| u're thinking about learning to play the piano, an | | | | for the amateur or beginner, this will be of little |
| important question to consider is: what type do I need? | | | | consequence. More skilled players will find some pianos |
| Your musical goals, expectations, and the technique will | | | | are better suited for their needs. Grand ones have |
| affect the decision, but you'll also need to think about | | | | long horizontal strings which are hit from below by the |
| budget and space issues. Regardless of your individual | | | | hammer. They can be played faster than the other |
| needs, chances are that there's a piano that will fit with | | | | kinds and are thought to produce the most pleasing |
| your lifestyle. | | | | tones. Uprights have vertical strings and are hit from |
| One of the biggest factors in choosing will be how | | | | the side by the hammer. They sometimes require |
| much space you will have available. You may dream | | | | more tuning and maintenance to ensure the best |
| of a huge, shiny grand piano as the centerpiece of | | | | possible sound quality, but they work well for slower |
| your home, but if you barely have enough room to fit | | | | piano techniques. Digital keyboards do not have the |
| all of your shoes in the closet, scale down your vision. | | | | same resonance that traditionally stringed pianos have, |
| You should have a reasonable amount of space so | | | | but they are great for an introduction to piano |
| that you can practice in comfort and peace. Even | | | | techniques. |
| those with large living rooms might find that they'd | | | | For many people, their budget will ultimately dictate |
| prefer a piano in a smaller study space in order to be | | | | their choice. When choosing a piano, remember to |
| able to concentrate on their playing. | | | | include regular maintenance and tuning fees in the |
| Once you've decided on how much room you can | | | | price. They need regular care to remain in good |
| afford to spare, your options are digital keyboards, | | | | working condition. If you're thinking of buying a |
| uprights, and grand pianos. They come in three | | | | high-endinstrument, remember that it is a long-term |
| different sizes-small, medium, and large. For those with | | | | investment. A quality instrument will appreciate in value |
| minimal space, digital keyboards are compact, | | | | over time. |
| lightweight, and easily transportable. They also require | | | | If you're on a more limited budget, you can either rent |
| less maintenance. Uprights are the second smallest | | | | or choose a more economical option. Digital keyboards |
| option. They can be heavy, but are fairly simple to | | | | can range greatly in price, but are often the least |
| move with some assistance and can be pushed | | | | expensive choice. Upright pianos fall in the middle price |
| against walls. Grand pianos, regardless of size, have a | | | | range between digital keyboards and grand pianos. |
| rounded shape, which means they aren't as versatile | | | | If you're still unsure about which type of piano to |
| when placing in a room. And although a stunning | | | | choose, piano rental or purchasing an inexpensive |
| addition to any home, they are difficult to move and | | | | keyboard to begin with can help you decide what's |
| delicate. They are better suited for professional or | | | | right for you. If you're more experienced, try a few |
| devoted musicians. | | | | different kinds of pianos either at a store or try a |
| Sound quality will vary among the different kinds of | | | | friend's. Putting your piano technique to the test will help |
| pianos. Technique will play a part in your decision, but | | | | you feel out which is best for your needs. |