| Over the years of working on pianos (I have been a | | | | that it just won't measure up to your needs over time. |
| registered piano technician and a performing pianist for | | | | A Piano's Design Is the Blueprint for What a Piano Will |
| over 25 years) and in talking with my customers I | | | | Be |
| have seen over and over again that buying a quality | | | | Pianos are still essentially an old world technology. |
| piano can be a challenging and daunting task. So I | | | | Bottom line - the sound quality, playability and durability |
| finally decided to put together this information together | | | | of a piano begins with the following three factors. It's |
| - to share with you the essential keys I have learned | | | | design, materials and the craftsmanship in assembling it. |
| over the years to make sure you buy a quality | | | | On the outside pianos can look to be very similar. But |
| instrument that will bring you pleasure for a lifetime. | | | | there are many intricacies that go into constructing a |
| Buying a Piano - You Get What You Pay For | | | | piano that affects how it plays and sounds. Some of |
| Never get a piano simply because it is cheap or free. | | | | these include scaling, action design, and the tension |
| In the absence of an accurate appraisal, you may | | | | resonant structure (the soundboard, the pin block, plate, |
| succeed at first with an inexpensive front end | | | | and rim or back of the piano). |
| acquisition that soon after turns into a rear end | | | | I know that this area can get kind of technical, so I |
| headache. I have seen too many people under such | | | | want to give you some easy guidelines on picking the |
| circumstances giving up on their excitement and | | | | right design for the kind of use you intend for your |
| enthusiasm towards playing the piano simply because | | | | piano. Generally speaking, it is always optimal, if you |
| they made a poor buying choice. You should consider | | | | have the resources, to go for a grand piano. Grand |
| the purchase of your next piano to be a major | | | | pianos just have a superior design over an upright and |
| acquisition that requires careful consideration. As with | | | | the action and sound is just better. But if you do not |
| most major purchases, you do get what you pay for. | | | | have the space or want to spend the money for a |
| If you want to buy a piano that will work well and last | | | | grand piano, then you should look for a larger upright (a |
| for many years, you should to expect to pay at | | | | studio to a full size upright). Consoles can be ok if you |
| minimum $3,500 to 5000 for an entry level console | | | | are a beginner or beginning intermediate player. But if |
| studio piano and $10,000 to 12,000 or so if you are | | | | you want an instrument with more sound and |
| looking for an entry level grand piano. Of course you | | | | resonance a full or studio upright is something you |
| can expect to pay a lot more if you are looking to get | | | | should consider. I would generally recommend staying |
| a more precious brand like Steinway, Bosendorfer or | | | | away from spinet style uprights - they just do not |
| Sauter but this gives you a basic range to start with. If | | | | have the action or sound that will measure up to any |
| you see a new piano for less than this, chances are | | | | type of players' needs. |