Top 5 Reasons to Buy a Used/Restored Piano
Some people may have heard that a piano will never be as good as it was brand new, others that the materials and craftsmanship that went into an older instrument is often of a higher quality; there are many misconceptions about the differences between used and new pianos and it can sometimes be difficult to make an informed decision when it comes time to choose your instrument. The purpose of this article is to explore these topics, separate the fact from the fiction and present the top 5 reasons to buy a used/restored piano.
Some people may have heard that a piano will never be as good as it was brand new, others that the materials and craftsmanship that went into an older instrument is often of a higher quality; there are many misconceptions about the differences between used and new pianos and it can sometimes be difficult to make an informed decision when it comes time to choose your instrument. The purpose of this article is to explore these topics, separate the fact from the fiction and present the top 5 reasons to buy a used/restored piano:
Quality of materials and lever of craftsmanship In an older instrument, it is often the case that the quality of wood and craftsmanship was higher than what goes into new pianos today. In recent years, many of the traditionally European and American piano companies have now outsourced their production to Asia. The use of cheaper materials and factory production has greatly lowered the production standard of the (especially less expensive) new pianos. It is true that there are phenomenal, handcrafted instruments still being made new today, but those will generally come at a very high price point.
A piano is an incredibly complicated piece of mechanical technology. Every acoustic piano contains hundreds of thousands of tiny parts and when neglected or abused, it is very possible for something to go wrong within the inner workings of the instrument. However the notion that an old instrument must also be a damaged instrument is entirely false when it comes to restored piano. A piano restored at the hands of experienced technicians can add twenty plus years onto an instrument’s lifespan.
After purchasing a brand new piano, the value of the instrument is likely to drop significantly upon purchase. When buying a used/restored piano, the instrument is likely to have already suffered the vast majority of its depreciation in value since it was newly built. Ultimately this can save you a lot of money not only at purchase but also down the road, should you decide to ultimately resell the piano. As long as you have your instrument tuned once every 6 months, stationed away from heaters and at a relatively constant humidity, your piano can last you a lifetime and, if it was used or restored, retain its value very well relative to that of a brand new piano.
Piano buying is almost never an inexpensive endeavor, so, especially when looking in the high end, it is always important to search for the very best value for your money. Purchasing a used or restored piano can often save you thousands to tens of thousands of dollars during your piano hunt and, for the reasons established before, can be of equal to even better quality. There is always the option of buying an incredible, brand-new and hand crafted instrument today but be prepared to pay for it. There’s no other way to put it: Buying a used/restored piano from a dealer who knows what they are doing will ultimately save you thousands on a piano of very competitive quality to that of one made brand new.
Each piano is always unique, but this is perhaps more true for used/restored instruments. Older pianos were often built in a variety of unique styles and shapes that we no longer see built today. It is important not to understate the aesthetic value a beautiful, antique piano adds to any room. A piano with a history has a strong sense of character. To know your instrument has a story of its own, that you are now a part of: Having a used/restored instrument can be an alluring thing of beauty that should never be placed below brand new .
Top 5 tips for starting remote piano lessons (for teachers)
Pianos come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. This sometimes makes the process of choosing the piano that’s right for and your home a confusing feat. The following is a breakdown of the most common acoustic pianos you’ll see, aimed at helping you make an informed decision about which instrument is right for you.
If you don’t have a video-conference platform account, create them. Having more than one platform may be easier, as students may not feel secure with platforms that differ from their regular use. The most popular apps for remote lessons are:
Zoom- https://zoom.us/signup
Skype- https://www.skype.com/en/
Facetime- for Apple product users
(Note, free Zoom accounts don’t allow for unlimited-time calls with multiple users. If you plan to use this platform for studio classes or class concerts, upgrade to a premium account!)
My preferred method is Zoom as it has a chat function, whiteboard, screenshare (with sound & video share), ability to switch between cameras and mics, and an original sound option that betters sound projection through headphones.
If you don’t have a webcam on your computer, you will need to purchase one. If you don’t have a built-in OR good quality mic on your computer or in possession, you will need to purchase one as well.
I recommend using a computer as your main device over an Ipad or phone, as you have many more possibilities e.g. connection ports to other devices, and better access to files and programs you can screenshare.
