CHILA MALMIN loves to listen to Mozart piano concertos and practices the piano daily . He is PURRFECTLY satisfied with Manny's EXPET PIANO TUNING and kept him company throughout most of it.
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MEET NAPOLEON...OUR DECEMBER MUSICAL DOGGIE. HE ESPECIALLY ENJOYED MY RENDITION OF LA MARSEILLAISE !!!
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Well, we are all experiencing global warming:)
Our musical pets:) Music is an art. Piano tuning is an art. Speech is an art. We communicate by words, but also by tone and inflection. The interpretation of those words changes the message. Likewise, a piano tuned by ear contrasts to a piano tuned electronically by tone and inflection. The ear tuner can interpret and adjust to ceiling height, carpet, and the individual piano's structure... whereas an electronic tuner is locked into a setting on a meter. The difference is like a work by Pablo Picasso versus a drawing using paint by numbers!
MEET BANDIT... OUR PET OF THE MONTH. BANDIT WANTED TO SIT ON MY LAP DURING HIS PIANO TUNING!
Pianos use a complex system comprised of thousands of parts to make music. They are a marvel of engineering, but all that complexity can present a problem to any layperson looking to purchase a quality used instrument. If a piano is reasonably well maintained, however, it can be passed on to multiple generations, and provide decades of enjoyment to music lovers. In order to find such an instrument at a reasonable price it is important to keep a few things in mind: 1. If possible, hire a piano technician to do an evaluation. Many technicians charge somewhere in the range of $100 to evaluate a piano. Since a decent used piano might cost thousands of dollars, having an experienced, trustworthy, and impartial technician go over it before you buy it could keep you from spending all that money on a lemon. I fully encourage you to research your purchase on your own, but a technician will still be better at spotting potential problems. For instance, when I evaluate a piano, I tune a couple of strings to see how well they hold. A layperson is not likely to be able to do this. Even with the proper equipment, one would need to have a feel for how a tuning pin should move in the block of wood in which it sits. If a piano can’t hold a tune this is obviously a serious problem, but it’s not one you would notice just by looking at it. Also, whichever piano you end up with will likely need at least some work, even if it is just routine maintenance or tuning. A technician will be able to estimate what work is necessary and how much it will cost. 2. Don’t assume that a used piano is in good condition just because it is in a store. Don’t take it for granted that a store owner has taken the time to properly care for the used instruments in the store’s inventory. A piano on a showroom floor can have just as many problems as a piano in someone’s home. Store owners are just humans, and, like the rest of humanity, they run the gamut in terms of honesty and trustworthiness. If the store or the company that owns the store employs some well-trained technicians that is a good sign. If your purchase comes with a warranty for a year or more that is another good sign. However, you should still be on the lookout for potentially costly defects. Again, hiring a trustworthy and impartial technician to do an evaluation is always a good idea. 3. Beware of damage that may have occurred from the piano being housed in a poor environment. The environment in which a piano resides has an enormous impact on its useful life. A piano is made from materials that are sensitive to climate conditions, such as wood, felt, and metal. If it sat for years in a place that was too humid, for instance, it could cause a wide range of problems from sluggish parts to mold. If its environment was too dry, it could cause issues like cracking in the wood or loose and wobbly parts. In some instances, like on the east coast of the U.S., it can be exposed to both extremes, which will wreak havoc on it. Pianos fare best in stable climates with a humidity level of about 50%. The humidity level being too low, or around 30% or below, presents the biggest problem, because that could seriously damage the structure of the instrument. In addition, pianos make nice homes for pests like mice or insects. You can clear them out and possibly repair some of the damage they’ve done, but not always, and it’s definitely best to start out with an instrument that hasn’t been infested with vermin. Try to get some information about the history of the piano you’re looking to buy. I’ve come across an unsettling number of people who think that a barn with no insulation or climate control is an acceptable place to store a piano (Hint: it’s not). Take a look inside the piano as well, because you can probably spot things like mold or evidence of infestation yourself, and you may be able to rule out a couple of options before getting a professional evaluation. obvious! 