For one, it saves you servicing costs. Additionally, a piano warranty guarantees that you will not have to pay as much once the time comes for you to upgrade to the latest version. The result is that you can always expect the best quality from your piano throughout its life.

The Basics about Piano Warranties

A piano is an expensive musical instrument, especially if it is one of the top-notch brands. Thus, when you make such a huge purchase, you should know the different warranties available to you. Piano warranties can be divided into two major categories that I know. These are the distributor and manufacturer warranties.

Manufacturer warranties are usually limited in their scope. In most cases, they will only cover defects that occur at the manufacturing. After the piano leaves the factory floor, they will not cover any damages that occur.

A dealer warranty is quite different. There are many variations as to what type of warranty a person can expect from a dealer. The dealer may cover many areas of the piano. One area that a dealer may cover is the moving of the piano. Dealers have access to a specialist who deals in moving pianos. Since a piano is a delicate piece of equipment, it requires specialized skill to move it without damaging its quality. Buyers should look for such a dealer.

A good dealer will also have a tuning agreement with the buyer. As the piano is used, some of the parts may need replacement. As a result, they may go out of tune. It is essential that a dealer offers tuning services to ensure that the piano continues delivering the same quality.

Most warranties available from dealers are 5 years long. However, some dealers offer their customers that are ten years long. Here are the most common types of warranties that I have come across in the piano industry:

Express Warranties

It is a clear-cut warranty that spells out clearly what the customer should expect. The warranty expressly tells the customer that the piano they purchase will meet a certain level of reliability and quality. If the product does not meet all the standards stated in the warranty, the manufacturer or dealer agrees to conduct repairs or replace the piano. Such a warranty is printed on the packaging that comes with the piano.

However, the buyer must adhere to some rules. For one, most of these warranties come with rules that could make the warranty null. One of the most common is that the buyer has to register their piano within a certain period after purchase. Most piano manufacturers will have an online portal where consumers can do that. Additionally, these type of warranty will have a set period of which it is viable.

The express warranty can also be in verbal form. If the dealer tells you that they guarantee you the piano will work flawlessly for five years, it should. However, proving such a verbal express warranty is usually quite difficult. It is important for to seek for clarification of whether it is just banter or they are making an express verbal warranty.

At times, you will need a keen eye to recognize an express warranty. For instance, if the manufacturer writes that the piano could last for five years or more that is an express warranty. Even when the words “guarantee” or warranty” do not appear. It might be a legal ground for you to seek compensation if the product fails you.

Implied Warranties

Federal law covers consumer protection for all good purchased with an express warranty. However, states have laws that govern implied warranties. This type of warranty is an unspoken warranty that is a guarantee of fair value for the money spent.

In short, a consumer has recourse when the good, such as the piano does not live up to its expected purpose. The implied warranty means that a piano purchased must at least be able to play music as it was intended. If the piano fails to hit the musical notes as expected, you have a right to take it back and ask for money or replacement.

The implied warranty also applies for a used piano. The piano is expected to perform within reasonable limits given its current condition at the time of purchase. However, the standards for an implied warranty are quite low. It simply states that if you press the piano keys, they should produce musical notes. There is no detail of how refined the notes should be.

One of the methods manufacturers use to wriggle out of the implied warranty is to state that the piano is sold as is. Thus, when you purchase the piano, even when there are defects, you cannot do anything about it. However, the ‘As Is’ clause is illegal in a number of states. If a dealer claims that their goods have the clause, check if they are allowed to use it in your state. The minimum period of an implied warranty is four years in most states.

Extended warranties

When you purchase a piano, it will come with a warranty that may be ten years or five years long. After that, any damage to it is charged to you. However, you may feel that is insufficient. An extended warranty is a contract whereby you pay extra to extend to extend your warranty. It is important that you understand what you can expect with your extended warranty.

Cooper Has a Trade in policy

We have a trade-in policy for both acoustic and digital pianos. If you decide to trade in your acoustic piano, we can guarantee you store credit that is equal to the purchase price of your piano. The credit can be used to purchase any piano in the store, which is twice that of your original piano. With so many options from which to choose, it is a real bargain.

