A Guide to Buying Your First Piano

Along with the guitar, the piano is one of the most popular instruments in the world. It can be used to play a wide variety of music styles and can be played either as a solo or accompanying instrument. This means they’re popular with people of all ages and with all types of music tastes.

If you want to buy a piano, either for yourself or a family member, it’s important that you are aware of the different types of piano that are available and the pros and cons of each. Whilst all pianos produce a similar sound, some are much bigger and more expensive than others.

Below is a guide to the types of pianos available and the pros and cons of each. There’s also some advice on buying new versus buying used.

What types of pianos are there?

#1. Grand piano

Grand pianos are the largest type available and also the most expensive. They produce the richest sound and will add a huge touch of class to any room where they’re placed. Given their large size, they can be very difficult to move, not to mention expensive so this is something to bear in mind. However, if a grand piano is affordable and you have the space, then they’re the best choice available.

#2. Upright piano

Upright pianos are the other type of acoustic piano and are usually much smaller than grand pianos. Whilst there is a little bit of compromise with the sound, they are much more practical and affordable for most people. A lot of upright pianos have wheels on the stand, which makes them ideal for moving from one room to the next – something that can be almost impossible with a grand piano.

#3. Digital piano

Digital pianos, also known as keyboards can be a great option when you don’t have a great deal of money to spend. When buying a digital piano, you should always ensure that it has 88 full-sized keys and also has authentic hammer action you’d find on an acoustic piano. The reason being is that when you switch from a digital piano to an acoustic, it can be quite daunting if you don’t have a feel for an authentic acoustic piano.

Should I buy new or used?

A big question when purchasing a piano is where you should buy it brand new or used. When buying new, you’ll nearly always get a guarantee with your instrument, whereas used pianos usually don’t come with any guarantee. Of course, the big advantage to buying used is that you’ll usually save a considerable amount of money compared to buying the piano new.

Where to find second hand pianos for sale?

There are many places to buy used pianos online. One of the most obvious is eBay. eBay allows anyone to list items for sale and you’ll often find great bargains, especially for musical instruments. If you do buy a used piano from eBay then you should always make sure the person you’re buying from has excellent feedback and see what their returns policy is.

Your Guide to Buying a Piano

So, you have decided to take the plunge and purchase a piano. Brilliant news!  However, making sure you get the right instrument takes a lot of dedication, and is something that you need to dedicate some time to. It’s not quite as simple as looking in the local paper at the pianos for sale listings.

Finding the right piano for you is a little like finding the right car. The first thing you need to consider is your actual requirements (rather than just what you would like to have in an ideal world).

While we might all like to drive around in a Porshe, if you have five children and a large dog to transport, this is not going to be practical.  Likewise, if you live in a small top floor one bedroom flat a grand is probably not going to be of much use to you (and your neighbours are unlikely to thank you).

When it comes to having such an instrument in a domestic setting many people will opt for an upright, as these do take up considerably less room. However, they are still likely to remain the focal and most dominant feature in any home setting.  If you do go for an upright it is essential to bear in mind that the noise is going to come out of the back of the instrument, so consider the neighbours if you are going to place it on an adjourning interior wall.

Once you have decided what room it is that your new piano will live in, take a moment to consider how you are going to get it in there. There is nothing worse than finding the instrument of your dreams, only to realise that you can’t get it in through the front door or down the hall. Pianos do not come apart, and you may not want to rip your house apart to save the expense of returning it.

You will also need to consider the function of your piano – are you going to be using it as a performance piece, or is just for practicing?  The answer to this will affect what it is that you are looking to get out of your new purchase so it is worth being honest about the answers.

Equally, be honest about your budget. Again this comes down to wants over needs. You may like the idea of that brand new, baby grand but if your budget doesn’t stretch to it, then there is nothing wrong with a second hand upright.  Especially if it ticks all the other boxes that you need ticking off.

Finally, speak to experts, or even people you know with some knowledge of playing pianos to get an idea of what makes and models they would recommend. An expert can help match a specific brand of instrument to your individual requirements to make sure you stick to your budget and location constraints.

Types of Pianos And Their Advantages

When it comes to purchasing a piano there are a huge number of things the novice may find confusing at first.  In fact, the choice of piano type, manufacturer and style can appear to be a little overwhelming, which is why it is important to take the time to do some research before you jump headlong in to a purchase, and seek the advice of professionals who are there to help.

