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A piano graces a house like no other piece of furniture. Much like a television it provides a focal point for a room. A piano provides an extra dimension while entertaining, or simply in entertainment. It is a place to express one’s creativity, to relax and unwind, a kind of modern-day medication. The purchase of a piano is not something to be taken lightly. Due to its expense and size, the piano really becomes a part of the family. The piano can spend many generations with one single family, so getting the initial choice right is vital. In this article I aim to tackle the issue of buying a piano and examine the number of variables that one has to take into account.

The initial consideration when one comes to purchase a piano is that of space. In modern houses space is something of a commodity. The piano is going to be with you a long time so it’s important that it sounds and plays exactly as you would like it to. There are a number of types of piano on offer, these include:

  • Grand pianos
  • Baby grand pianos
  • Upright pianos
  • Digital pianos
    The best piano in any specific situation is wholly dependent on the variables already mentioned. If one has space in which to put it, a grand piano is a great option providing a true air of sophistication. It is true to say however that there are not many homes that could accompany such a large piece of furniture. In which case one might consider a baby grand piano. Like the traditional grand piano, a baby grand piano has the same action and sound but can take up considerably less space in the house. The baby grand piano can fit quite comfortably into a modern home. Then we have perhaps the most common of all home pianos, that of the upright piano. The upright piano sits snugly up against the wall and has a much smaller profile than a grand or baby grand piano. This type of piano however produces a different sound from that of a grand piano and provides less of an impressive focal point for a room. Lastly we have digital pianos. These pianos come in the grand, baby grand and upright varieties. They run on electricity and therefore require less maintenance than traditional pianos. Where as a traditional piano will require tuning, a digital piano will always sound just as great as the day it was bought. It’s fair to say however that the digital piano lacks something in the style department. Many people consider buying pianos not simply for their sound quality, but also for their beauty; a digital piano doesn’t provide this to the same degree.

    The Difference Between a Grand and an Upright Piano

    Generally speaking, the way we interact with both types of piano is identical. They both have standard keyboards. The main difference comes internally in the way the piano translates the key stroke into a physical sound. The piano is effectively a hybrid between a stringed and percussion instrument. When you press the key on the piano, a small hammer inside the piano is released and then hits the corresponding string. The string then vibrates and is left to do so allowing the sound to resonate. For this to happen, when the hammer hits the string it must immediately bounce back giving the string the ability to vibrate. The way a piano does this is quite interesting and varies between the styles of a piano. The upright piano relies wholly on gravity for this action. The strings in the upright piano run vertically meaning that when the hammer hits a string, the piano relies on gravity to take the hammer away again. In a grand piano however, the strings are laid horizontally, this creates an interesting engineering problem. In a grand piano the hammers hit the strings from the side and so cannot rely on gravity to take them back to the starting position. Because grand pianos rely not on gravity but on the quality of their internal mechanism, the build quality of a grand piano is very important.

    New or Used Pianos?

    With some products it’s always better to buy new, with pianos however this isn’t necessarily the case. Many people agree that older pianos resonate a richer and more mature sound than their newer counterparts. For people on a budget, the used piano may well be the option. So whether it be digital, traditional, grand, baby grand or upright, I hope I’ve given you all something to consider.

    Richard Merry Used Baby Grand Pianos

    • My name is Richard Merry and I’m a computer studies graduate. I’m currently studying Spanish. My interests cover broad range of subjects including music, computing, languages and much more.

    Used Baby Grand Pianos

    Grand Pianos (Category: Piano & Organ )


    Yamaha NP30 Lightweight Portable Grand Digital Piano w/ Free Method Book, CD!