For digital pianos, the policy is for pianos traded in within three years. With the store credit of the original piano, you can purchase a piano that is worth three times the value of your original piano. The program guarantees you the chance to upgrade to the latest piano at a huge bargain

Piano Rental for Children Learning

If you have a child who is interested in learning to play the piano, investing in an instrument may be overwhelming if you and your family are currently on a set budget. Opting for a piano rental for children learning piano may be the ideal first choice, especially if your child has never played an instrument in the past. Understanding the benefits and advantages of renting a musical instrument such as a piano is a way to make the choice that is right for your child when they begin playing.

Advantages of Renting a Piano or Musical Instrument for Your Child

One of the biggest advantages of renting a piano or musical instrument for your child is the ability to save on a larger investment, especially if you are unsure of whether or not your child will still have an interest in learning to play after a few months or lessons. When your child is new to playing an instrument, rentals are highly recommended to avoid losing out on an investment that may not be for them.

Renting a piano is also ideal for children who eventually advance with playing piano, giving you the ability to quickly find a better instrument for them to continue improving in lessons with better and improved pianos. When you rent a piano, it is possible to do so by selecting an option that is budget-friendly, especially if you have a young child or a child who has no prior experience with playing a musical instrument. Some piano rentals also include the option of purchasing insurance which is necessary if you want to maintain your piano or instrument and if you have a child who may cause any damage to the piano throughout the course of playing it.

Another advantage of renting pianos or musical instruments is the ability to test various options over months or years, depending on the duration your child chooses to learn or take lessons. Trying out new pianos is a way to find the best option for your child if they are serious about continuing their studies and want to improve their playing abilities. Testing different keyboards and piano styles can also give your child more features and ways to play to determine the ideal option when you begin shopping to buy a piano rather than rent one.

Finding the Right Piano to Rent

Searching for the right piano to rent is possible by visiting both local stores and comparing pianos and their features right from home, online. Finding the most suitable piano for your child to rent greatly depends on their current level of skill and whether or not a keyboard or a traditional piano is the right option. Some pianos that are available to rent are more fitting for those who wish to pursue piano professionally or even long-term, whereas other keyboard options may be the best choice for children who are just getting started on an instrument.

Read reviews, testimonials, and overviews of piano features along with pricing before you make a decision to ensure you are investing in the instrument that is right for you and your household. It is also possible to get advice from various piano stores and professionals who specialize in the music industry and playing instruments to gauge the best investment based on your needs and the needs of the child that is learning to play. Asking for advice on various piano rentals from professionals is a way to ensure you are making the right decision for your child, especially if you do not have any experience with playing an instrument yourself.

Seeking Out Piano Lessons for Your Child

Once you have a piano in your possession that you are renting, seeking out the proper lessons for your child is essential. Working alongside a professional piano teacher is a way for your child to experience various methods of reading notes while also eliminating the fear of playing in others or in front of an audience at recitals or guilds. Lessons are available for both short and long-term students, making them ideal even if you are renting a piano and if you are unsure if your child will enjoy learning an instrument for years to come.

At Cooper Piano, we offer a wide range of lessons for those who are just looking to get started with playing an instrument for the first time to individuals who want to further their career or professional skills when playing the piano.

Researching various pianos, rental prices, and features of pianos is a way to learn more about instruments themselves to make the right selection for your child. Whether your child is just learning to read notes or requires a more advanced piano for further lessons, a piano rental can be the right solution for your household.

How To Choose The Best Keyboard For Beginners

If you have a beginning piano student at home, then you know the importance of having a quality instrument. It’s crucial to make sure that your piano student has all that he or she needs as he or she learns to play, whether with a teacher or with a set of books. However, as a parent, you may not want to spend too much money on a piano or keyboard, so maybe a baby grand is out of the question. But there are other options, and even with a smaller budget, you can still afford to buy a quality instrument for your beginning piano student.

The best and most expensive option is a traditional acoustic piano. And of course, if you’re not wanting to go this route, because you don’t have the space or funds, you can go with a digital piano. Another option, of course, is the electronic keyboard, which is much smaller, and can be transported to lessons or even on vacations with your student.

