PIANO GUIDE
Before you buy a piano,
you can learn about its background. After all, relying on brochures,
conflicting reviews and advice from those who bought their pianos years ago,
won’t be much help in finding the best piano for you now.
Whatever your budget, below are the main pointers in deciding what to look for
and how to buy:
1. Be prepared by view pianos online before going out to see one for real
You can save time by checking out a piano before a visit. Phone or email
current owners/retailers to obtain some basic info and find the value of the
piano.
2. The age of the piano is not everything
A healthy piano has a life span of 30-60 years, so if buying privately don’t be
shocked to learn that the owner purchased the instrument 20 years ago.
3. Play each of the pianos, or have the salesperson play on as man as possible
One piano does not fit all. You need to discover your own musical preferences
before deciding on a piano. Be aware that many pianos of all prices can sound
very different from an identical model. Therefore, you could be buying a lower
quality example. Before agreeing payment ask to see the piano to test its
characteristics prior.
Listen carefully to hear that each piano does have a slightly different tone.
Test out different piano brands, styles, sizes, and ages to appreciate the
different timbres, key weights, and levels of quality among them. Some are
mellow, brilliant, loud or soft. Each individual piano produces a different
tone and unique sound regardless of style. Take into consideration the size,
especially if your room is small. Size does matter (to some at least), and
smaller pianos often lack depth, bass and dynamic range.
Don’t settle for the first piano available; give yourself enough time to view
as many as possible (ideally a minimum of five pianos) before deciding on one,
and never buy a piano without first having played and inspected it.
4. Ask about the quality of the parts.
The working section of the piano is called the action. There are about 7,500
parts, all playing a role in sending the hammers against the strings when keys
are struck. Apart from the hammers these parts also include: Action,
Soundboard, Strings, Frame and dictate the quality of touch and tone, and
tuning stability. The mechanical longevity from a quality action and sustained
tonal longevity from quality hammers are invaluable. In terms of the action
within different piano types:
* The grand piano ranges in size from under five feet to nine feet (a concert
grand). The frame and strings are horizontal, with the strings extending away
from the keyboard. Grand pianos all have a horizontal action, and upright
pianos have a vertical action that can be above or below the keys. The action
lies beneath the strings, and uses gravity as its means of return to a state of
rest. A grand piano has a fast touch and is more responsive and powerful than
an upright. The types range from the concert grand (between about 2.2 m and 3
m/9.84 feet long), the parlour grand or boudoir grand (about 1.7 m to 2.2 m)
and the smaller baby grand (around 1.5 m). Grand pianos tend to have more
prestige as they are associated with concerts and other live music performances
compared with upright pianos. However, some larger professional-quality
uprights can have equal or better tone quality than many small grands.
* Upright pianos range in height from 36 to 51 inches. Sometimes called
vertical pianos, they are more compact because the frame and strings are
vertical. All of them require the same amount of floor space, about five feet
by two feet. The largest of the uprights is the studio piano, which is 44
inches or taller. This is a type which is becoming quite popular. Uprights, 39
to 42 inches tall, are referred to as consoles. Upright pianos with unusually
tall frames and long strings are sometimes called upright grand pianos. Some
authors classify modern pianos according to their height and to modifications
of the action that are necessary to accommodate the height.
5. Build Quality and Action
Although larger piano may produce a better tone, ensure that the design and
condition (and, if used, wear) of the mechanical components (keyboard, action,
hammers) is not compromised against a smaller piano of a similar price. Below
are descriptions of important parts within the Piano’s action:
· The Back: Structural reinforcements, such as back posts can improve the
tuning stability and can also improve resonance. The posts should be heavy and
strong enough to provide adequate support in proportion to the rest of the
piano.
· The quality of the cabinetry is very important mainly due to the development
of buzzes, rattles, squeaks etc. The Soundboard (a wooden board at the back of
the instrument which translates the vibrations of the strings into the
"tone" of the piano) is one of the vital parts of the piano. A
cracked soundboard can make a piano sound ugly.
· Plate: An irregularly-shaped piece of cast iron bolted to the back of the
frame. It holds one end of the piano strings, and anchors most of the twenty
tons of pull exerted by the taut strings.
· Treble and bass bridges: These long pieces of hard maple are attached to the
soundboard, transmitting the vibrations of the strings to the air.
