might think. Pianos are large, bulky, and heavy. Yet they also have fragile pieces that can easily be damaged or destroyed. This isn’t a time to trust your best friend to help you with the job. Instead, ensure the piano is moved correctly from one location to another, and that the piano is properly set up in its final resting spot. This means you won’t be faced with repair work before sitting down to play. 

A piano requires proper maintenance to keep it in good working condition. As you’re buying the perfect piano to suit your needs, keep these tips in mind to ensure you love your piano from day one, and it remains a part of your life for many years to come. 

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7 March 2022 Should I Buy a White Piano?

Should I Buy a White Piano?

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Ebony and ivory, live together in perfect harmony. That’s how the song goes. 

But when you are considering purchasing a new piano, you may notice that most pianos are black, brown, or wood in style and color. What about a white piano? What if your interior is light, airy, filled with white and natural colors? What if the thought of a dark piano will do nothing for your decor?

When pianos started filling concert halls, schools, churches, and homes, mass-production ensured everyone had access to a high-quality instrument. Sameness was necessary to provide high-quality throughout. 

Brown and darker colors became the norm. But it didn’t change the fact that for many piano purchasers, “the norm” wasn’t something they were interested in. 

If you have a contemporary home designed around white fixtures, light, open areas, and windows to let you see as far as the eye can see, nothing but a white piano will do. 

Imagine a black baby grand piano on display. It won’t work for a lot of piano players. They want white instead. 

If you’re looking for a white piano, we can help. From white uprights to white baby grands, we can help you find what you’re looking for. White pianos today have both charm and innovative style to be a welcome addition to any room in your home. 

Thanks to today’s desires for uniqueness and individuality, you can find the piano you’ve been dreaming of. 

How can we help you find the perfect piano for your home? 

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4 March 2022 Rent or Buy a Piano – Which Is Right For You?

Rent or Buy a Piano – Which Is Right For You?

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So you want to introduce your child to music. Where do you begin? 

For many parents, a piano is the most logical choice. Piano builds a solid foundation for musical education. For a child that starts with a piano, they will have more advantages when moving to other instruments. That’s because the piano plays a wide range of notes. And with that, learners can quickly become accustomed to a full range of notes, including sharps and flats. They can also understand both bass and treble clef, and give a good foundation in reading music. 

Piano also helps develop a good sense of pitch. This can translate to other instruments, making them more musically inclined. 

All of that can start with the piano. But when you’re just starting out contemplating where to start, the price tag of a piano can leave you feeling a bit intimidated. 

Should you buy a piano when you’re unsure if your child will continue? Or is renting a better option? 

The good news is that as a piano dealer, we meet with people in your circumstances all the time. We can help you navigate your best course of action. 

Just like you wouldn’t give your child a flat soccer ball and expect them to play, you shouldn’t give your child anything but the best to start navigating learning how to play. 

Renting may work – as long as you rent the piano you’re considering investing in. It’s important to have a high-quality instrument for ensuring your child fully understands what it means to play. 

Also realize there are different levels of pianos. What makes a good starter piano won’t necessarily work as your child progresses. A high-quality piano dealer understands this, and offers buy-back programs to ensure you have the piano that best suits your needs. 

Is renting or buying a piano best for you? 

To determine your next step, stop by today. We can educate you on the best way to introduce piano into your life. 

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21 February 2022 What To Consider Before Buying or Renting a Piano

What To Consider Before Buying or Renting a Piano

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If you want to play the piano, it’s important to have a high-quality instrument ready for you to play each day. 

Yet if you look at piano prices, they may be a little intimidating. Should you invest in a new piano right now? Does buying a piano make sense? Or should you start by renting a piano first? 

Renting a piano

Many people will tell you that renting makes sense. It gives you a chance to try out a piano without commitment. You’ll be able to test whether your child enjoys the experience of making music without the heavy investment. 

Renting a piano involves a monthly fee and a rental agreement. Many rental contracts come with extra fees for moving it to your home, tuning charges, and potential break fees if you cancel. It might be right for you if you’re on the fence about how well your child will enjoy making music. 

Buying a piano

For many families, the act of buying a piano signals more commitment to the process. By purchasing a piano, you’re showing your child that you have an interest in their desire to make music. You’re committed to helping them become the best they can be at making music. 

Buying a piano may seem like a big commitment. But when you work with a trusted dealer, we can help you find the right starter piano to suit your needs. Then when you’re ready, you can easily upgrade your instrument to one that offers you more options. 