If you buy an acoustic piano, you’ll probably spend between $4,000 and $8,000. Acoustic pianos are high quality, and they offer the student an experience that nothing else can match. If you want this type of nuanced experience for your student, you can have it, but of course, as you see, it costs more than the other options. And if you want to go even further and consider a baby grand piano, you’re going to pay about $6,000 to $10,000, or even more.

This option requires considering whether or not you want to buy a piano because of the money involved. If you are not sure about the money, but you want the experience for your student, you can arrange to rent an acoustic piano. If you are looking to buy one for sure, but you have less to spend than is required for a new one, consider buying a used one. Many piano stores offer help with these matters, and you should be able to find a good deal on a quality piano whether you rent or purchase.

Another option to consider is the digital piano. If you are in the market for one, they only cost about $1,000-$2,000. These pianos are much like acoustic pianos, and while the quality isn’t quite the same as with your traditional piano, it is definitely a good option if you want the experience of playing a “real” piano for your child or beginning student. It’s not quite the same, of course, as having a real piano at your bidding, but it’s less expensive, and this provides a mid-range option that many may be happy with.

If you are not able to afford either the acoustic piano or the digital piano, consider an electronic keyboard. I do recommend that you plan to upgrade, but if you have to get started with a keyboard, it is more cost-effective. However, it can be very discouraging. You can find a keyboard in many sizes, and they are often very inexpensive. Electronic keyboards do not try to mimic the sound of a real piano, but they have a sound that is all their own.

One of the main advantages to having students learn on a keyboard with weighted keys (which the electronic keyboard does not have) is that they build your student’s hand strength, and the weighted responses are more “original.” If you’re not sure about this yet, then try an electronic keyboard for a while, but be sure that you plan to upgrade to a digital or acoustic piano as soon as you can. If you’re going to buy a keyboard, you may want to make sure you have a bench to go with it, and also a keyboard stand. Try to make your student’s experience of learning this way as valuable as possible.

If you’re looking for an easy answer to how to choose the best keyboard for beginners, there may not be one. One reason to choose an electronic keyboard is that it can be used with headphones, so your student will not bother anyone. You can, of course, connect a digital or electronic piano or keyboard to a computer, which makes for a world of possibility. And of course, keyboards and digital pianos can be moved more easily than acoustic pianos. So, if you want to give a beginning student a good start, these can definitely be considered, at least at first.

However, there is nothing like an acoustic piano. If you and your family can plan to get one of these at some point, your experience with playing the piano will be so much more authentic. So, try to make some space in your budget for an acoustic piano, and if you can carve out a niche for it, that’s the perfect answer. From the very beginning with an acoustic piano, your student will become a better musician, so measure out your spacing and budget requirements with this in mind.

Extending the Life of Your Piano

The life of a piano is very delicate and we often tend to cherish and admire it. With that said, this precious musical instrument is often passed down from one generation to another. Our pianos are what we use as a medium for self-expression and can also increase our self-esteem when played. With how valuable a piano is, we should learn how to take care of our instrument.

Tuning, Caring, and Maintaining Your Piano

If you play your piano frequently, it will frequently require tuning, caring, and maintenance. But how often does your piano need all this care? Depending on the humidity of the room the piano is placed, you can find out how often your piano needs to be tuned. If you play it at least two or three times a week, you may need to tune it every three months. At the very minimum, you should at least tune your piano once a year. When a piano departs from the factory, each of its parts is precision calibrated.

This process is called action regulation. A piano needs a room that is not too wet nor dry to function at its best potential, which is at 68°F or 42% humidity. If your piano becomes sensitive to the humidity change in the room, it can often go out of tune, wear out, and it’s wood and parts will shift out of shape.

The process of tuning a piano is very simple but is difficult to master if you are not a professional. It can even more complex to tune than a trumpet or a violin. When learning how to tune your piano, there are two main things that you must learn:

• How to use a tuning lever
• Hearing precisely where each pitch should go

The things you will need are:

• Tuning lever or wrench
• At least one wedge
• An accurate reference of the pitch

An electronic tuner may be an easier way to get it done faster, but sometimes there may not be an outlet to use nearby or even some extra batteries if you run out. It’s recommended to learn from a professional to do it by ear first, and then, if you are short on time, you can use the electronic tuner.