    US $249.99
    End Date: Monday Feb-13-2012 1:05:48 PST
    US $249.99


    Yamaha G3 Grand Piano 1994 Perfect 6’1

    US $11,250.00 (0 Bid)
    End Date: Monday Feb-13-2012 1:51:18 PST
    US $12,500.00


    Stunning BABY GRAND PIANO with QRS CD GULBRANSEN Mint Played Twice

    US $2,900.00
    End Date: Monday Feb-13-2012 2:24:58 PST
    US $2,900.00


    New D’luca 30 Key Children Baby Grand Piano White~Bench

    US $119.95 (0 Bid)
    End Date: Monday Feb-13-2012 3:46:20 PST
    US $139.95


    Bosendorfer concert grand piano

    US $29,900.00 (0 Bid)
    End Date: Monday Feb-13-2012 5:23:25 PST


    New Crescent 30 Keys RED Baby Toy Grand Piano with Bench for Kids age 3 – 9

    US $74.99 (0 Bid)
    End Date: Monday Feb-13-2012 5:26:07 PST


    New Crescent 30 Keys BLACK Baby Toy Grand Piano with Bench for Kids age 3 – 9

    US $74.99 (0 Bid)
    End Date: Monday Feb-13-2012 6:12:13 PST


    Antique 1884 Chickering Square Grand Piano Rosewood Empire Style Original

    US $9,599.00 (0 Bid)
    End Date: Monday Feb-13-2012 6:29:52 PST


    MAHOGANY STEINWAY & SONS GRAND PIANO, MODEL 362775L

    US $6,200.00 (11 Bids)
    End Date: Monday Feb-13-2012 7:00:57 PST


    1930 Mason & Hamlin Type A Grand Piano.

    US $12,750.00 (0 Bid)
    End Date: Monday Feb-13-2012 7:06:17 PST
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    Posted by Mike on August 9, 2008 at 5:08 pm under Organs/Keyboards.
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    The piano has come a long way since it’s invention 500 years ago. The original version has now been replicated and improved countless times, resulting in a large number of different piano styles and with the latest technology, digital pianos have cropped up and become a popular alternative. But which one is right for you? That depends greatly on what you intend to do with your piano playing and what your budget is. However, there are many pros and cons for both sides.

    Acoustic Piano

    The acoustic piano is a complicated structure. Touching the keys results in a hammer hitting a string, which then vibrates and the sound produced is amplified by the piano`s soundboard. This provides a rich, true piano sound, which is quite valued at concerts and recitals. However, an acoustic piano requires a lot of space, upkeep and money.

    Things to Consider When Choosing an Acoustic Piano

    • Acoustic pianos need regular tuning, particularly if there are changes in the weather or if the piano is moved.

    • Nothing compares to the full-bodied sound provided by an acoustic piano.

    • These pianos allow the artist to play softly or loudly, depending on the mood of the piece . . . the piano responds to the touch of the pianist.

    • Acoustic pianos are large, weighing between 450 and 1,000 pounds and take up a large part of a room.

    • Affordable acoustic pianos are usually wrought with flaws and not worth buying . . . but for many, a true, good quality one is simply beyond their budget.

    Digital Piano

    A digital piano is one that is a replica of an acoustic piano. Rather than contain the strings and mechanisms to produce the sound, digital pianos just use recorded notes from a real piano. There are definite advantages to using one of these instruments and they are often used by bands who need an easily portable instrument, but there are definite down sides, as well.

    Things to Consider When Choosing a Digital Piano

    • Digital pianos are considerably cheaper than acoustic.

    • There is very little sensitivity in the digital key, meaning that true interpretation of many piano pieces is simply not possible.

    • Some piano teachers will not teach students who only have access to a digital piano.

    • These instruments are quite light and portable, some even come in their own carry bag.

    • A high end digital piano offers a wide range of styles and features, including drum tracks and recorded notes from a variety of other instruments and types of pianos.

    • Digital pianos don’t need to be tuned, making them very useful in humid areas or where the weather changes drastically.

    The debate of traditional acoustic pianos vs. digital ones has been around as long as digital pianos. Classical piano students insist that an acoustic piano is the best and to be honest, the digital piano is only an imitation, albeit a very good one these days. Even with the best technology, digital pianos are simply not able to live up to the original acoustic.

    However, this doesn’t rule out digital pianos completely. They are still extremely useful for the piano student on a budget or for anyone who has little space in their home for a large acoustic piano. Bands also find the more portable version to be easier to use, since it doesn’t require tuning and can easily be packed up and moved to the next gig. In the end, it depends on your intent, as well as a few other factors, such as budget and space, as to whether or not you will go with an acoustic or a digital piano.

