Individual opinions and personal tastes can differ when selecting a great piano, but it is agreed that a piano should be an instrument of lasting value. The piano tone should be rich and pleasant. It should be clear, project well, and have a singing quality. The touch should be responsive and pleasant. The instrument should be an extension of the artist who is playing. Whether they are 8 or 80 years old, the piano is to work with the player to make great music.
The ingredients of the recipe for selecting a great piano have been acquired over the course of 300 years of development. Since then, many attempts have been made to make the perfect piano. Unfortunately, there have also been many attempts to make the cheapest possible “piano-shaped object.” Some terms are unique to a piano and may sound unfamiliar. A quick internet search can define the terms mentioned here.
The good news is that as the history of the piano evolves, the better pianos endure while the worse ones do not. In the passing centuries, there have been methods of manufacture and selected materials that have proven to be of lasting importance to making a truly great piano. During the last 60 years, the development of piano making has led to instruments with greater consistency and value.
Here are 5 great tips to help you in selecting a great piano.
Selecting a Great Piano Tip #1: Touch
The player will respond to this area of the piano the most. The tactile feeling of the piano involves the player even more than the tone of the piano. Of course, only the player will experience the touch of the piano, but younger players will stay at the piano longer if the touch is right because it will respond to what their fingers are trying to accomplish. Touch is largely an engineering matter, so each key responds uniformly to the player’s finger pressure. The keys should recover quickly to be struck again when necessary (repetition). The keys should all travel the same distance with the same amount of finger pressure so that the player can approach the piano keyboard with confidence and consistency.
Selecting a Great Piano Tip #2: Stability
The strings on the piano plate create twenty tons of tension. The piano must be able to withstand this amount of tension and still stay in tune. A piano that will not hold a tune is not a value at any price. Look for features such as a pin block immune to changes in humidity and temperature, cut thread tuning pins, and a formula that considers the climatic elements of the area where the piano will be used. Moisture is the greatest enemy of stability in a piano’s life and its ability to hold tune.
Selecting a Great Piano Tip #3: Beauty
Pianos are often seen more than they are heard. The appearance of the piano reflects good taste, whether at home or on the concert stage. In the home, the instrument should harmonize well with the rest of the décor. High-quality materials, including hi-gloss polyester, wood, and lacquers, for proper finishes in keeping with the design you select ensure beauty at the time of selection and for many years to come.
Selecting a Great Piano Tip #4: Long Life
The sound and touch of a piano when it is new will tell only part of the musical life of the instrument. Many pianos are built with cost as the main consideration. These pianos inevitably have a very poor musical life. After a few years of average wear, they lose their musicality. A piano that is well made with proper care is designed to serve generations of pianists.
Selecting a Great Piano Tip #5 Value
Price is what something costs. Value is what it is worth. The true value of a fine piano is much more than the physical unit itself in what it can accomplish in the user’s life in areas like mental stimulation, stress relief, enjoyment, and personal satisfaction. The better the piano is made and maintained, the greater its true and lasting value.
If you still need help selecting a great piano, call (770)451-1725 or contact us online.
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