After learning from a professional, this is the overview of what they (or you) would do when tuning your piano. A tuning fork is usually the item used when tuning the piano. Generally, the first note tuned is A4, then, with the occasional checks, the temperament octave is tuned between F3 and F4. This is done until the tuner is satisfied with how the octave notes sound.

Get Started on Piano Lessons

If you decide you would like your child to start out on a journey through musical education, it would be a gift that will enhance their life in so many different ways. The first to do when you want your child to start learning how to play the piano is decide which piano you would like them to have. There are different types of pianos to choose, from digital to acoustic. Ideally, you would want the acoustic piano for piano lessons because of the things it can do, like capturing harmonics or give your child a better “touch” that he or she will develop. The digital piano is best if you live in a small household or apartment. It can do things that acoustics can’t do, like recording your child’s performance or changing the sound that it makes.

How do you know if your child is ready for piano lessons? Even though your child can start piano lessons if they are the age of 5 1/2, there are many things you must consider before you start your child on his or her piano lessons.

Ask your child if he/ she can:

• Distinguish the difference between his right or left hand
• Count to 10
• Recognize letters A – Z
• Have good motor coordination
• Can follow directions
• Have a desire to learn

Where to Find a Piano Teacher

When deciding where to find piano lessons, try finding a service or teacher that you know or feel comfortable with. You know that there are some adults that your child will blossom around with and some that they will shy away. I’m sure you have a list of qualities you want your child’s teacher to possess, but, in the real world, it’s impossible for everyone to be perfect.

What you can do to find the right teacher:

• Meet face to face with the teacher.
• Does the teacher make eye contact with your child?
• Does your child seem comfortable with the teacher?
• Does the teacher have a sense of humor?

To see the teacher in action before hiring them, you and your child can attend one of their recitals. If you are open to suggestions from Atlanta, Cooper Piano offers piano lessons. They offer to teach children of all ages with private or group lessons. They also have a preschool program (if you would like your child to start earlier than age 5) starting at age 3.

Common Beginner Problems

When you try something new, you will usually end up running into beginner problems. Most of the problems that your child will experience are common among beginner pianist. It is important to figure out those common mistakes before it’s too late for your child or even yourself.

Here are three of the most common beginner problems many beginner pianist face:

Forgetting To Practice

As the saying goes: “Out of sight, out of mind.” You should set you or your child’s piano in the living room or the dining room so it can be seen and played for the other family members.

Expecting the Best Results Too Quick

It takes time to learn how to play the piano. Reading the notes comes first and it’s the easiest part. After that, all the other aspects of playing become even more difficult.

3.Practicing Too Fast

As soon as you start out, there is no need to play the music piece at the final tempo. It’s best to start out nice and slow, then gradually picking up the pace.

When your child wants to begin learning to play an instrument such as a piano, there are a few tips to keep in mind in order to prepare yourself and your child for the learning adventure you are about to embark on.

Consider Your Child’s Learning Habits

Anytime you have a child who has an interest in learning the piano it is important to consider your child’s learning habits and how they traditionally learn alternative subject matter easily. Some children are better at learning musical instruments with memorization of note-reading, whereas others learn better with visual techniques or the ability to play by ear.

Understanding your child and their best methods of learning new skills and abilities is useful when structuring practice time or sitting down to help your child get through a practice lesson at home. Talk directly with the piano teacher you have selected for your child to implement more suitable lesson plans for your child’s own preferred way of learning, even if they are just starting out on the piano for the first time.

Every Child Learns Piano Differently

Acknowledging that every child learns piano differently is also vital to boost the success of your child who is new to learning piano.

Not all children are capable of simply reading music notes and relaying them in an instant, as some prefer to learn visually or with their hearing playing a more dominant role.

Getting to know how your child retains information when learning piano can also help with choosing the right piano teacher for the job.

The more you know about your child’s learning habits and best methods, the easier it becomes to present material to learn in a way that is viable for the child themselves.