I have two devices setup, one on top of the piano, and the other on my side. One of the biggest problems of remote lessons is that it hinders both our and the student’s views of the keyboard and hand/fingers. Your second device for keyboard view could be a phone, ipad, or document camera! Look online for a device-holder clip/stand that can be placed on top of a piano or on the music rest for the phone/ipad. By connecting your secondary device to your computer via usb, you can switch back and forth between cameras during the lesson (Zoom has audio and video preference buttons accessible on the call screen).
Ask your students to send you scans of their repertoire that you can download to your files. Hard copy music is most comfortable for in-person lessons, but showing them parts of the score or giving them fingerings (among many other things) will prove to be difficult.
Open the score and use the screen-share feature to point out sections in the score, and use the annotate function to write in fingerings and markings!
If you have your own score that you will use, make sure you have them scanned and saved on your computer as well!
Remote lessons, although easier from the comfort of your home, requires a longer time of preparation on the teacher’s part. Ensure that all your doc files are well-organized on your computer for easy access during lessons.
Zoom scheduling can be linked to your google calendar, and if linked access to the call-links are much more accessible. If your students are on a regular schedule, use the “repeat” option on the scheduling page. This way, they can have the same link to access every week, and the same for you!
From many months of remote teaching and speaking to music teacher colleagues, we have fast realized that keeping the attention of younger students on a remote platform is difficult.
They feel comfortable in their home environment, and feel exhausted from remote classes/lessons. I’m sure you will feel the remote-lesson burn as well! It is so important to keep them actively engaged and enthusiastic. Incorporate games and fun elements into your lessons! There are many online music games, quizzes available - or come up with them yourself! Theory books in lesson books series e.g. Faber, can be helpful as well. You can also incorporate physical activity to keep the moving e.g. rhythm games, tapping exercises etc.
What Piano you are looking for ?
5 things to look for when purchasing a used piano
Are you looking to add a piano to your home? We understand that pianos are an expensive instrument, more so if they are brand new. Living in NYC, you’ll come across MANY giveaway / ridiculously low-priced pianos on craigslist, facebook marketplace, and classified ads. But how do you know they are worth the purchase or costs in moving the piano? Firstly, we recommend hiring a piano technician to look over any used piano you are purchasing. Pianos sold at stores go through a rebuilding/refurbishment process before being sold and come with a warranty for peace of mind. Here are few tips when purchasing a used piano from a piano store or from a private seller.
Are you looking to add a piano to your home? We understand that pianos are an expensive instrument, more so if they are brand new. Living in NYC, you’ll come across MANY giveaway / ridiculously low-priced pianos on craigslist, facebook marketplace, and classified ads. But how do you know they are worth the purchase or costs in moving the piano? Firstly, we recommend hiring a piano technician to look over any used piano you are purchasing. Pianos sold at stores go through a rebuilding/refurbishment process before being sold and come with a warranty for peace of mind. Here are few tips when purchasing a used piano from a piano store or from a private seller.
Most pianos that are listed on classified as private sales are over 50years old. Every piano comes with a serial number, which shows when the piano was built, much like the serial numbers of a car or electronic devices. http://www.bluebookofpianos.com/pianoage.html lists many brands and years of make that could come in handy. Does age matter? Yes. Unlike some instruments, a piano requires refurbishment every 20years or so to keep it in shape. This is where private sales become an issue. Most pianos that are sold privately haven’t gone through a refurbishment process (that costs anywhere from $500-$2000). When purchasing from piano stores, make sure you ask when the piano was refurbished. Used pianos go through a refurbishment process to be sold at piano stores and come with a warranty.
An acoustic piano has 88 hammers inside for each note on the keyboard. The hammers hit the strings (designated to each key) to produce sound. The hammers are covered in tightly wound felt that deteriorates and establishes deep grooves over time, from continuously hitting the metal strings.
There are several options when this happens- if the hammers aren’t too deteriorated, the felt can be shaved down to create a smooth surface. If the hammers are very deteriorated, the felt will need replacing which can get costly. Open the piano lid and take a look inside at the hammers to see if they are worn-out or in good shape. The felt is not all, there are thousands of parts that make up the hammer action of a piano that may need to be replaced.
The steel strings in the piano (3 strings per note for 2/3 of the piano, 2 strings per note for a handful, and 1 thick string in the bass) rust over time. There are several factors that contribute to the rust: water/humidity damage, or bare fingers touching the string. If the strings are rusted, it’s only a matter of time before they will break one-by-one, whether it’s while you are playing or when a piano technician is tuning your piano. Like hammers, replacing strings can get costly- not only due to the cost of strings and work by a piano technician to install them, but when a new string is installed the instrument will require several visits in order to keep the strings from going out of tune.