While renting may seem like the better option at first, many families find owning to be a smarter choice. After considering upfront fees, purchasing through a dealer can allow in-house financing to meet any budget. 

And you’ll own the piano for life. 

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14 January 2022 How Reviews Can Help You Find The Right Piano

How Reviews Can Help You Find The Right Piano

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How many times have you used reviews to find a new restaurant? Or to book a hotel on your next vacation? 

We use reviews for a lot of things in our lives. Why not use reviews to find the right piano too? 

Investing in a piano is a long-term decision. Whether you’re upgrading or just starting out, the last thing you want is to have buyer’s remorse over your purchase shortly after your piano arrives in your home. 

Reviews can help you understand more about the piano you’re thinking of purchasing, ensuring you get the instrument you will play for years to come. 

As you look at the reviews, we recommend looking for these things to help you determine if a particular piano is right for you. 

Durability

It’s easy to assume that a piano will be a great addition to your home for life, that’s not always the case. Think about why you’re investing in a piano right now. Is it to start your child on piano lessons? Is it to add music into your life for years to come? Ensuring you invest in a high-quality instrument will give you peace of mind that it will be there ready to perform every time you’re prepared to sit down and make music. While tuning is a standard part of care, other repairs are not. The last thing you want is to have to decide between upgrading or renovation just a few short years after you make your purchase. 

Longevity

Pianos require different levels of maintenance and care over time. Thinking about an electric piano to start your hobby? They can quickly stop working, or go out of date. Upgrading technology means investing in an entirely new piano. Compare that with a high-quality grand piano that can be a showcase piece in your home for generations. 

Features

We’ve all seen bells and whistles on an item that look impressive in the store, only to realize you never use it, or they stop working once you get them home. To learn more about what works and what you really need, pay attention to what reviewers say about specific features, and how well they stand the test of time. 

Usage

People often leave reviews based on their lifestyles. “I love being able to take this piano anywhere.” or “It makes a great centerpiece in my living room.” Do you resonate with what the reviewer is saying? You can use this to help you make decisions when comparing different pianos. 

It can be difficult making a decision about what piano to invest in for a lifetime of enjoyment. By using reviews, you can find the perfect piano that will give you years of playing and be an asset for your family to use and enjoy. 

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28 December 2021 Is Now A Good Time To Buy a Piano?

Is Now A Good Time To Buy a Piano?

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As you read or listen to the tv, there are always opinions on the right way to do different things around your home. People recommend the best times for home improvement projects, the best time to save money … and when you shouldn’t invest in something new. 

What about pianos? Is there a good time to buy a new piano? 

Like any retail business, there may be times when additional perks or discounts make buying a new or used piano an even better decision. 

Summer

When most people think of summer, they plan picnics, bike rides, and days at the beach. Playing the piano isn’t something that comes into mind, which is why it’s a great time to invest in a new piano. Business is a little slower, and piano dealers take that opportunity to offer deals to move both new and used inventory. They have more time to spend with you when you visit, and you can spend more time finding the right piano to suit your needs. You may also receive incentives on moving and delivering, and ensuring your piano is set up and ready to play for your enjoyment all year long. This can get you ready for the fall …

Fall

As summer rolls into autumn, nights grow longer, days grow colder, and we spend more time inside. Kids go back to school, and we look for inside activities to fill our days. That’s when people look for inside activities, and piano sales increase exponentially. This is when piano dealers have the most inventory. It’s also when they may incentivize pianos because they get better deals from their manufacturers. If you want a good selection, this may be the perfect time to stop in and see what’s new. 

Winter

Winter blows in during the month of December. And that’s a perfect time to surprise the family with a gift the whole family can enjoy. Playing the piano isn’t just for the kids; studies show parents, even grandparents love it too. It’s a hobby you can enjoy at any age, and has a host of benefits for all of those that play. Whether you’re just starting on your music journey, or have been wanting to upgrade and bring a new grand piano into your home, this is a great time to take a look at what’s in stock at your local piano store. 

Spring

Spring cleaning gets rid of the old and makes way for the new. Spring is a time of change, a time when we move to a new house, and bring back the things we truly love. Are you more present after the pandemic? Are you looking for more activities to enjoy at home? Maybe your spring cleaning has made room for what’s most important. If that includes a new piano, you’re in luck. Because other people are thinking this way too, you’ll often find your best selection of used pianos during the spring months. This inventory can change daily, so it’s a good idea to stop by and talk about your wants and needs, so we can help you find the perfect piano to suit your desires. 

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