Acoustic Piano or Digital Keyboard?

Acoustic Piano or Digital Keyboard?

A keyboard may be inexpensive compared to the cost of a piano, and the size is hard to beat. And although a keyboard is able to stay in tune and produce a sound just like a piano, you will not hear the true and matchless tone that you hear from an acoustic piano.

Keyboards may work for students or anyone who is a beginner, but for the more serious musicians, teachers and connoisseurs I would recommend an acoustic piano. A piano may be an investment, but the value will stick unlike its digital imposter which will depreciate.

Many people may opt for a piano simply to honour the tradition. You can see the beauty in the structure, feel the power from a single stroke on the pearly white keys. You can open the lid and view the mechanics of the instrument and appreciate the intricate design.

Most importantly is the SOUND. You can create a sound of resonant amplification only produced by strings, felt hammers and wood. The pedals of a piano are used to create a whole palette of sound which is impossible to create in a digital instrument. The end result that you have created is truly unique and irreproducible.

It’s like wearing a diamond or settling for a crystal. The crystal looks like a diamond, it is pretty and sparkly and easy on the wallet, but it’s not a diamond.

Piano Moving

Piano moving

by Jack Houweling

Piano moving can be very difficult and should be left to professionals. Both the weight and size of a piano determine how it should be moved.

Pianos can weigh between 400 and 1300 pounds making this task risky for an inexperienced mover. And although heavy, different pianos have different proportions, thus they need to be handled differently. Upright pianos are top heavy and can easily tip. Grand’s are more difficult because the must be flipped on their side and put on a special skid. Although you may not want to hire a mover just to move around the home this can also be dangerous or cause other problems such as marking floors, walls or steel casters will not roll properly. Even movers will put a piano on a dolly to move a piano across a room.

The pros move many pianos a day and are very good at it. Because they are fast and efficient the cost will be fair as opposed to other types of movers who will take twice as long and do not have the experience. Professional piano movers make it look so easy, but it takes experience and proper equipment to be a pro. They use ramps, dollies, straps, sleds and moving blankets and even some use stair climbers.

Call a piano store, teacher or a piano tuner to get a referral for a qualified piano mover,

or check your directory for PIANO MOVERS who only move pianos.

Only let piano movers move pianos.

How to find a Piano Tuner Technician

How to find a Piano Tuner Technician

In every profession you will come across those who are good, not so good and those who are great. Piano technicians are no different and there are steps one should take in order to find a great piano technician. Many people find someone to service their piano through referrals from friends, reputable piano teachers, piano players or music studios.

A great technician is one who has educated themselves, and continues to do so by attending piano seminars or conventions. He or she should be able to complete any repair and bring the best out of your piano. Understanding the art of tuning and knowing how to create beautiful touch and tone are the goals of any good technician. The customer should be able to feel and hear the difference.

Finding a great technician who is reliable, honest and experienced can be difficult and time consuming but with some research and asking questions you will find the task much easier and rewarding. Some questions to keep in mind while doing your research are how many years of experience do they have, are they able to do all repairs, what are the guarantees and what kind of references do they have.

Remember that a great technician is only as good as the last piano serviced.