Take into account how well your child does with each style of learning, from memorization to playing by ear to better accommodate your child with future lessons and the most suitable piano teacher who understands your child’s needs.

Patience is Key

Having patience is a key factor to keep in mind anytime an individual is learning a new instrument such as the piano, especially for children. When a child is learning piano, they may become confused easily or even frustrated.

It is imperative to continue through lessons and hardships without breaking the confidence of a learning child and rather implementing motivation into the lessons themselves. Because each child learns instrument-playing quite differently, they are also prone to learning at different paces.

If a child is a slow learning when playing piano, it does not discredit their abilities or the skills they have obtained. Rather, most children who learn at a slower pace are simply taking in what is required in each piece they play–from tempo and beat to various chords and techniques involving memorization.

Maintaining a patient attitude is important not only for parents and piano teachers but also the children who are in the process of learning to play the piano. Teaching your child lessons in patience is a way for you to keep practice schedules in place while also encouraging your child to continue with their learning, even if it begins to feel tough or impossible at any point.

Patience is necessary for any individual interested in playing a musical instrument, whether they are doing so for fun or even for their own professional purposes in the future.

Practice is Necessary to Grow

Although it can be tricky to have your child practice their piano playing on a regular schedule, practice is absolutely necessary to grow in skill and ability in terms of instruments. Simply memorizing a piece your child has to play once is not adequate enough to truly understand the workings of the music.

Practice helps children to not only understand the method of the creation of music but also gives them the opportunity to problem-solve and ponder new ways to add to a song or create their very own music. Increasing creativity while learning to play the piano is done with enough practice and creative freedom of expression, also helping to boost your child’s confidence when playing regardless of their skill level and age.

Choosing the Right Style of Lessons for Your Child

Selecting the right type of lessons for your child when they begin to learn piano is essential to give your child the right guidance as they begin reading notes and advancing their skills. At Cooper Piano, we not only offer professional lessons to those seeking to learn the piano but also group lessons and lessons for those interested in playing one song in particular.

Whatever your child’s goals are, we assist in providing the right type of lessons to help them better excel in less time.

At Cooper Piano, we offer lessons for children of all ages, regardless of their current skills and abilities. Getting your child off to a proper start when learning piano is a way to maintain the excitement of learning an instrument while also putting all obtained skills to use while advancing through lessons.

There are quite a few piano shoppers in the area who are looking for a new instrument, and Cooper Pianos has several different pianos that are available for sale. It is quite important that you are shopping for a piano that will bring you joy, and you will find quite a lot of joy when you are playing them. This article explains how all the pianos in the showroom are lovely to behold and to play.

#1: New Instruments From Every Brand

The Copper Pianos showroom is awash with lovely instruments that are designed to help you enjoy the beauty and majesty of the piano. It is a wonderful instrument to play, and it will serenade the family as many times as possible. There are several different pianos on the market that are available for shoppers, and you may use a new piano that will last a lifetime.

New instruments are lovely to play, and they will serve your family for decades to come. You may not know how to play the piano today, and you will learn how to play an instrument that will bring you delight in your soul. You may become a pianist in your spare time, or you may purchase a new piano that will help one of your children practice.

#2: You May Purchase A Used Piano

There are beautiful and slightly-used pianos in the showroom at Cooper Pianos that has been used for a year or two before they were traded in. You may purchase a used piano for a lower price, and you will avoid paying for a new unit when you may not have that kind of money. You must look over the used pianos in the showroom when you are considering all your options.

Used pianos are often impossible to identify, and the pianos will play just as their new comrades do. The used pianos at Cooper Pianos are quite a lot of fun to play, and they are far cheaper than normal. You must ensure you have taken a look at both the new and used pianos as you peruse the showroom. There are several different brands available, and each of the pianos is distinguished by their brand name and size.

#3: Choosing Proper Brand Name Pianos

You may select from a number of brand name pianos from companies such as Yamaha, Steinway, Baldwin, Bosendorfer, Kawai and others. You will find each new piano waiting for you in a style you require, and you will see pianos growing in size from the smallest to the largest in each brand name. The brand names help you when you are searching for a bit of confidence in the piano you want, and you will love the pianos you see that carry the brand name you prefer.

