Choosing A Piano Like A Pro

Choosing A Piano Like A Pro

How do professional piano players select a new piano? They look for a variety of things. 

Acoustic or Digital

Pros know exactly what they want. And in many cases, they select both acoustic and digital depending on their needs. Acoustic pianos are more traditional, operating with metal strings and hammers that hit the strings each time a note is played. Digital pianos offer modern technology that makes it easy to record and play from anywhere in the world. 

Sound Production

Choosing A Piano Like A ProPros know the most important part of a piano is the sound produced. And every piano – even pianos made by the same manufacturer – will have a different sound. It’s important to play every note and hear every sound before making your final selection. 

Key Texture

Playing the piano is a personal experience. You have to connect with each key to be able to play. How do they feel? How do you connect? Do they stick? Do they feel off base? If it lacks the right cushion, you might hurt the joints in your fingers as you play. 

The Final Location

Even the same piano will sound different in different spaces. A grand piano will sound different in a concert hall as compared to a closed off room. Selecting the right piano often means selecting the right piano for the room. 

Warranty

It’s important to select a piano from a reputable dealer. A warranty gives you the guarantee that your piano will operate at it’s best quality for a select amount of time. 

The Brand

For some pros, brand is everything. But most pros also know that there are many reputable piano manufacturers out there, and selecting the right one often means looking at reputation. You want a company that has stood the test of time and offers quality in everything it produces. 

The Extras

This is where decision time can be fun. A pro knows the extras are what sets different pianos apart. The pros know that when they want something specific, they focus in on getting the best they can. 

What’s your specifics? What are you looking for in a piano? Come in with your questions, and we’ll help you find the right piano for your needs. 

Expert Advice For Choosing A Piano

Expert Advice For Choosing A Piano

Even a beginner needs a piano that plays well.

To give a child a piano to play on that is out of tune is similar to giving a child a ball that is flat. Sure they can play with it, but they’ll never effectively learn the skills required to play the game. They’re at a disadvantage even before they begin. And if they can’t play effectively, what’s the point?

There’s an adage that says: never judge a book by its cover. That applies to pianos too. Just because the outside is beautiful doesn’t mean the inside is worth anything at all. Many of the prettiest pianos are the lowest quality instruments barely able to perform.Expert Advice For Choosing A Piano

Instead, a beginner needs a piano that plays well. It should have a pleasing tone and a responsive touch. If they can’t feel and hear what they are doing, they will never progress beyond being a beginner.

Is there a recommendation for the best piano to buy?

We’re asked that all the time. Unfortunately, there are thousands of different makes and models of pianos if you factor in new and used. And even once you select a particular brand, there are good and bad examples abound. What works for one might not necessarily be the best for another. That’s why there are so many preferences and choices.

The key isn’t necessarily in finding a recommendation for the best piano; instead, it’s about finding a reputable piano dealer you can trust. A good dealer isn’t going to try and sell you a bad piano. Instead, they are going to listen carefully to your needs and provide you with ample selection to fit within your requirements.

They know that if you succeed with your choice, you will more than likely remember them when it’s time to refer a friend, or even upgrade your own piano.

There’s a wide range of pianos on the market. Age isn’t a factor – some of the best pianos in the world are decades old. Instead, it’s always vital to see, hear, and play the piano for yourself before making any decision.

A reputable dealer will select their pianos carefully and restore or repair used with the aim of providing the best tone and touch possible. Their work will be guaranteed.

What questions do you have about choosing a piano for your home?

Choosing A Piano As A Christmas Gift

Choosing A Piano As A Christmas Gift

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.