The soundboard, a big slab of wood in the back of an upright piano, or on the bottom of a grand piano, is the heart of the instrument. The soundboard amplifies lower-frequency sounds and cuts off the higher-frequencies. Made of spruce (most often the Alaskan spruce), this particular material effectively absorbs the higher overtones and transmits round/rich sounds.
If the piano was not taken care of well by a private seller, or exposed to drastic humidity changes, the soundboard often cracks- the biggest fear of all piano lovers and technicians.
When checking the piano, ensure that the soundboard is in good condition as replacing a soundboard can be the most costly.
All acoustic pianos consist of a pinblock that holds about 224 tuning pins. The pinblock, usually a piece of laminated wood is extremely important as it tensions the strings.
The problem with older pianos is that the pinblocks wear down over time and with humidity fluctuations, and the pins break loose. In other words, the piano can slip out of tune immediately or become worse than before. Replacing a pinblock involves taking the piano apart AND replacement of all the strings- and again, can get extremely costly.
WHAT PIANO YOU ARE LOOKING FOR ?
5 tips to sell a piano
Are you looking to sell your piano privately? Where can you start and what should you post? Here are some tips from the staff of Beethoven Pianos!
Are you looking to sell your piano privately? Where can you start and what should you post? Here are some tips from the staff of Beethoven Pianos!
A piano is a large item and therefore it isn’t so easy to move it yourself. The moving will cost you or your purchaser. Moving a piano from point A to point B will cost at least (upright piano) $300 and up, excluding the price that you ask for the piano. Because of these investments the piano must function well. Tuning the piano is a small amount of the cost and if it needs repairs it may cost much more than the piano is worth. It’s hard to say from just seeing the outside casing of the piano, since pianos are made from over 7000 moving parts with different materials. It is similar to a car in many ways. For example, the car may look great from the outside but may need a new engine, transmission, timing belt etc.
This especially applies for pianos that are over 30 years old.
To avoid any trouble after you sell it, you should check the piano and be honest with the condition.
Search for a similar piano listing on Google, eBay, Craigslist, facebook marketplace, etc.
If you can’t find the brand, try searching “upright’ or “grand” and look for a similar look/size/age piano that has many bids. (no bids or watching means that the seller has overpriced the piano)
If your piano isn’t of a popular or reputable brand like Steinway or Yamaha, it could be a challenge to sell (especially to the dealers and stores.)
Please note that pianos DO NOT have antique value (antique meaning >100 years old. Unlike furniture pieces, a piano must be played and fully functional.)
Find the model and serial number of your piano, then search on “Bluebook of pianos, age of the piano”.
Upright pianos: usually stenciled on the plate when you open the top lid of the piano, OR stenciled on the back of the piano
Grand pianos: depends on the brand. Usually stenciled on the front of the plate (golden harp) or soundboard
Take a picture of the whole piano without any items on top of the instrument.
Take a picture of the brand name, so the customer can research it.
Take a picture of obvious damages or broken parts that avoid any trouble after you sell.
Take a picture of the inside to show the condition of it (hammers/strings), so that the customer can know the overall condition of the piano before physically seeing it.. It would be upsetting for your customer to travel far only to realize that the piano is not as great as advertised.
When and where you purchased it.
How long ago you had it tuned
Where it is located (if it is not located on the first floor of a walk-up building, you must mention it because the move may cost a lot for the buyer. Make clear who will be responsible for the moving fee.
State overall condition (especially the negative parts) to avoid future trouble with the buyer.
Check points [keys, hammers, tuning/pitch, action, pedals, and case]
eBay → Pros: large market and users → Cons: need an account
Craig’s list → Pros: local and easy post → Cons: stranger may come to visit your location before they purchase
Facebook Marketplace → Pros: Local and easy post → Cons: stranger may come to visit your location before they purchase
Classified ad on your local paper
Top 10 most popular pianos in our store
Pianos come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. This sometimes makes the process of choosing the piano that’s right for and your home a confusing feat. The following is a breakdown of the most common acoustic pianos you’ll see, aimed at helping you make an informed decision about which instrument is right for you.
We have sold over 10000 pianos in the last 40 years, from spinet to concert grand pianos. We have found a clear pattern of popular brands and types of pianos over the years. Most customers choose to purchase a brand that they are familiar with or for special features of the piano.
