How often should a piano be tuned?
We recommended that a piano should be tuned at least once every year. A complete service i.e. regulation and voicing should be carried out every 2 –3 years on average.
What are the most important aspects in choosing a piano?
Tone and touch, which is dictated by quality of materials used method and attention to detail during manufacture.
What is the difference between a piano that costs €4,500 and €10,000 or more?
Essentially it is down to the materials used, the size of the instrument, attention to detail and the method of manufacture – a hand-built Steinway upright, which has a manufacturing process lasting about 1 year can cost up to €38,500 in Pommele Mahogany finish.
How much should I spend on a piano for a beginner?
€4,316.00 for Yamaha B1 or €4,293.00 for Kawai K15.
What is the life span of a piano?
It depends on the quality of piano and the type of use. In an institution such as music college where the instrument may be used up to 8 hours per day then the life span would be about 30 years , however in a domestic situation a quality piano would last for up to 45 years at peak performance. Apart from the obvious wear and tear, the materials used in the sound production elements of a piano e.g soundboard, hammers, timbers, felts and leathers, will degrade over time with environmental factors affecting the speed of this process.
If I purchase a New beginner level piano, can I upgrade at a later date.
Yes, Pianos Plus will allow 80% of the original purchase price of a new piano against any upgrade within 10 years of the original purchase. On pre-owned pianos Pianos Plus will allow 60% of the original purchase price of the piano against any upgrade within 10 years of the original purchase.
What brands of piano does Pianos Plus carry?
Kawai, Yamaha, Boston, Bluthner and Steinway in our opinion these are the best manufactures in each market segment.
Are acoustic pianos an investment?
Yes.
Do pianos come in different finishes and styles?
Yes, the most popular finish is ebony polish (black), however, most manufactures offer different finishes and styles to suit all possible decors.
Can I learn piano on a portable keyboard?
Definitely not. Keyboards lack proper touch/response, have only 5/6 octaves and as such are definitely unsuitable for piano study. If you are learning to play piano then you should practise on an acoustic piano. Children who, for whatever reason, are practising at home on a keyboard will become frustrated with their technique and most likely want to give up their study.
Can I learn to play piano on a digital piano?
No, you can learn to play the notes and the relative timing between the notes but you can’t learn to express yourself as the sound from a digital piano is pre-programmed so therefore pre-determined. This ability to express emotions and feelings is the essence of playing a musical instrument, to achieve this ability takes many years experience through teacher guidance and self-exploration, this process starts the very first day a student touches a real instrument.
Please see: http://www.dit.ie/conservatory/departments/keyboardstudies/faqsforjuniorpart-timeapplicants/, for expert educational opinion on suitability of digital pianos for piano study.