You will see pianos with infused technology from Yamaha, and you may turn on the electronic patches in the piano at any time. You may record yourself with the piano, and you may purchase a piano that is a bit smaller than normal.

Other brands offer a range of pianos that are upright, studio-sized, baby grand and grand. You may use the pianos in a number of settings, and each piano comes to you at a price that will suit your budget. The budget for your piano shopping trip need not expand when you shop for several different brands, and you may find a brand that is easier to play.

#4: Shopping With The Sales Staff

The staff in the showroom at Cooper Pianos is quite helpful and kind. They are players who understand the implications of each piano purchase, and the pianos are lovely instruments that may be used in the home or a practice room for the pursuit of music. The music you are playing will spring forth from a piano that changes lives, and each person in the showroom shares their own experiences with the pianos they have played.

You may purchase a piano from someone in the showroom, and they will help you learn how to manage the piano once it is in your home. Someone who wishes to purchase a piano may establish a relationship with the technicians working on the showroom floor, and the pianos are on display for play testing at any time.

#5: Play The Instruments Yourself

You may play the instruments yourself, and you will sit next to someone who works for Cooper Pianos as you try each new instrument. The instruments are beautiful pieces of art that will offer you a sound that is unique to the wood and construction of the instrument, and you will feel the instrument under your fingers. The feeling of the keys is often the most important part of any instrument, and you may ask to play multiple pianos in the Cooper Pianos showroom before you buy.

Shopping for a new piano at Cooper Pianos is quite important as you walk through the showroom. The pianos you see will give you an idea of what you are purchasing, and you will enjoy the pianos you play as you try each one. Playing the pianos in the showroom is quite an exciting time, and you may schedule delivery of your piano after you buy. You may choose from a number of brands, and you will find a piano size that falls in-line with your needs in the home, in the practice room or in the studio.

Yamaha

The Yamaha Corporation has been making pianos for a very long time. Founded in 1887 by Torakusu Yamaha, the company has been producing fine instruments more or less uninterrupted for the last 130 years. But there are lots of piano companies that have been around even longer. What’s more, Yamaha didn’t really begin its modern production techniques until after World War II. So why would great players still choose Yamahas today over other well-established and reputable brands like Steinway, Kawai or Bosendorfer?

The answer turns out to be surprisingly similar to why luxury and sports car connoisseurs sometimes choose Japanese cars over their arguably more artful Italian or German counterparts. Let’s take a look at five reasons why Yamaha pianos are favored by so many great musicians and what makes them, arguably, the best brand in the world for high-end pianos.

Consistency of quality

One thing that indisputably sets Yamaha pianos apart from the competition is the almost supernatural consistency and quality of the build. This has been true for a very long time, to some extent even before modern production and quality control techniques enabled manufacturers everywhere to achieve some modicum of consistency.

But largely, this unique trait of Yamaha pianos can be traced to the quality control revolution that swept Japanese manufacturing from the 1960’s onward. It can also be attributable to the company culture of excellence and passion for building great instruments. This may sound like typical corporate drivel but with musical instruments it takes on a certain ring of truth. Yamaha has always gone out of its way to support musicians and showcase their products wherever possible. It has been the go-to brand for colleges and high schools across the globe due to generous discounts the company extends to educational institutions. At its core, Yamaha is clearly a company which believes passionately in what it’s doing, at it shows in the final product.

Yamaha enjoys economy of scale that other manufacturers can only dream of

In business, too often the notion that “bigger is better” turns out to be the most abject falsehood. General Motors of the 1970s and 80s comes to mind as a case of giantism causing not further vision and reach, but the organism being crushed under its own weight. However in the case of piano manufacture bigger indeed does seem to be better.

Yamaha has been able to harness all that it’s learned through decades of producing not just pianos, but all kinds of instruments. This has resulted in retention of the best talent in the industry. Yamaha has been a font of innovation in the production of pianos for the entirety of its existence. This level of innovation simply could not have come from a smaller producer. In fact, you see many other manufacturers doggedly following the same tried and true methods when they aren’t overtly copying Yamaha. The result has been Yamaha’s continued ability to stay a few steps ahead of the competition in everything from the production of electronic pianos to that of concert grands.