4. Understand the difference between reconditioning, rebuilding, and restoring. You may hear terms like “reconditioned”, “rebuilt”, or “restored” on your quest for a used piano. These terms are sometimes used in confusing ways or even interchangeably, but they have specific meanings that are not interchangeable, and aspects such as pricing and quality are dependant on what was actually done to the intrument. The best way to think about these terms are as follows: Reconditioning This is the most common form of work done to prepare a used piano for sale and the least costly to the seller in terms of parts and labor. Reconditioning involves standard maintenance procedures, such as tuning and regulation, and minor repairs. This type of work should be done on pianos that are already in fair condition and have not suffered any structural damage or extensive damage to parts. Rebuilding Rebuilding is far more costly and labor intensive than reconditioning. During the course of a rebuilding, the rebuilders will do serious repairs to the instrument and will in many cases replace existing parts with new ones. They may even change certain characteristics of the original piano, such as the weight of the keys. This type of work done by someone with skill and experience can yield beautiful results. It can extend the life of a piano for decades, and can signifcantly reduce the price of a high end piano, like a Steinway B, compared to what it would cost new. If the work is not done well, however, it could exacerbate existing problems, or even not function properly at all. Fixing a poorly rebuilt piano is a major headache because problems pop up everywhere, and the best you can usually hope for is something that barely works in the best circumstances. Restoration Restoration is costly in terms of parts and labor as well. Unlike rebuilding, however, a restorer will stay close to the original design of the piano and try to use as many existing parts as possible. This is often done on old pianos that have unique features or historical or sentimental value. 5. Play it! One of the best ways to get a feel for the quality of an instrument is simply to play it. Play every key on the piano and make sure the pedals are doing their jobs. If you already play the piano, play something you know well, and play the same thing on every piano, so the differences really stand out. While you play it, think critically about how it feels and sounds. Do the keys feel heavy or light? How quickly are you able to repeat notes? Is the tone harsh or mellow or somewhere in between? Many of these things are highly subjective, and only you can truly know what you’re looking for. Playing it is a quick and easy way to get a basic feel for how it is functioning overall. If the keys and pedals are working smoothly and you are able to repeat notes quickly it may be in pretty good shape. Listen for unwanted sounds as well. When parts of the structure of the piano come loose they will often make buzzing or rattling noises while someone is playing. These issues can be costly and difficult to fix, so it’s good to be aware of them as soon as possible. Conclusion Buying a used piano can be a little overwhelming if you are taking it seriously. There is a lot to watch out for. Doing your own research on the instrument before you buy it is always a good idea, but you need some training to properly evaluate a potential purchase. If you keep the above points in mind, especially hiring a technician, you will greatly increase your chances of finding a quality instrument. Choosing a piano is a fun and exciting process, and totally worth it if you enjoy music. Happy hunting! Author: Andrew Larzelere
MEET CHO CHO... OUR MUSICAL DOGGIE OF THE WEEK. CHO CHO PAID CLOSE ATTENTION TO HIS PIANO TUNING, AND ESPECIALLY TO MY LEG.
Pianos have a very large range of sizes and different weights. The key to finding out how much your piano weighs starts by figuring out exactly which type of piano you have. If you know the exact model, you can always look up that information to get the exact weight. In this guide, we breakdown the different types of pianos and how much each of them might weigh. How much does a piano weigh? The average vertical or upright piano can weigh anywhere from 200-1000 lbs (91-545 kg). The average baby grand piano can weigh anywhere from 500-600 lbs (227-272 kg). The average professional grand piano can weigh around 700 lbs (317 kg), and a concert grand piano can weigh up to 1200 lbs (544 kg). Use the chart and information below to help you find out how heavy your exact piano might be. Here is a helpful chart to get a quick sense of how much your piano might weigh. Vertical Pianos Approx. Weight Spinet Piano (36″-40″ height) 200-400lbs (91-181kg) Console Piano (40″-43″) 350-450lbs (159-204kg) Studio Piano (44″-48″) 400-500lbs (181-227kg) Upright Piano (48″-60″) 500-1000lbs (227-454kg) Grand