This list reflects purchasing trends over the last couple of years.
This is the top seller for us. Silent pianos are the perfect choice for those who share an apartment, worry about noise complaints from neighbors, or have late work/practice hours.
Silent pianos are acoustic string/hammer pianos that can be completely muted and played through headphones as well (like a digital piano!)
Among our silent piano stock, Yamaha 52” (U3) professional silent uprights are the most popular. Yamaha Silent piano has MIDI input and output features that work great for composition and computer software. 2 headphones jacks allow for practice check/lesson check/ and to play for your loved ones.
Yamaha U3 silent piano at showroom
Yamaha pianos are very popular, and fit in our median price range of $4500~$7500 (depends on model numbers and age).Yamaha uprights are perfect for students or professionals who don’t have the space for a grand piano in their apartment or studio. Yamahas are a solid and reliable choice, with great consistency and durability. Most importantly, they have a strong resale value if you’re ever in a predicament of moving far away or having to sell your piano. If you don’t have any idea about piano manufacture we recommend Yamaha. The company is from Hamamatsu, Japan. (Since the early 2000s, Yamaha pianos under 48” are made in Indonesia, so we recommend refurbished made in Japan Yamaha uprights.)
Yamaha 52” Upright at our showroom
Yamaha U1
Rebuilding Steinway grands is our forte. We have a 35000 square feet workshop that includes a refinishing facility. We have a long history and expertise in restoring and customizing Steinway Pianos since the 1970's. Some of our rebuilt Steinways are over 100 years old and still in a great like-new condition.
1876 Steinway Style 2 rebuilt and refinishing by Beethoven Pianos
Steinway L at oru showroom
Sauter is the oldest family-owned piano manufacturer in the world that is still in business, having just celebrated their 200 years. They continue to pursue hand building/making and their German craftsmanship is remarkable. As old and historic as their business is, they are not staying old- fashioned! The Peter Maly collection is a very modern, beautiful, and elegant yet great sounding piano. Come and hear the warm rich sound of Sauter pianos!
We specialize in custom-made and special art case pianos that are restored in our factory workshop. We regularly rent our art-case pianos as a prop for Movie and TV companies including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Over the last couple of years, Art Deco & Mid Century Modern style pianos have received more interest and attention.
Charles Walter pianos are still made in the US and are a very reliable company. The 45” studio upright is especially popular for small apartments. They are loved for their slightly heavy even action, and warm rich tone.
Kawai is made in Japan, in the same prefecture as Yamaha. Unlike Yamaha, Kawai makes only pianos and keyboards. Mr. Kawai, a genius engineer who started working at the Yamaha factory, established the company and became the head manager of the Yamaha Piano factory in his 20’s. Kawai is the pioneer of developing plastic parts in the piano, later replaced by carbon fiber. It is also a reliable, consistent, durable brand and is known for their heavier action and clear singing tone.
Baldwin was the most common piano brand in the 1960’s to 80’s. They used to provide pianos to schools across the country. The Baldwin Hamilton model is the standard of school piano models. They also produce small cabinet pianos called the “Acrosonic.
Earlier in the 20 Century, many jazz pianists recorded with Baldwin pianos as they were drawn to it’s bright and clear tone that is most suitable for the Jazz genre.
Now Baldwins are made in China and are loved for their warm richer tone. They remain of high quality.
Baldwin (made in USA)
Baldwin (New: made in China)
One of the most well made pianos from China. Hailun uses better parts in comparison to other Chinese brands. Hailuns have a slightly heavier action and are great for students or pianists practice. After collecting a team of technicians from the world’s top European piano companies e.g. Steinway & Sons, Bösendorfer etc, Hailuns have quickly become a favored brand for classical pianists.
One of the most affordable new piano lines. If you want to purchase a new piano without having to spend an arm and a leg, this one's for you!
What Piano you are looking for ?
10 Check List when you buy a piano from individual sellers
The age of the piano is one of the measurements to buy piano. Usually, old pianos need repairs after the purchase. We don’t recommend buying a piano 30 years or older from an individual. Often piano will have a major problem around this age, such as hard hammers, loose tuning pins, and sluggish action.
To see the age of the piano, you need a serial number, which is located inside the piano or back of the piano. You may call us with the name of the brand and serial number to find out its age, or check “blue book of the pianos” online. You can find major manufactures’ serial number lists. It also gives you values and new prices for major brands.
www.Bluebookofthepianos.com
It is safer to purchase the name you know. But it would be pricier than a no-name brand, buying a used piano is somewhat similar buying a used car. Reputable brand/manufacture is generally safer to buy.