Sound

This is certainly among the most contestable areas regarding the preference of Yamaha over other brands. But no one can argue that at the high-end of their lineup, Yamaha produces pianos that sound and feel on par with the best names in the world. As a musician myself, I have to admit that there is nothing that sounds quite like a Steinway. Even in the 6-7 foot range, Steinway’s intonation has a quality about it that can only be likened to singing, as if the entire instrument were a living, breathing organism.

That said, the top-end Yamahas such as the Conservatory series or the majestic CFX are only the slightest baby-step behind the best concert Steinways. And some musicians will dispute that it’s behind at all. This is also where the steadfast Yamaha quality level shines through. Once you get to the $30 thousand price range, there really isn’t any such thing as a bad Yamaha grand, even ones that are ten or twenty years old. To say the very least, the same cannot be claimed for Steinways.

Action

One of the least appreciated aspects of a piano’s characteristics for non-musicians or those who don’t play often is the action of the keyboard and hammers. Yamaha has, quite arguably, the hands-down best action of any piano brand there is. In fact, that may be the least disputable claim Yamaha has to superiority. Yamaha action is legendary and respected by almost all musicians. But it’s not just the action of new pianos that makes it so great.

Yamaha pianos have a level of balance, consistency and a quality of feeling the note being played that might be best compared to a sports car that allows the driver an exquisite sense of exactly what the car is doing or about to do. And this feel hardly diminishes with age. Yamahas are also legendary for being able to take abuse that would render other pianos unplayable. This is part of the reason that whenever you step foot in any college music department throughout the country you’re likely to encounter Yamahas in the practice rooms. Despite years of abuse, the action feels like new twenty years later.

They’re an incredible bargain

Finally we encounter what for many is Yamahas coup-de-gras – price. Yamahas are by far the most mass produced pianos out there. Despite this, they reach Steinway quality levels yet cost dramatically less. Steinways, even those in the smaller 5-6 foot range, are outrageously expensive. It’s quite possible to find a very nice 7 foot Yamaha C7 or similar model, maybe ten to twenty years old, for somewhere in the $10-20 thousand range. A similar Steinway might run you as much as ten times that.

All this goes back to Yamaha’s passion for creating fine instruments for musicians. Steinways and other models have become status symbols little different from pieces of art while Yamaha has retained its focus solely on making the best pianos possible for a decent price.

The cleaning maintenance of your piano is important to keep the health, quality and even the sound of the instrument in perfect shape. Serious damage can occur to your piano maintenance is not being taken care of thoroughly by you. A poorly cleaned or rarely cleaned piano can make something else potentially go wrong with the instrument, so it’s vital to keep up regular cleaning maintenance of your piano. The piano strings or the other small, complex parts of the piano could be damaged if the piano is not kept clean.

The piano is not only an instrument, but often it is a piece of fine furniture within a home. The piano body is made of wood that has piano finish made of lacquer or polyester. In fact, piano finish is a term used to also describe other furniture that has the same high grade of finish as a piano does.

The most basic method of caring for the piano’s finish is to avoid setting any cups on the surface, as this will warp the finish. Also avoid setting the piano in direct sunlight or in a room of excessive temperature highs and lows. You can get a space heater or an air conditioner for your piano room to keep the room at a comfortable, constant temperature. If your piano is kept in a fairly constant temperature clime, the body will not warp and change shape. Pianos can sometimes benefit from a humidifier kept by them in drier climates. However a piano does not care for too much damp, so a humidifier should only be used lightly by a piano if your piano room is too dry.

Dust is not the friend of your piano. If you dust too vigorously, this can lead to scratches on the surface. The best piano supplies option for dusting is to use a feather duster or a soft, damp cotton cloth. A heavy cloth used as a duster could potentially cause scratches on the surface. If you use a damp cotton cloth to pick up dust, you must dry off the piano immediately after with a dry, soft cotton cloth. Dust in strokes down the piano’s body. Dusting in circular motions can make obvious circles on the piano.