    Merriam Music School is one of the most respected music lessons Toronto locations. They offer drum lessons, singing lessons, guitar lessons and piano lessons Toronto to students of any age.
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    Posted by Mike on July 29, 2008 at 12:03 am under Organs/Keyboards.
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    Anaheim CA, January 17, 2008—Roland is proud to announce the new AT- 900/AT-900C/AT-800 organs. Embodying Roland’s world-leading technology, MUSIC ATELIER organs inherit the full, rich sounds and elegant design of a traditional organ combined with the most expressive and advanced digital-organ features.

    With a new “Articulation Voice” sound set, driven by Roland’s new proprietary SuperNATURAL technology, the AT-series breathes unprecedented sound into the Violin, Trombone, Cello, and Tenor Sax voices, while new physical Harmonic Bars provide authentic, hands-on control of expressive organ playing with new organ tone sets. The D BEAM controller lets you wave your hand over the invisible infrared beam to alter the sound for greater freedom of expression. To make operation even easier, all models feature a large color touch-panel LCD. With an USB memory key, a high degree of data compatibility ensures that registrations can be exchanged between different models and even from floppy disks.

    The flagship AT-900 offers the stately beauty of an impeccably crafted organ console. Crafted in America from seasonal natural wood, this organ is the genuine article.

    roland atelier at 900 graphic

    The AT-900C is similarly gorgeous and stately, but this smaller unit is portable enough to be taken on the road. The contemporary, streamlined cabinet design combines an elegant Polished Cherry finish with eye-catching silver accents. Specially equipped XLR outputs facilitate professional setups for concert performances.

    roland atelier at 900c graphic

    The AT-800 model offers a beautifully crafted cabinet finished in natural wood, a softly lit control panel and an advanced sound source. AT-800 ATELIER organ provides an outstanding organ playing experience at an affordable price.

    roland atelier at 800 graphic

    Options include the BNC-23 (for AT-900C) or BNC-27-WN (for AT-800) organ benches, the PK-25A (for AT-900C) 25-key pedalboard, PK-7A (for AT-900C), SA-1000 Stage Amplifier for recitals and concerts in small-to-large halls, RH-300 headphones, and much, much more.

    Roland is a world leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of electronic musical instruments, professional audio equipment, multimedia products, and music accessories. For more information, contact Roland Corporation U.S., 5100 S. Eastern Ave., P.O. Box 910921, Los Angeles, CA 90091-0921, (323) 890-3700 (x3718 – for media use only), www.RolandUS.com.

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    Posted by Mike on July 18, 2008 at 5:03 pm under Organs/Keyboards.
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    If you are in the market for a piano or you have found a great deal on one that needs some work, it is likely that your local piano dealer can help you out. Not only do they sell a variety of styles, but most of them also deal in restoration and repair of instruments.

    Not all pianos are created equal and not all of them warrant the time and cost to have a complete restoration. Why is that you ask? The answer is because many newer brands and models have fallen prey to assembly-line mass production. Less attention is paid to sound quality and superior materials and more is paid to getting a nice-looking piece of furniture into the market. Sound quality and materials tend to fall by the wayside in this case. Now, not all new pianos are victim to this practice and your piano dealer can help you choose the right model for you.

    When it comes to restoring a piece, anything that is less than 40 or so years old is not really a great investment. The best quality pieces will be at least 100 years or more and well worth the time and cost to return to its original state. That being said, if the instrument has been in your family for years and parents, children and grandchildren have learnt to play on it then restoration for sentimental reasons is definitely worth it. But, for a truly fine piano built back in the early 1900′s, experienced restoration can bring back the original sound and look that it had on the day it was built.

    What does the restoration process involve? This is where it is extremely important that you research and find a reputable piano dealer who is familiar with your make and model. You may also want to research your instrument on your own so you have a little background on its history and craftsmanship. Piano restoration is tedious and time consuming and you want a technician who is very knowledgeable about your instrument. Basically, the process is like building the piano in reverse. Every component is removed, inspected and repaired or replaced. The hammers, the soundboard, the keys, the pedals, the strings, everything is suspect to intense scrutiny during the process. The outside is also refinished in its original color and given a sheen that will make you think it just came from the factory.

