subject: Understanding The Basics Of Purchasing A Piano [print this page] When looking to purchase a piano there are a number of considerations you should contemplate.
First off you should determine the reason you have for purchasing a piano. Is it for your child's piano lessons? Is it for looks? Or are you simply in love with pianos?
When you understand your motivation for buying a piano it will help you decide which piano is right for you.
There are many different styles of pianos. The two main groups include upright and grand pianos. Within these categories, there are a wide variety of designs, styles, costs, and a differing degree of quality.
Upright or vertical pianos generally cost less than grand pianos and take up less space. The tallest upright pianos can reach 58 to 60 inches.
Many people enjoy playing grand pianos more than upright pianos. Although it is good to keep in mind that a taller vertical piano will sometimes produce a better tone than certain baby grand pianos.
Grand pianos all have a horizontal action, and upright pianos have a vertical action that can be above or below the keys.
Remember that you need to have a space to place the piano. Not only must you have space but it must be possible to get the piano into the space you have available.
For example, lots of apartment complexes would not provide space or easy access for pianos. If you live in an apartment you should also consider the noise level.
The grand piano ranges in size from under five feet to nine feet. The term baby grand is often used to describe pianos around the 5' size. A grand piano has a fast touch and is more responsive and powerful than an upright.
Upright pianos range in height from 36 to 51 inches. All upright pianos use the same amount of floor space, which is about five feet by two feet. The largest of the uprights is the studio piano, which is at least 44 inches or possibly taller.
Before you purchase you should play each of the pianos. If you don't want to or don't feel comfortable you should have the salesman play pieces, as well as major and minor scales.
It is important to listen carefully to hear that each piano does have a slightly different tone. Some are mellow, brilliant, loud or soft. Each individual piano produces a different tone and unique sound regardless of style.
Before you purchase, be sure to inspect the piano carefully. There are many different parts that you should be aware of including the soundboard, plate, keys, pedals, and the cabinet.
The soundboard is a wooden board at the back of the instrument. This piece translates the vibrations of the strings into the tone of the piano.
The soundboard is one of the most vital parts of the piano. A cracked soundboard directly affects that sound of the piano, making it very unappealing.
The plate is also an important part. The plate is an irregularly-shaped piece of cast iron bolted to the back of the frame. It holds one end of the piano strings and fastens most of the twenty tons of pull exerted by the taut strings.
The treble and bass bridges are another key component to your piano. These long pieces of hard maple are attached to the soundboard. Because of the connection they transfer to it the vibrations of the strings.
The working section of the piano that produces the sound is called the action. There are about 7,500 parts here, all playing a role in sending the hammers against the strings when the keys are struck.
The piano keys are important because they are easily seen and play a big role in making the sound of the piano.
Each key is balanced by a center pin, and bushed with fine wool for silence and proper clearance. The keys are not made of ivory anymore, but a fine molded plastic that is resistant to cracking and yellowing. The black keys are made of a similar material.
Most pianos have three pedals, but most pianists need only two. The sustaining pedal on the right lifts the dampers away from the strings so that the tone is sustained after the keys are released.
The pedal on the left, called the damper, mutes the tone by shortening the distance the hammers travel or by shifting the action slightly so fewer strings are hit. Many pianos have a third pedal in the middle for sustaining bass tones only. On most grand pianos and some uprights, the third pedal sustains selected tones at the pianist's discretion.
Finally, there's the cabinet. The cabinet is the handsome piece of furniture that covers up all the interworking features of the piano.
The cabinet takes a prominent place in your decor so it is important to choose one that you particularly like.
Modern cabinets are made of core stock overlaid with thin veneers of fine furniture wood. Many grains and finishes are available and modern finishing techniques assure excellent appearance and easy care for years.
As you learn more about pianos you will gain greater understanding of what piano you will enjoy the most and will work the best for you.