Recommendation: Steinway, Yamaha, Kawai
When you buy a piano by yourself, you need to arrange the piano move. That could be costly especially need to carry up / down staircases. Also, it is in the far distance, or another state could be expensive. We recommend hiring professional piano movers especially the grand pianos. Depends on the brand, the leg attached different way. Some of the regular furniture movers have not correct tools.
Moving cost (hyperlink to our moving, or create piano moving estimation)
The price is also the factor that it should buy or not, but do not forget the additional fee such as moving and repair/tuning.
Make sure that it fits into your apartment or your building’s elevator. It is wise to note the exact size before purchase it. Most upright measure within 5 feet wide and 2 feet depts, and hights depends on the type of the piano.
For the upright, there are the 3 major types. There are spinet, console, and upright, The spinets are shortest in height, usually under 42”. The consoles are a slightly higher than spinets usually 40~44” in heights. The difference in spirits and consoles is the action, spinet has dop action which meaning the hammers are connected with wire and almost the same hights as keys. The console has a compact action which is smaller than regular action. We recommend not to purchase the spinet from the individuals.
Ask the seller how he/she got the piano. If he/she purchase it from the store new, ask when he/she purchased. If he/she got from neighbors, Craig’s list, or other individuals the higher chance that it was neglected for maintenance, Pianos are like a car, they need periodical tune-up. Also, ask when the piano tuned last.
Check all keys are working. And check any broken part or missing part.
Try playing it if you can, or bring someone who can play.
You really want the piano after research or seeing it, we recommend to hire a piano technician who can check the condition especially the critical mechanism. It will cost you roughly $100 ~$200. But it needs repair or could be not fixable, you will lose the piano cost + Moving + your time.
What Piano you are looking for ?
Top 5 things to check when buying pianos from individual sellers
Compared to 20 years ago, there are many ways to purchase a piano in the present day. In the old days, a customer could visit one or several different musical instrument stores, or receive a hand-me-down discounted piano from a teacher, friend, family, or neighbors. Hand-me downs or purchasing from individual sellers may be an inexpensive option, but you may not get a good deal after all. Read ahead to see why!
Compared to 20 years ago, there are many ways to purchase a piano in the present day. In the old days, a customer could visit one or several different musical instrument stores, or receive a hand-me-down discounted piano from a teacher, friend, family, or neighbors. Hand-me downs or purchasing from individual sellers may be an inexpensive option, but you may not get a good deal after all. Read ahead to see why!
Here are 5 common problems when purchasing a piano from individual sellers:
Pianos are quite complicated instruments with mixed materials consisting of wood, metal, plastic, wool and even ivory parts. One piano is made up of over 6000 parts! For example, a piano usually has 88 keys, and in order to create a moving mechanism, each key consists of more than 50 parts PER note/key! Each key also consists of not only one, but some, 2 or 3 tuning pins. But we won’t get into the full anatomy details of a piano in this post. The message I want to relay to you is that because a piano is a complicated instrument consisting of MANY moving parts, it is not easy to judge the condition of the piano from just what meets the eye..
If you are purchasing a piano from an individual seller, we highly recommend hiring an independent tuner/piano technician who can diagnose the piano professionally. Repairs can cost much more than piano moving costs.
Grand piano mechanism (grand piano)
Hiring professional piano movers will solve many moving problems, but moving isn’t cheap and will be added on top of the purchase price. If you purchase a piano from an instrument store, moving costs are usually discounted or even included in the purchase price. We recommend hiring professional piano movers, especially if you live on the 2nd+ floor of a walkup building or you are purchasing a grand piano. Grand pianos have three legs and multiple layers that require disassembly. Each piano manufacturer designs their pianos with different settings and parts. Regular movers are not equipped with these tools and skills. We have heard so many horror stories of critical damages made on the piano by regular furniture movers. Even if the moving company that you hire has insurance, they are only responsible for the weight (50cents per pound) unless you purchase separate insurance. For peace of mind, check with your homeowner/renter insurance. If you have stated your piano in your assets, replacement value could be covered.
Disassembling a grand piano
Even though the piano may look great or relatively new, if the tuning pins are loose there will be problems in the future. Tuning pins control the pitch and sound. When a piano is out of tune, you need to hire a piano technician/tuner to pitch raise, and tune.
