Pianos are like people - they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, voices, and external appearances.The ultimate acoustic instrument for overall size, tone quality, and cost is the grand piano. After the "sticker shock" of a new quality "grand" has worn off, another important consideration in deciding to make such an investment is where it will be placed in the home. A grand piano requires a large room to properly accommodate it and to enjoy it's full rich tone. An online tour of a piano reconditioning factory conducted by Rick Jones, owner of Rick Jones Pianos, www.Rick Jones Pianos.com, is a convenient way to become familiar with piano models.
When Space Matters
If space is limited, there are other choices available. A baby grand piano has the distinctive shape and much of the tone quality of it's larger relative, but is more compact. Next would be the console piano, followed by the slightly smaller spinet. Both stand upright and fit more easily in a typical room. However, as the physical size of the piano decreases, the tone quality also diminishes. The determining factor is the sounding board - the bigger it is, the richer the tone.
Other Factors to Consider
Piano cabinetry comes in a variety of woods, styles, and finishes much like fine furniture. While a piano should complement the decor of a room, never buy a piano solely based on its visual appeal. Each piano has its own individual "touch", defined as how easily or difficult it is to strike a key and create a sound. Pianos also have their own unique quality of sound.
When played, does the instrument have a bright, cheery tone overall, or is the sound dark? Is the lower or bass register too responsive, the extreme upper register too light? For comparison purposes, spend an afternoon in a piano store trying out the various instruments.
There are often advertisements in newspapers for vintage upright pianos free for the taking. Beware! Not only are these pianos extremely heavy, but due to their age and lack of use they usually need considerable work by a piano technician to be "playable". Moral - you get what you pay for.
The Role of the Piano Tuner
It is necessary that an acoustic piano be tuned by a professional piano tuner regularly. To maintain the investment in a quality instrument, tuning should normally occur twice a year. It's best to follow the recommendations of the tuner as to when to schedule this based on the seasonal weather patterns where the piano is located. Acoustic pianos that are allowed to go out of tune can literally be intolerable to listen to.
Moving and Acoustic Pianos
If one's lifestyle dictates frequent moves, a more reasonable alternative to an acoustic piano would be an electronic keyboard. Moving pianos is expensive (especially grands), and after the move is completed the piano will likely need to be tuned.
Buying a quality piano is truly an investment, and nothing can compare with the tone produced by an acoustic instrument. Steinway, Baldwin, and Yamaha are several of the companies that produce fine pianos known to retain their value if properly cared for. Further information is available at www.piano world.com/buy pianos.htm
Keyboards - The Practicality of Technology
A product of the new technology, the electronic keyboard is lightweight, portable, and often more practical than owning an acoustic piano.
Many keyboards come standard with a full 88 notes like a piano, and also have, depending on the manufacturer, the capability of producing multiple sounds including different piano, organ, string, and percussion samples. By using digital technology, the sounds produced can be extremely realistic. .
Basic Keyboard Considerations
When considering a keyboard, make certain that it has weighted keys, also referred to as piano touch. This means that the keyboard will play with the feel of an acoustic piano - the harder that the key is hit, the louder the sound that is generated. Once a key is struck, an acoustic piano creates sound via a series of internal levers and hammers, a process which produces a distinctive "feel" in the finger tip. Many brands of keyboards can now replicate this feeling.
A keyboard should have self-contained speakers to be able to hear the sounds produced. Certain models do not include this feature, necessitating the use of an external amplifier.
Keyboards do not need to be tuned. Because they are electronic they are not subject to the problems acoustic pianos face due to excessive heat, cold, or humidity. Also, the price of most keyboards is considerably less than their counterpart.
Many keyboards contain headphone outlets which allow the unit to be played without disturbing anyone else in the room. This feature can be especially useful when living in a condominium where noise levels are strictly enforced.
Yamaha, Roland and Cascio all produce quality keyboards that can be found in most music stores or online (see "Musicians Friend", an online catalogue with a large keyboard section). When considering purchasing a used keyboard from a private party, be prepared and know what specifically to look for in brand names and features available .
The decision as to whether a piano or a keyboard is the right choice to purchase depends on numerous factors. Space available, budget constraints, portability, versatility, and lifestyle all enter into the process.
But whatever the outcome, making music is the ultimate reward and the real joy.