· Most pianos have three pedals, but most pianists tend to use just two. The
sustaining pedal on the right lifts the dampers (which in a resting position
prevent the strings from vibrating) away from the strings so that the tone is
sustained after the keys are released, creating and echo-like sound. The pedal
on the left, called the damper (or ‘soft’ pedal), mutes the tone by shortening
the distance the hammers travel or by shifting the action slightly so fewer
strings are hit. Many pianos have a third pedal in the middle for sustaining
bass tones only. On most grand pianos and some uprights, the third pedal is a
sostenuto, which sustains selected tones at the pianist's discretion.
Additionally, the tonal pronunciation of each note of the piano must be
consistent. A new piano will most likely require more tuning. This is because
the newer the strings, the more flexible they are. When piano wire is new it
has irregularities in its diameter and has more 'stretch' potential. As it
stretches, the diameter becomes more uniform, producing better tone because the
overtones ring more precisely. Therefore find a piano that possess a pleasing
tone in the middle with good balance in the higher and lower registers. The
touch must also be consistent and of even quality throughout in repetition,
response and expression. Avoid a piano with a metallic harsh sound. Make sure
that the piano is capable of tolerating a large variety of different styles of
music and players.
6. Learn the Importance of Room Acoustics
Room acoustics often affect the tone of a piano. Factors such as room size,
carpeting, and ceiling materials all affect room acoustics, so a piano could
have a completely different character in your house than it does in your
neighbour’s. In a small room, such as a living room or music room, the
reverberation time will usually be much shorter. When buying a piano, be
conscious of how the piano’s current location differs from its destination.
A piano’s space should complement its sound. Each kind of building and
decorating material absorbs sound differently, and the ability to absorb sound
varies with the frequency, too. A smooth concrete floor, for example, is an
excellent reflector of sound but might not be suitable for a piano with a
bright, crisp tone, because the treble might sound overbearing, even harsh. In
this case the piano will sound best in a small, carpeted room as its sound is
balanced by soft, absorbent surroundings.
7. Aesthetics: the look
This is a very large item in your home so looks are important. Modern cabinets
are made of core stock overlaid with thin veneers of fine furniture wood. Many grains
and finishes are available and modern finishing techniques assure excellent
appearance and easy care for years. This is not always the main factor in
making the piano right for you, but it does matter to some more than others.
Many prefer a good solid, even grand looking instrument and others prefer the
small, modern style pianos for something a little more discrete. Try to pay by
deposit, rather than in full, on a piano ordered if it is not in stock in your
chosen finish
8. Finally…
Ultimately, the way the piano actually performs in tone (relative to its
surroundings), touch and its look are what make you choose the piano. You must
feel absolutely sure that the above factors have been satisfied and you should
be with the right piano.
Because of this, don’t let the extra cost prevent you from hiring an expert to
advise you. If you buy a poor quality piano, you’ll end up paying greatly for
either repairs or a disposal. The alternative is to accept the loss of a large
chunk of your living space! Consult your local piano tuners association to find
a professional near you.
Whatever your budget, below are the main pointers in deciding what to look for and how to buy:
You can save time by checking out a piano before a visit. Phone or email current owners/retailers to obtain some basic info and find the value of the piano.
2. The age of the piano is not everything
A healthy piano has a life span of 30-60 years, so if buying privately don’t be shocked to learn that the owner purchased the instrument 20 years ago.
3. Play each of the pianos, or have the salesperson play on as man as possible
One piano does not fit all. You need to discover your own musical preferences before deciding on a piano. Be aware that many pianos of all prices can sound very different from an identical model. Therefore, you could be buying a lower quality example. Before agreeing payment ask to see the piano to test its characteristics prior.
Listen carefully to hear that each piano does have a slightly different tone. Test out different piano brands, styles, sizes, and ages to appreciate the different timbres, key weights, and levels of quality among them. Some are mellow, brilliant, loud or soft. Each individual piano produces a different tone and unique sound regardless of style. Take into consideration the size, especially if your room is small. Size does matter (to some at least), and smaller pianos often lack depth, bass and dynamic range.
Don’t settle for the first piano available; give yourself enough time to view as many as possible (ideally a minimum of five pianos) before deciding on one, and never buy a piano without first having played and inspected it.