There are three main types of instrument that you can purchase: acoustic pianos, electric keyboards or digital pianos. But how can you tell which is best for you?  Ultimately, what is the difference between the three?

Acoustic pianos are the original form of the instrument and have been around, in some form or other, since the early 1700’s.

Before the advent of the digital piano, acoustic pianos were just regarded as being “pianos” – there was nothing else.

The term “acoustic” specifically refers to the way in which the sound is made in the instrument, namely through vibration. In a piano, this vibration is caused by a hammer (set in motion by the pressing of a key) hitting one of the strings contained inside it.  These vibrations are then amplified by a particular board inside the piano and distributed to create the sound you hear when a piano is played.

Electronic keyboards are smaller than acoustic pianos (usually having in the region of 61 keys rather than the traditional 88 keys). They are also significantly lighter in terms of the keys.  This is because sound is no longer being generated via strings being hit with hammers.  As a result, electronic keyboards can be a fantastic option for younger children who are learning to play, and may lack the strength or finger span to play a more traditional instrument.

 

Credit: Digital Piano

Digital pianos are a mix between the acoustic and the electronic options. They are smaller than acoustics, which make them ideal for people who need to move them around frequently, yet still have 88 keys to allow for a full range of octaves. Sound quality is also often better with digital rather than electric as they have built in speakers.  They also offer a better alternative for those used to playing acoustics as the keys are often weighted, which provides a more authentic playing experience.

Digital pianos in the UK

If you are looking for a digital piano within the UK then there are a variety of stores that sell a wide selection, both on the high street and online.  All retailers are happy to provide you with information, and discuss with you in detail your individual requirements to make sure that you get the instrument that suits your needs and preferences.

About the Author:

David has a keen interest in digital pianos. His articles on the subject inform readers about all aspects of piano purchasing, playing, maintenance and the accessories available for them.

What to Look for When Buying a Piano?

If you’re looking to buy a piano then it’s important that you know what it is you’re looking for. If you simply walk to a music shop and ask to buy a piano you could easily be sold something that you’re not completely happy with.

Below is an explanation of the different types of piano that are available and how to decide which is right for you.

Type of piano

Grand piano – If you’re looking for the best possible sound and don’t want to spare any expense when it comes to playability then a grand piano is the best choice. Grand pianos are not in everyone’s price range and their large size can make them quite a challenge to get into smaller rooms. However if you have the space and budget available, they’re a superb choice.

Upright piano – If you’re looking for an acoustic piano that has a great tone but don’t have the budget or inclination to buy a grand piano, than an upright is a great choice. Upright pianos do have a couple of disadvantages when compared to grand pianos however. Firstly they don’t have full sized keys, which means subtle musical expression can be harder to achieve. The sound is usually as rich in comparison either, since it comes from the back and upright pianos are nearly always placed against a wall.

Digital piano – If you don’t have the budget for an upright or grand piano, then it’s still possible to get an authentic playing experience with a digital piano. Digital pianos come with a few key advantages over acoustic pianos that make them very appealing, not least of which is that they’re considerably cheaper. They can also be used as MIDI controllers, which means you’re able to use them to create a wide range of sounds from strings and guitars to drums and wind instruments.

Yamaha silent grand piano – The last type of piano is Yamaha’s range of silent pianos. The name might be somewhat confusing at first but a silent piano is basically a full size grand piano that gives you the ability to play it and hear the sound come through a pair of headphones. This is a huge bonus as a lot of people who first start playing piano will be self-conscious that other people will be able to hear their mistakes.

How to decide which is right for you

When deciding which type of piano to get you should really take three things into consideration. First is the amount of money you have to spend. If you don’t have a lot of money then you can rule a grand piano out immediately. This leaves upright pianos and digital pianos.

The second thing to think about is how much space you have. Lastly you should think about what your intention for the piano is. If you want to be able to record digitally and use your piano as a MIDI controller then a digital piano is the obvious choice.

Author Bio:

Freya Lewis is a specialist writer on the best yamaha silent grand piano as well as accessories. Her articles inform readers of the options available when buying a piano.