There are several reasons why a piano goes out of tune: The most common reason is the natural slide of the pin from the use of the piano and seasonal humidity + temperature changes. These are, of course, expected with every piano and are not a problem. BUT! If tuning pins are loose, the piano may need frequent tuning or replacement for bigger pins. Either way- this will cost you a lot of money. If a pin block has a crack, it will cost you over $1000 to repair or replace it/them. Pin blocks are hard to see from the outside, so again, we recommend hiring a piano technician before purchasing.
Cracked pin block
Replaced pin block
When we purchase a piano from our clients, we use an air compressor to clean the inside of the piano. The reason for cleaning is because we often see a mouse and/or insect droppings in the piano. We have also seen horrible cases where mice have eaten parts of the piano e.g. felt and leather parts, or insects have laid eggs within deep crevices. We don’t want to have unwanted visitor’s infesting our workshop or showroom, and I’m sure you don’t want them in your home either!
Mouse droppings under the keys
This is a rare case, but in the old days, arsenic was used as a common method of pest control. Now it is illegal to use without a license, but we have also seen cases where there are some leftover arsenic under the keys. Arsenic poisoning causes bronchial health problems.
WHAT PIANO YOU ARE LOOKING FOR ?
5 Great European Piano Manufacturers
Pianists from around the globe, at the highest level of their craft, will time and time again choose European made instruments as their vehicle for expression. Here are a few of the great European piano manufacturers (in no particular order) that still, to this day, produce pianos that come second to none around the world.
In this day and age, piano builders who manufacture exemplary instruments are scarce. Being the birthplace of the piano and steeped in the tradition of western classical music, it should come as no surprise that European piano manufacturers consistently produce some of the finest instruments in the world today. Pianists from around the globe, at the highest level of their craft, will time and time again choose European made instruments as their vehicle for expression. Here are a few of the great European piano manufacturers (in no particular order) that still, to this day, produce pianos that come second to none around the world.
Founded by Friedrich Grotrian and Heinrich Engelhard Steinweg in 1935, the Grotrian piano company was known as Grotrian-Steinweg until Heinrich Steinweg took his family to the United States to found the world renowned Steinways and Sons piano company. Over the years, Grotrian has continued to build an untarnished reputation for quality craftsmanship and exceptional instruments sought after by the greatest musicians around the world and to this day remains one of the few companies to manufacture their instruments 100% in Germany.
Founded in 1828 in Vienna, Austria, Bosendorfer is one of the few piano manufacturers that, in addition to the standard 88-key model, produce a 92 and 97 key model. In 1930 Bosendorfer was given the status of official piano maker to the Emperor of Austria and has since supplied pianos for the most prestigious concert halls in Vienna. Legendary musicians such as Leaonard Bernstein, Arthur Rubinstein, Oscar Peterson and many others have appeared playing Bosendorfers and many world renowned artists will choose Bosendorfer as their instrument of choice.
The oldest piano company in the world and one of the last remaining few that craft their instruments entirely in-house, using parts only manufactured in Germany, Sauter is still one of the most well-respected piano builders in the world today. In addition to the unprecedented experience and mastery of the piano building tradition, the Sauter piano company is a pioneer in the design of modern-day pianos. By cultivating a relationship with acclaimed interior designers such as Peter Maly, Sauter has managed to produce some of the most creative and unique approaches to piano building as seen in models such as the Sauter Rondo, Rhapsody and Vivace.
Currently the largest producer of grand pianos in Europe, the Petrof piano company has produced roughly 630,000 instruments since their founder Antonin Petrof built his first piano in 1864. Based in Hradec Králové, Czech Republic, to this day, Petrof remains a piano company that produces instruments to the highest possible standards of craftsmanship and supplies countless performers with some of the finest instruments in the world today.
Established in 1835 by Carl Bechstein in Berlin, Germany, C. Bechstein pianos are still some of the most commonly chosen pianos by professionals around the world today. With a myriad of world renowned performers and composers who have famously chosen C. Bechstein as their instrument of choice, such as Alexander Scriabin, Maurice Ravel, Claude Debussey, The Beatles and Elton John to name a few, these pianos have cultivated a reputation of almost unprecedented endorsement in the world of piano manufacturing.
What Piano you are looking for ?