Other piano supplies you need for your piano maintenance are either Murphy’s Oil or some soap to remove fingerprints and smudges. Lightly using these products can help to free the piano of any smudges. First of all you will have to dust before you move on to cleaning smudges. Too apply the Murphy’s Oil or a little soap to your piano, use a damp cotton cloth. Gently wipe away any smudges with the product covered cloth. After that wipe with another damp cotton cloth without product. Last of all dry it off with a dry cotton cloth.

Piano polish is not always a necessary piano supplies need. Generally piano manufacturers believe that piano polish can make the piano’s surface weaken if over used, so only using a small amount of polish is really needed if that what you choose to do. Do not use any old furniture polish. Ask at your local piano store what kind of piano polish recommendations they have. Do not polish without dusting first. Always dust before polishing, so that dust will not scratch your piano. Apply the polish with a cotton cloth very sparingly. Wipe away any excessive amount of polish, as polish build up can damage your piano over time. If your piano has a build up of polish on it, you will have to clean it off with a mild soap and a damp cotton cloth. In case of that not getting the polish off, you will have to get a wood cleaner or a wax remover from a hardware or wood works supplies store.

It’s easy for piano keys to become dirty from fingers and dust. You can use a soft cotton cloth and a gentle soap to clean your piano’s keys. Dampen the cotton cloth slightly, but not too much because you will not want moisture descending between your keys. Place a small amount of soap in the cloth. Wipe keys from the top of the key to the bottom of the key. Do not wipe from side to side, as this can cause dirt, dust and moisture to collect between the keys. After wiping, always use a dry cotton cloth to dry the keys off. Again wipe from the top of the keys to the bottom of the keys, rather than wiping side to side.

The piano is one of the most famous instruments out there, stemming from a storied history featuring the most well-known composers of all time. Names such as Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart have made this piano a feature in many homes and a backbone of any music education. Along with the beautiful music, the very craft of the instrument itself has become a focus for many out there looking for the highest quality instrument while still paying homage to the classical history that makes this instrument unique. What are the best piano brands out there today?

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  Bosedorfer

This piano brand has been around from the mid 1800s and earned its start in Vienna, Austria. For those who seek the greatest in luxury grand pianos, this is at the top of the list. This company also invented the Imperial Grand, having 97 keys instead of the traditional 88.

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  Fazioli

This piano brand was named after the company’s founder of the same last name. This is a newer company, originating out of Sacille, Italy in 1978. Fazioli worked with scientists, mathematicians, and technicians alike to put together the biggest pianos on the market today.

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  Stuart and Sons

These piano makers started making this beautiful instrument in 1990 in Australia. These pianos are still handcrafted and actually have 14 more keys than a typical classical grand piano. This leads to a wider range that composers can enjoy. Because they are handcrafted they are very expensive.

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  Bechstein

This piano is widely preferred by those who play in recording studios. This piano company has been around since the mid 1800s but suffered major losses during the world wars. They sell both upright and grand pianos and have been played by great musicians such as The Beatles and Elton John.

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  Mason and Hamlin

This company was founded in 1883 in Haverhill, Massachusetts. Known for producing some of the highest quality pianos in the United States. This company was acquired in 1996 by Burgett, Inc.

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  Charles R. Walter

This company was founded in 1975 and is known for introducing the keyboard market to the idea of a touch-sensitive piano. Walter is world-renowned for the high quality wood they use and has left an impressive track record in the piano and keyboard markets.

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  Kawai

This is one of the most popular piano brands worldwide. This company was founded in Japan in 1927 where they first developed their reputation for the highest quality acoustic and digital pianos.

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  Yamaha

This is another Japanese company that was founded in 1987. Known also for their keyboards, this company strives to give everyone the opportunity to play the piano. This only disadvantage is that their pianos tend not to last as long as the handcrafted varieties.

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  Baldwin

This company has been around since 1862, where it started in Cincinnati. Since then, this company has developed a long track record of high quality pianos. Its headquarters are in Nashville today.

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  Steinway and Sons

Without a doubt this is the highest quality and most storied brand on the market. These piano makers originated in Germany and have been around for centuries. The original Steinway family emigrated to the United States in 1853 and have been making the highest quality pianos known to man ever since.