Buying a Piano
Buying a piano can be both an exciting adventure for the musician and a daunting exercise for the first time buyer. Many factors should be considered before making a decision. These factors include the materials, sound, touch and response, craftsmanship, beauty, tuning stability and the manufacturers reputation.
Teachers are most likely the first person approached by the parents of students for advice. The needs of the pupil need to be considered along with the budget at hand and size constraints of the family home. All musicians young & old would love to own a beautiful grand piano. However most times this is not practical and sensible decisions need to be made.
The Budget and requirements of the student along with a personal preference will determine whether the family should be purchasing a new or second hand instrument.
Buying a second hand piano can be a very good decision. It is advisable to have a qualified technician inspect the piano to determine its wear and tear, if it is in need of major repairs or if it is even worth repairing. If the price of a piano seems too good to be true, it usually is.
Although purchasing a second hand instrument brings associated risks, if it has been correctly maintained it can provide years of reliable service.
Over time all pianos require tuning and general maintenance but a good quality instrument should require only minor repairs. A new piano will come with the added advantage of a manufacturers guarantee but also a larger price tag.
The touch and tone of a piano should be considered one of the most important requirements when purchasing an instrument. A good piano will feel comfortable to the performer and respond well to their musical inflictions. The instrument should have the ability to produce sounds that are powerful, delicate, long, short, fast, slow and everything in between and are considered to be the nuance characteristics of the instrument.
Once the basic needs of the family have been discussed the family should be directed towards a reputable showroom and sales consultant or piano technician in the case of purchasing a second hand instrument.
The sales consultant have accumulated invaluable knowledge on the intricacies of pianos and are helpful in discussing instrument brands and models and can help the purchaser select the perfect instrument for them.
For some people a digital piano may be the most practical solution. Perhaps space is limited in the home and noise is a factor that must be considered if living in close proximity to neighbours. Digital pianos come with the added advantage of being able to use headphones in such cases.
Digital pianos can also provide educational benefits. Through the use of MIDI and USB interface they can be connected to a computer. This allows students to alter pitch, tempo, and copy one track to another, print out music or be used for additional aural training.
The standard and expectations of the musician should not go unnoticed when purchasing an instrument. The requirements of a beginner student differ to those of an advanced or professional musician. An acoustic instrument best serves students undertaking musical examinations. This will provide the correct touch necessary for the development and control of their technique.
The final decision when purchasing a piano ultimately lies with the purchaser, however equipped with the correct information they are more likely to have many years of musical enjoyment.
Source: Alans Music Piano Collection booklet
2006 edition
Buying a Keyboard
Purchasing a keyboard is a cost effective way to start your child on their musical journey.
To enable students to learn properly it is advisable to purchase a 61 note or 5 octave keyboard with touch response & power adaptor. Touch response enables the student to play expressively & develop their technique when an acoustic piano is not a suitable option.
Students can progress through Contemporary Keyboard Examinations in the same way that piano students can. Students can later progress onto the piano at a later date should they wish to or continue on with the keyboard if that is their preference.
Buying a keyboard stand & accompanying stool is advisable so that the instrument can be permanently set up for the student to play regularly. Although keyboards are easily portable & can be packed away, the best way to ensure your child’s progress & enthusiasm is to create a musical corner in your home where the instrument is kept & enjoyed.
Keyboards vary in price form standard beginner models to more professional instruments & numerous brands are available e.g. Roland, Yamaha or Casio.