Selecting Your Yamaha Piano Accessories

You have bought the perfect piano for your craft or maybe you are just learning to play the piano with hopes of becoming a piano grand master in the future. You have set it up in the perfect location and you are ready to get started on some masterpieces. However, you just realised that there are some accessories that you would love to have for your Yamaha Piano.

Yamaha piano accessories are available at the specialist piano stores all over, for any need you may have. Whatever Yamaha Piano Accessory you have in mind they can help you source and fit it.

It all depends on the Yamaha piano you may own, the effect you are trying to create and of course your personal style.

Quick review of the Bolan Silent System

Learning to play the piano or practicing for a big show is already a very stressful experience. If you add to that with the fear of keeping your neighbours or family awake as you toil through the night then there are options for you. This is where the Bolan Silent System comes in. This handy accessory can be retrofitted into your current Yamaha Piano model for an astounding effect. You will be able to eliminate the noise that goes along with playing in the dead of night. Your neighbours and family will thank you for your thoughtfulness. This Yamaha Piano Accessory has the ability to even record the notes you play so you can listen to them over and over again for reference. Additionally the music can be loaded onto your favourite media device for easy listening any time you may choose to do so.

This can easily be fitted into any acoustic model without compromising the beauty of the model. It can be fitted, by the team at the point of purchase, into a model bought at their store for a special price or any other model bought elsewhere.

To go along with the Bolan Silent System maybe you could get some headphones for easy playback while you practice. Anything to help make using the piano easier can be found at a specialist piano store. If they do not have the Yamaha Piano Accessories you need be sure to ask them to source it for you. They can provide everything you need at the best price, because satisfying piano related needs is what these stores do best.

Check the piano store nearest to you if you believe this or other Yamaha piano Accessories can be helpful to you. Enhance your piano with some of the most amazing accessories available on the market.

Steinway Pianos – Epitome of Class and Quality

Having a Steinway piano in your possession will make you a millionaire for sure, but only in musical terms. Remember that the models have been up for sale from more than a century due to which such pianos are considered to be great vintage collections. Picking one of the latest models for your latest requirements will represent your class in a grand manner. Excellent playing concepts are included in such models providing you with the best results always. Branded models are never available for a cheaper price, but this model is an exception as this model offers you the best means to enjoy music to the core.

Attractive Features Of Pianos From Steinway Making Them Exceptional

Numerous reasons could be given that why music lovers are more interested in acquiring a Steinway piano.

#1. Robust Make: 

Firstly, the robust make of the lasting piano will ensure that you come across several features providing you with the best results always. These pianos are the epitome of craftsmanship and quality. It is not unusual to see a Steinway piano has been passed as a family heirloom adding a mystical charm to it.

#2. Quality: 

Steinway pianos are often known as vintage pianos because they are extremely old yet robust and classy. Nobody can dispute the deep reverberating sounds produced by these pianos. These pianos symbolize century old craftsmanship that is still unmatched even with the use of modern technology. These pianos are known to exhibit lasting quality irrespective of its usage conditions.

#3. Premium quality components: 

Premium quality components are included in the piano so that the best features could be explored in the core. Steinway Pianos have a global reputation of offering the best for centuries. They almost have a cult like following among the pianists. Celebrity composers are known to give first preference to pianos from Steinway brand so that they could offer uncompromising music in a perfect manner. The global reputation of such piano has been maintained intact even after several decades at a stretch. This definitely speaks a lot about the piano and its mark.

Steinway Second Hand Piano Models For Your Latest Requirements

Finding a new piano model from Steinway is almost impossible, but there is huge scope to purchase used Steinway Piano models that provide you with the best results accordingly. Melodious notes obtained from such models  are sure to enhance your performance with great ease.

Premium qualities found in Steinway pianos irrespective of the make and model will treat you to lilting music always. The most important quality is that they last longer than what you expect because of the original standards maintained. Attractive offers upon such pianos could be found online on a random basis. By choosing one of the best bargains for your exclusive needs, you can choose the best one that suits your needs. Steinway pianos can be a treasure for most piano lovers so don’t miss an opportunity to browse through some used Steinway pianos for sale and grab a perfect deal on the vintage piano.

About the Author:

Freya Lewis is a trained pianist who is well aware of Steinway pianos and plays at concerts and music shows on a regular basis. In her spares, he prefers playing different models of pianos and learn about their exclusive features and technical details.