Preview the Piano Guide
Take a detailed look at the chapters and sections that are found in the Australian Piano Buyers Guide. For a further sneak peak of the contents, click on the heading links and the text will expand.
Preface
Chapter One - Piano Basics
Why is the piano so popular?
The piano is one of very few instruments widely accepted in all styles of music. You can hear pianos playing concertos with orchestras, improvising in jazz clubs, accompanying folk and country and singers, as well as being played by contemporary music artists.
Keyboard, digital or acoustic...what's the difference?
Upright versus Grand Pianos
The grand piano is the earliest piano shape. It is regarded as the prestige instrument because of its...
Chapter Two - How to tell if a piano is well made
The Frame, Backposts & Soundboard
When purchasing a piano it is very important to consider its internal construction. A piano has around 220 strings that, when stretched, exert a huge force of up to 20 tonnes (approximately 20,000 kgs) of pressure on the piano! So pianos need to be...
Bridge
The bridge plays an important part in sound amplification. It should be made of rock maple and planed to conform to the shape of the soundboard which ensures the right down-bearing (pressure) of the strings onto the bridge. Bridges should be...
Tuning, Action & Hammers
Child proof safety design
Some pianos provide child proof soft-close lids, also called slow-fall or slow fallboard. This is a feature on some higher level piano models that stops the keyboard lid from...
Chapter Three - How to buy the right piano
Where was it made?
Does colour affect performance?
Piano cabinets are produced in many colours; ebony (black), ivory, white, mahogany, walnut polish, Ferrari red and more.
What is a good model for a beginner?
Matching people to pianos
The best piano is the one that best matches the needs of the person who is going to be playing the piano. The following are some examples... If children are the only people who will be playing the piano then...
To buy or not to buy?
Renting is an option that may suit you and your family. You can rent an acoustic piano for under...
Purchase Options
Interest free purchase plan
This is not finance but a managed monthly payment plan, so it is totally interest free. You can take the piano home straight away and pay it off monthly with automatic credit card or direct debit payments.
Chapter Four - New or Secondhand?
Things to keep in mind when buying secondhand
Many people look for secondhand pianos in the newspaper or receive offers from family and friends. If you are smart about it you may be able to find a good quality piano and secure a bargain. However...
All pianos deteriorate
Hidden costs
Many people ask to see secondhand pianos believing they will save money but often miss the potential down side. Unlike a secondhand car that has an odometer to let you know how many kilometres it has travelled, this is unfortunately no such indication on pianos about their usage history.
Tuning history
Is the piano played regularly?
If the seller tells you that the piano is in immaculate condition because their children lost interest a while ago and it has just been sitting in the house or in the garage and has not been used for many years, beware! This is not a positive thing because...
Approved secondhand pianos
Chapter Five - Getting the most out of your new piano
Tuning
Piano maintenance or servicing is called ‘tuning’. Regular servicing is important even though the piano appears to be sturdy because of its solid construction, the piano has thousands of moving parts and is therefore quite a sensitive instrument.
Where to place your piano
Humidity control
Looking after the cabinet
Chapter Six - Developing your Skills
Eisteddfods and music competitions
Start by talking with your local music store for information on local eisteddfods or competitions. There are a number of traditional or contemporary competitions at a local, national or international level.
Music examination options
New technology
Many teachers and musicians are embracing new technology in their endeavour to find ways to improve learning outcomes. One of the best recent developments is the introduction of silent piano technology such as the Alex Steinbach Dream Piano.
Chapter Seven - Career Options
Teaching
Performing
Concert Pianist
Music industry support positions
If passion for music is added to sound business management a whole new spectrum of opportunities emerge! Positions exist in sales, accounting, finance, marketing, management, administration, graphic design, IT and more. These positions are available with...
