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Choosing Your Piano

The first question you need to ask yourself before buying a piano is how your new piano will be used.

If you are an aspiring artist, student, hobby player, or professional musician, you should buy the best piano you can afford. That piano should have nothing less than complete artistic capabilities.

Things to consider when purchasing a piano:

  • Size
  • Finish
  • Style
  • Grand
  • Upright
  • Digital
  • Warranty
  • After-sales Service
It is only with a full understanding and appreciation of the piano that any consumer can objectively evaluate which instrument is best for them.

HERE ARE SOME QUESTIONS COMMONLY ASKED BY FIRST TIME BUYERS:


1. Should I buy an acoustic piano or a digital piano?

For piano students, it is best for them to practice on acoustic pianos instead of digital pianos. They can feel the resonance and action of an acoustic piano. Digital pianos are better for people who already know how to play the piano and are interested in making music in another level. If you found digital pianos are more economical to start with, we do offer an upgrade program to our digital piano customers to acoustic pianos.

2. How do you go about deciding which is the best one for you?

First, keep in mind that you will be listening to, and looking at, your piano for a long time. The average lifetime of a piano is about 40 years, and you will probably have it long after you have sold your present furniture, house and car. Pianos depreciate very little. A used piano built 10 years ago and maintained well will cost almost as much as a comparable new piano. So buy the best piano you can afford. Especially, don't try to economize on a piano for a child who's starting lessons. Making good music on a quality instrument is the best way to keep a young pianist interested.

3. Should I get a new or used piano?

If the piano is for a new student, a good used or restored piano is often better choice than a cheap new piano. Select a dealer who offers both options but doesn't push you in any one direction. The best dealers are those who have in house repair shops and back their products with a full warranty.

4. What's the difference between a grand and a vertical?

The principal difference is the direction of the strings in the case and the action position in relation to the strings. Vertical piano strings, back and plate are perpendicular to the floor. The action has to have assistance from several springs, in order to have reliable repetition.The grand piano strings, frame and plate run parallel with the floor so the action can slide underneath the strings. Because the grand action is greatly assisted by gravity, it is more responsive. It is the overwhelming choice for professional pianists and serious piano students.

5. How do I evaluate a Pre-owned Piano?

The number one requirement for a piano is the ability to stay in tune. If that cannot be accomplished, the piano is worth little as a musical instrument. In addition, other problems may exist in the action or soundboard that would require a large expenditure for repairs.

6. Should I get more professional advice?

Parents will often ask their teachers to recommend a piano. Most welcome the opportunity to ensure a good instrument for the student and can, through playing the piano, judge the tone and playability. Other teachers may defer this request to a technician they trust. Once the piano has been approved by the teacher, the suggestion may then be offered to ask a technician to ensure the structural integrity of the instrument. This is usually a good "insurance policy" for the customer. Even though the piano may play well and have a good tone, the piano could have other, less obvious problems. More money may be required for repairs than was paid for the piano.


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