| Investing in a piano is a great idea. They hold their | | | | As the term "action" implies, this is the active workings |
| value, add sophistication to a room and enrich the lives | | | | of the instrument. The chain reaction that happens |
| of you and your family through music. If you are | | | | when the keys are hit, the hammers fall and the strings |
| thinking of buying this beautiful instrument, there are a | | | | vibrate. The hammers are covered in felt and may be |
| few terms and phrases you should be familiar with. | | | | either 9 or 12 pound hammers. The weight refers to |
| This is a big purchase, so educate yourself with these | | | | the weight of the felt used. |
| piano vocabulary basics: | | | | Tuning |
| Vertical or Grand | | | | A piano must be regularly tuned to maintain optimum |
| These are the two types of piano. A vertical, also | | | | sound quality. Over time, whether you play a lot or not |
| known as an upright, is the model that sits flush with | | | | at all, the strings need to be tightened and adjusted for |
| wall. The grand is the large curvaceous model that is | | | | proper sound. Frequent playing as well as simple aging |
| associated with professional pianists. Both have their | | | | weakens the strings and throws off the tone and key |
| merits and either is a good choice provided you don't | | | | of the instrument. Humidity also wreaks havoc on the |
| skimp on quality. Both styles come in different sizes to | | | | strings so the instrument should be kept in a controlled |
| suit anywhere from the tiniest of spaces to largest | | | | environment. |
| concert halls. Whether you want a basic or a | | | | Pedals |
| professional model, either style adds a touch of class | | | | There are two pedals, sometimes three, at the base |
| and beauty to any room. | | | | of the instrument, and each one has a specific |
| The Back | | | | purpose. One is called the damper pedal and it inhibits |
| This is the backbone of the instrument and good | | | | the strings from vibrating. When this pedal is |
| sturdy quality materials are essential in making a | | | | depressed, the sound continues after you've played |
| durable instrument. Always inspect the frame and the | | | | the note. Another of the pedals mutes the sound |
| back before purchasing. | | | | when the note is played. If there is a third pedal, its |
| Soundboard | | | | purpose is to prolong just the bass notes. |
| In the finest instruments, spruce is used to create this | | | | Educating yourself about the piano is the best way to |
| essential component. It is responsible for the tone | | | | make sure you choose the right one for you as well |
| produced by the strings as they vibrate against the | | | | as aid in your learning and playing abilities. Just knowing |
| board. Spruce is used because its fine straight grain is | | | | these terms and phrases will help you prepare |
| naturally conducive to moving sound. | | | | questions for the dealer. Remember this is a big |
| Action and Hammers | | | | investment so you want to know exactly what you |
| The action of a piano is quite complicated because it | | | | are getting. It also helps you determine what is |
| involves the concert movement of over 7,000 parts. | | | | important to you and what you can live without. |