    Make sure that the piano dealer and the technician (if it is a different person) understand that you want the parts that are replaced to be of the same quality as the original. There are no standards when it comes to restoration, but a reputable dealer will have his own standards. Unfortunately, some will try to cut costs by using cheaper materials that will lessen the expected sound quality. The Piano Technicians Guild recognizes those who meet their criteria and pass their exams, but that should not be your only reason for choosing someone. Shop around, get estimates, seek out referrals and interview the dealer before deciding on who you want to handle your precious piece of history or family heirloom. Quality usually costs more, but you will be much happier with the results and you will also have made a great investment.

    Buying or searching pianos for your children or other family member is no more a difficult task. New Orleans piano dealers help you in buying, repairing and restoring pianos. You can gain more information from Hall Piano Co. http://www.hallpiano.com – about piano and its dealers.
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    Posted by Mike on June 28, 2008 at 4:27 pm under Organs/Keyboards.
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    The Steinway is the only grand piano that will sell for more than you paid for it, regardless of how long you own it.

    Can you name any other brand name that can make that claim, for any type of product?

    And why? I’d ask a pianist to really find out.

    I’ve owned several and played many magnificent Steinway grand pianos, so I’d be glad to give you an idea.

    First, we have to presuppose several things:

    1. We are referring to new, almost new or perfectly rebuilt instruments only.

    2. We are referring to grand pianos of the New York Steinway type, not the Hamburg models.

    3. We are referring only to grand piano models L (5’11″) and above.

    4. If it is a rebuilt piano, it must have been rebuilt by Steinway, directly by the company, not someone who claims to be “certified” by Steinway.

    So why are Steinway pianos the best? One reason: sound. There is simply nothing like it.

    It’s not like the difference between a Chevette and a Rolls. It’s the difference between a Rolls and a jet plane.

    The Steinway sound comes of course from the construction, and that is the prime reason that a Steinway has that amazing, powerful sound. Much has been written about the Steinway construction, a lot of it very technical.

    But how did the Steinway Company achieve this sound in the past, and are they able to maintain the phenomenal record of excellence into the present?

    I knew a technician, the legendary Heinz Zimmerman, who worked in the Steinway factory in Hamburg and then New York. He was in 1970 about 70, so he had weathered World War II and had a thick, lovely German accent.

    He was an absolute, continental gentleman and craftsman, and quite a character for an 18 year-old pianist like me to run across. Heinz required a demitasse of coffee, “mit schlag,” (with whipped cream) beside my Steinway model A, 6’2″ of wonderful sound.

    Heinz had actually helped me pick out the piano. It had sat in a patrician lady’s living room for forty years, slowly crinkling the perfect ebony finish in the California sun into something resembling crocodile skin. But the inner workings were perfect. In fact, I noticed that the hammers weren’t even creased, meaning that it had been played very little if at all. Heinz looked at the piano, and breathlessly reported that it was a Model A of 1926 vintage, the best, prewar type of piano. And here it was, untouched, forty years later.

    Heinz knew the piano! He had helped build it (he made one of the many bridge parts, but more of that later.) and insisted that either I buy it, or he would buy it himself.

    Zimmerman became my entr

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    Posted by Mike on May 29, 2008 at 7:23 pm under Organs/Keyboards.
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    Purchasing a top of the line piano is a completely different proposition than buying a standard inexpensive instrument.

    Steinway is the Mercedes of pianos, largely for good reasons. It is the only piano that holds its value, except for a few rather obscure German brands. Even poorly rebuilt, they can command huge sums.

    It is not atypical for an absolutely pristine concert grand, called the Model D, to cost $100,000. Smaller, living room size pianos are selling for $60-80,000.

    Steinways are still built to a standard unrivaled by even a few of the great German companies such as Bechstein and Bosendorfer.

    But once again, pianos have personalities. There are Steinways, and there are Steinways. I’ve actually played in Steinway’s famed private basement rooms, where dozens of top of the line pianos are lined up, one after the other, millions upon millions of dollars worth of pianos sitting in front of you. I tried them all, and some were utterly delightful, and some were unresponsive and dull. That’s not to denigrate the Steinway Company, far from it.

    It points up the fact that all pianos are really quite individual, even at the very top end.

    What you might pay $75,000 for, I might not ever wish to pay, for that particular piano.