The working section of the piano is called the action. There are about 7,500 parts, all playing a role in sending the hammers against the strings when keys are struck. Apart from the hammers these parts also include: Action, Soundboard, Strings, Frame and dictate the quality of touch and tone, and tuning stability. The mechanical longevity from a quality action and sustained tonal longevity from quality hammers are invaluable. In terms of the action within different piano types:
* The grand piano ranges in size from under five feet to nine feet (a concert grand). The frame and strings are horizontal, with the strings extending away from the keyboard. Grand pianos all have a horizontal action, and upright pianos have a vertical action that can be above or below the keys. The action lies beneath the strings, and uses gravity as its means of return to a state of rest. A grand piano has a fast touch and is more responsive and powerful than an upright. The types range from the concert grand (between about 2.2 m and 3 m/9.84 feet long), the parlour grand or boudoir grand (about 1.7 m to 2.2 m) and the smaller baby grand (around 1.5 m). Grand pianos tend to have more prestige as they are associated with concerts and other live music performances compared with upright pianos. However, some larger professional-quality uprights can have equal or better tone quality than many small grands.
* Upright pianos range in height from 36 to 51 inches. Sometimes called vertical pianos, they are more compact because the frame and strings are vertical. All of them require the same amount of floor space, about five feet by two feet. The largest of the uprights is the studio piano, which is 44 inches or taller. This is a type which is becoming quite popular. Uprights, 39 to 42 inches tall, are referred to as consoles. Upright pianos with unusually tall frames and long strings are sometimes called upright grand pianos. Some authors classify modern pianos according to their height and to modifications of the action that are necessary to accommodate the height.
5. Build Quality and Action
Although larger piano may produce a better tone, ensure that the design and condition (and, if used, wear) of the mechanical components (keyboard, action, hammers) is not compromised against a smaller piano of a similar price. Below are descriptions of important parts within the Piano’s action:
· The Back: Structural reinforcements, such as back posts can improve the tuning stability and can also improve resonance. The posts should be heavy and strong enough to provide adequate support in proportion to the rest of the piano.
· The quality of the cabinetry is very important mainly due to the development of buzzes, rattles, squeaks etc. The Soundboard (a wooden board at the back of the instrument which translates the vibrations of the strings into the "tone" of the piano) is one of the vital parts of the piano. A cracked soundboard can make a piano sound ugly.
· Plate: An irregularly-shaped piece of cast iron bolted to the back of the frame. It holds one end of the piano strings, and anchors most of the twenty tons of pull exerted by the taut strings.
· Treble and bass bridges: These long pieces of hard maple are attached to the soundboard, transmitting the vibrations of the strings to the air.
· Most pianos have three pedals, but most pianists tend to use just two. The sustaining pedal on the right lifts the dampers (which in a resting position prevent the strings from vibrating) away from the strings so that the tone is sustained after the keys are released, creating and echo-like sound. The pedal on the left, called the damper (or ‘soft’ pedal), mutes the tone by shortening the distance the hammers travel or by shifting the action slightly so fewer strings are hit. Many pianos have a third pedal in the middle for sustaining bass tones only. On most grand pianos and some uprights, the third pedal is a sostenuto, which sustains selected tones at the pianist's discretion.
6. Learn the Importance of Room Acoustics
Room acoustics often affect the tone of a piano. Factors such as room size, carpeting, and ceiling materials all affect room acoustics, so a piano could have a completely different character in your house than it does in your neighbour’s. In a small room, such as a living room or music room, the reverberation time will usually be much shorter. When buying a piano, be conscious of how the piano’s current location differs from its destination.
A piano’s space should complement its sound. Each kind of building and decorating material absorbs sound differently, and the ability to absorb sound varies with the frequency, too. A smooth concrete floor, for example, is an excellent reflector of sound but might not be suitable for a piano with a bright, crisp tone, because the treble might sound overbearing, even harsh. In this case the piano will sound best in a small, carpeted room as its sound is balanced by soft, absorbent surroundings.
7. Aesthetics: the look
This is a very large item in your home so looks are important. Modern cabinets are made of core stock overlaid with thin veneers of fine furniture wood. Many grains and finishes are available and modern finishing techniques assure excellent appearance and easy care for years. This is not always the main factor in making the piano right for you, but it does matter to some more than others. Many prefer a good solid, even grand looking instrument and others prefer the small, modern style pianos for something a little more discrete. Try to pay by deposit, rather than in full, on a piano ordered if it is not in stock in your chosen finish
8. Finally…
Ultimately, the way the piano actually performs in tone (relative to its surroundings), touch and its look are what make you choose the piano. You must feel absolutely sure that the above factors have been satisfied and you should be with the right piano.
Because of this, don’t let the extra cost prevent you from hiring an expert to advise you. If you buy a poor quality piano, you’ll end up paying greatly for either repairs or a disposal. The alternative is to accept the loss of a large chunk of your living space! Consult your local piano tuners association to find a professional near you.