Buy New & Used (Pre - Owned) Acoustic Pianos, Upright & Grand Pianos.
ABOUT PIANOS
A Very Brief History
Many good and clever musical-instrument makers made their contribution to the invention of the "pianoforte". They pondered how to impart dynamic modulation to the clear, but invariable sound of the harpsichord.
It was however, Bartolomeo Cristofori who was credited with this invention early in the 18th Century. He was a harpsichord maker to the Florentine Court and curator of the De Medici musical instrument collection. One of his first "piano-forte", which hammers the strings instead of plucks them, as with a harpsichord, was made in 1720. It now resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
Cristofori's contemporary, Gottfried Silbermann also contributed considerably, using his artistry and craftsmanship, to the improvement of the hammer action.
The popularity of the piano-forte spread quickly across Europe over the next 100 years. By 1819, the term "Piano" without -forte first appeared in writing. It was the English who were the innovators of upright pianos, which became known as "cottage" pianos.
Scale Design and Tonal Character
The calculation of the string speaking lengths, diameters, tensions and the determination of the string layout are referred to in the piano industry as "scale designing". A good scale design imparts to a piano its natural tonal character and timbre and enables the discerning pianist to shape sound.
Electronic (digital) keyboard instruments cannot perfectly imitate this living sound which has evolved over a period of centuries. They can however have other redeeming qualities e.g. eliminating the need for tuning and maintenance and may be more practical in a variety of circumstances.
Pianos Need Regular Maintenance
When buying an acoustic piano, upright or grand piano, the importance of regular and skilled maintenance cannot be overstated.
As pianos age, their longevity i.e. ability to deliver satisfaction, will depend on careful and consistent regulation (every 5-7yrs) tuning (yearly) and voicing (when necessary). If this maintenance is carried out in a timely manner, a piano should deliver years of pleasure and as well as better retain its value.
What To Buy : New Or Used (Pre - Owned) ?
The answer will vary depending on individual circumstances, tastes and budget. The benefit of a new piano is that one can ensure the piano will be properly cared for and maintained regularly to a high standard. However an older piano that has been well maintained, or restored has the character and style of a previous era (e.g. Edwardian, Art Deco,) and may better suit. Even new pianos each have their own tonal "personality" and characteristics and will suit one individual, but not another.
Larry Fine has addressed this question in the "The Piano Book - Buying and Owning a New or Used Piano." He says, "good quality pianos, new or used, are made of better raw materials, prepared to more exacting tolerances and stricter standards of production. Since the average life of a piano is 50 years, and with proper maintenance at least 50 more, it does make good ecological sense to buy a used piano. In restoring these pianos to usefulness, one is contributing to the local economy by supporting local craftspeople and technicians. "However, Fine says, "when buying a used piano generally more time and care is needed to find what you want. It is especially important to buy from a well respected dealer or to have a competent piano technician to inspect the piano before you buy."
When buying new pianos, many factors affect the price. The consistent high quality and durability of the more established brands like Schimmel and Yamaha have been manufacturing pianos in Germany and Japan for over 100 years, has earned them a reputation which ensures their prestige, popularity and consequent high resale value. On the other hand, pianos made in the more recently emerging economies of Korea, China and Indonesia, having lower labour costs are amazingly affordable. They are also keen to prove their merit with long warranties i.e. Beale provide a ten year warranty, Samick and Alex Steinbach, a lifetime warranty! Yamaha has also more recently set up factories in other parts of Asia and has therefore remained competitive with the more affordable piano manufacturers. For a really comprehensive survey (from a largely American perspective) see Larry Fine's book.
We, at Hutchings Pianos, however, remain convinced that first hand experience with a range of different pianos is the best way for the buyer to define his or her individual priorities in tone, touch and cabinet design.
Sources:
Piano Manufacturing - An Art and a Craft, Nickolaus W Schimmel Printed in Germany
The Piano Book 4th Edition, Revised & Updated (2002) Buying & Owning A New or Used Piano By Larry Fine Brookside Press Boston, Massachussets www.pianobook.com
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