    As always, decide what the piano will be really be used for if you want a premium piano. If it is for an investment, be aware that you will need to care for it and maintain it in absolutely perfect condition to sell it and make a profit.

    And there is profit. For example, a Steinway 6’10″ grand I bought in 1968 for $1800 is now worth $58,000. Steinway is almost the only brand that will show that kind of appreciation. A fine Bechstein or Busendorfer can expect the same appreciation.

    If you want the piano for home use, once again be sure that you will be able to maintain it and protect it to allow the possibility of appreciation.

    One mistake that people make is to leave the piano near a window and leave the blinds open. I’ve seen very valuable pianos diminished greatly in value by the beating of the sun, resulting in a crackled and ruined finish. Let me say this clearly: if you buy a piano with a perfect case, you will need to keep it that way if you wish to make a profit someday.

    You must also maintain the humidity at a good level, at least 40%, in order for the thousands of wooden and leather parts to stay in working order, and it must be tuned twice a year at $100 a tuning. Not tuning a piano is like not changing the oil in your car: the results are disastrous.

    Prices for Steinways and other premium pianos easily increase by 5 to 10% a year. There is a finite supply of them, and there are becoming fewer of them as the market becomes dominated by cheaper Oriental brands.

    And don’t be fooled by a salesman telling you, “This one is just as good as a Steinway.” It may well be as good as a Steinway, for a while, but will it last? And in any case, a knock-off cheaper brand will have a resale value of less than half what you paid for it; but this is not true of a premium piano. Premium pianos keep their value, and in fact increase in value.

    The issue of longevity is important. You can find Korean grand pianos that look wonderful, sound wonderful, but after 10 years of use, may well be starting to fall apart. In that case, you’ll need to find a buyer who is willing to take a piano in that condition. And it won’t be easy to do that, because there is always another brand new knock off Oriental piano competing with you for the sale.

    Take an independent professional to look at the prospective piano. The best method is to hire a professional pianist for an hour, ask them to play it, and see if they like it. If you’re not a player, then a professional pianist is the only one who would know if the instrument is worth the price or not.

    There are many subtle factors that a pianist looks for:

    1. Is the action (the keys) easy and pleasurable to play? You’d be surprised how many $50,000 pianos are not in good shape, or not broken in if they’re new.
    2. Is the case perfect?
    3. Is the sounding board cracked or damaged?
    4. Are there any funny buzzing or extraneous noises coming from the piano when you play it? That’s a sign of bad adjustment or even damage.
    5. Is it clean? Is it dusty inside? You want a piano that has been kept in immaculate condition.
    6. Where has it been kept? A living room or a damp basement? This affects the probable condition. You’d be surprised how many people who own these instruments have no idea how to care for them.

    You can also use a piano repairman to examine the instrument. Many are at least decent amateur players so you will get a good opinion from them, too.

    Never trust a piano dealer to tell you the truth about an instrument they are selling. They are there to make sales, not educate you about pianos. If they examine a piano they are not selling, there is always the danger that they will denigrate the piano in order to get you to buy one of theirs.

    One more warning: be very careful of “rebuilt” premium pianos. Unless they are rebuilt by an acknowledged master, you run the risk of buying a very bad piano. I have seen Steinways and Chickering and Knabe pianos rebuilt horribly and sold for huge sums that were in no way deserved.

    Rebuilding is no guarantee of anything, unless it is done by a qualified, dedicated and talented master rebuilder. There are many people who have set themselves up as rebuilders who know very little about fine instruments. They use the brand name to sell whatever damaged instrument they can pass off under the famous name. Research the rebuilder and find one that has tradition, history and reputation.

    Look carefully, and go slowly. Premium pianos do not generally sell quickly unless they are a terrific bargain.

    Educate yourself, look around, and you may well be able to find a bargain, an investment and a fine instrument for you to play.

    By John Aschenbrenner Copyright 2000 Walden Pond Press. Visit http://www.pianoiseasy.com to see the fun PIANO BY NUMBER method for kids.

    John Aschenbrenner is a leading children’s music educator and book publisher, and the author of numerous piano method books in the series PIANO BY NUMBER.

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Aschenbrenner

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    Posted by Mike on May 24, 2008 at 4:01 pm under Organs/Keyboards.
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