The 7 Most Common Piano Types
Pianos come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. This sometimes makes the process of choosing the piano that’s right for and your home a confusing feat. The following is a breakdown of the most common acoustic pianos you’ll see, aimed at helping you make an informed decision about which instrument is right for you.
Pianos come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. This sometimes makes the process of choosing the piano that’s right for and your home a confusing feat. The following is a breakdown of the most common acoustic pianos you’ll see, aimed at helping you make an informed decision about which instrument is right for you.
Upright vs. Grand Pianos
Essentially all acoustic pianos can either be categorized as either a vertical piano (commonly referred to as an upright piano) or a grand piano. The most important factors you need to keep in mind when deciding between an upright or grand piano are space and budget. While an upright piano is compact, conservative in terms of floor space and can be placed neatly against a wall, the richness of sound and responsiveness of the action in an upright can seldom be compared to that of a grand piano.
An upright piano will be, at the very most, 5’ tall, whereas most grand pianos range between 5’ and 9’ in length. Since the length of the instrument determines the length of the strings and soundboard, generally speaking, longer strings and a soundboard with greater surface area will produce a richer sound quality. In terms of action(mechanism), the vertical action of an upright piano is inherently less responsive to that of a horizontal, grand piano. While the hammers in an upright piano rely on a spring to return to their rest position, the hammers in a grand piano’s action will return to their rest position purely due to their own weight. This allows for a much faster single note repetition ability on a grand piano and thus a more responsive action.
Without further ado... here are: The 7 Most Common Piano Types (in order of size):
Upright Pianos
Grand Pianos
Upright Pianos
Of all the vertical pianos, spinets are the smallest. With a size of 36-40” a spinet’s action is compressed, requiring a rod mechanism to transfer force from the keys to the hammers beneath. Spinets are no longer manufactured and are often difficult to regulate and service. This type of piano is best recommended for beginner to intermediate pianists who would like to keep costs down as well as conserve space.
Examples of spinet pianos:
Not only are console pianos excellent for those who are short on space, they often make beautiful furniture pieces. Most consoles have a full sized action that is located directly above the keys or is split between above and below. This kind of piano is perfect for beginner to advanced piano students who are in search of something that can serve as both a reliable instrument as well as a work of art.
Examples of console pianos:
You can commonly find these pianos in schools and churches. Though slightly more expensive than a console or a spinet, a studio piano is generally worth the extra money for gains in both action and sound quality.
Examples of studio pianos:
Ideal for the more advanced musicians who are looking for the richest possible sound from a compact instrument that takes up a limited amount of floor space.
Examples of full-sized upright pianos:
Grand Pianos
The smallest and, generally, the most affordable of grand pianos: A good, well-kept baby grand is the option for advanced/professional pianists who are in search of a richer sound from their instrument, with a more responsive action. Although a baby grand will consume considerably more square footage than any upright, it is still a compromise when compared with the larger grand models available. Excellent for school or home use.
Examples of baby grand pianos:
The intermediate size between baby and concert grands; a cared-for medium grand is, for all intents and purposes, a professional instrument. Perhaps the size of grand most commonly found in conservatories around the world, a medium grand (especially from 6’ and larger) will often bear a noticeable difference in sound quality when compared with that of a baby grand.
Examples of medium grand pianos:
The largest of all piano sizes, a well-made concert grand in excellent condition can often be one of the most pristine and beautiful instruments you will ever hear. Often found in concert halls around the world (hence the name).
Examples of concert grand pianos:
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How to assemble and maintain a piano bench
1) Washers: These flat metal rings protect the legs which are made of wood.
2) Split washers: These washers are split, with one end slightly bent outward to bite in, secure, and prevent loosening. Split washers act like springs under compression, to provide extra holding force, and to decrease frictional resistance during assembly and disassembly.
3) Nuts: Screw-in tight to support the legs.
4) Screw all four legs of the bench to 90% tightness, place the bench on the floor, seat down. Press down on the bench to level the legs and tighten. Benches with storage are normally tightened from the inside, so follow the above steps until tightening. Lay the bench on its side (long edge) and tighten while securing the legs with the other hand.
5) Do not adjust the height while you are sitting on an adjustable bench. Stand up or adjust from the side so no weight is pressing down.
6) Tighten the nuts occasionally to secure the bench. Swinging on the bench will damage the wooden legs. Moving the bench may loosen the nut, and if you continue using the bench with loose legs it is only a matter of time before the wood deteriorates and the bench is unusable.