Pianos Approx. Weight Petite Baby Grand (4’6″-5′ length) 400-500lbs (181-227kg) Baby Grand Piano (5′-5’6″) 500-600lbs (227-272kg) Medium Grand Piano (5’6″-5’9″) 600lbs (272kg) Living Room Grand Piano (5’10”) 700lbs (318kg) Professional Grand Piano (6′) 700lbs (318kg) Parlor / Recital Grand Piano (6’3″-6’9″) 750lbs (340kg) Semi-Concert Grand Piano (7′-8’6″) 900lbs (408kg) Concert Grand Piano (8’11″+) 900-1200lbs (408-544kg) When measuring the length of grand pianos, you measure from the front of the keyboard with the lid closed to the center of the tail at the back (Longest points with the lids closed). If you’re not sure which piano you have, scroll further down to check out what each of these kinds of pianos look like and their sizes to determine which one you have. What Causes A Piano To Be So Heavy? The combination of thick pieces of lumber, the heavy cast iron plate (sometimes called a harp), and numerous other components make the piano one of the heaviest musical instruments on the market. The heavyweight of a piano mostly due to the cast iron harp. This component makes up almost 70% of the overall weight of this instrument. Here is a general breakdown of how much different types of pianos weight so you can get an idea of how much yours might weigh if you’re attempting to move one. How Much Does a Vertical and Upright Piano Weigh? Vertical pianos are the typical piano that you might find in your school auditorium or music school. They have flat backs and are square / rectangle in shape. There are 4 types of vertical pianos that vary in size: Spinet Pianos, Console Pianos, Studio Pianos, and Upright Pianos. Vertical pianos are a bit easier to move than grand pianos because they weigh less and don’t require any removal of components. Here is a general size and weight of these kinds of Vertical (Upright) pianos: Spinet Piano Weight & Size Height: 36”-40” (91cm-101 cm) Weight: 200-400 lbs (91kg-181kg) Spinet pianos weigh anywhere between 200-400 lbs (91kg-181kg) and are the smallest of the vertical pianos. They are only 36”-40” (91cm-101 cm) in height and can usually be moved from room to room by two strong people. Console Pianos Weight & Size Height: 40”-43” (101cm-109cm) Weight: 350-450 lbs (159kg-204kg) Console pianos weigh anywhere between 350-450 lbs (159kg-204kg) and are the most popular of the vertical pianos. They are a bit taller than at 40”-43” (101cm-109cm) in height. Two people are usually able to handle a Console as long as there are no stairs or difficult obstacles. Studio Piano Weight & Size Height: 44”-48” (111cm-122cm) Weight: 400-500 lbs (158kg-227kg) Studio pianos weigh anywhere between 400-500 lbs. They are a bit taller at 44”-48” (111cm-122cm) in height. This type is common in music schools because they’re considered the best compromise between size and tone. A minimum of three people will be needed to move a piano of this size. Upright Piano Weight & Size Height: 48”-60” (122cm-152cm) Weight: 500-1000 lbs (227kg-454 kg) Upright pianos weigh anywhere between 500-1000 lbs (158kg-227kg). They are the tallest of the vertical pianos at 48”-60” (122cm-152cm) in height. Today this term is usually used to refer to the older, tall pianos – Grandma’s piano. They will take four people or more to move one. The weights of vertical pianos vary based on the exact one you have. The weight variance is due to the size and what type of wood the piano is made of. Next up we get into the weights and sizes of grand pianos. How Much Does A Grand Piano Weigh? Grand pianos vary in size from small grand pianos all the way to concert grand pianos. If you don’t know exactly which kind of grand piano you have, you may want to take out some measuring tape to get a general idea of which type you might have. Once you know exactly which size grand piano you have, you can get a general idea of how much it weighs using the information below. Note: Grand pianos are measured by the length from the very front of the keyboard to the farthest end of the piano along the spine, with the lid closed. Here are the different types of grand pianos along with their weights and lengths. Small / Petite Grand Piano Weight & Size Length: 4’6” – 5’ (137cm-152cm) Weight: 400-500 lbs (181kg-227kg) Small / Petite Grand Pianos weigh anywhere between 400-500 lbs (181kg-227kg). This is the smallest of the horizontal pianos at only 4’6” – 5’ (137cm-152cm) in length. Any grand piano shorter than 5 feet in length is considered a small, petite, or miniature grand piano. Baby Grand Piano Weight & Size Length: 5′-5’6″ (152cm-168cm) Weight: 500-600 lbs (226kg-272kg) Baby grand pianos weigh anywhere between 500-600 lbs. They are a very popular type of piano at 5′-5’6″ (152cm-168cm) in length. Baby grand pianos are a popular choice for musicians because of their sound quality, aesthetic appeal, and affordability. Specs & Features of The Steinway Model S – Baby Grand Piano Medium Grand Piano Weight & Size Length: 5’6″-5’9″ (167cm-175cm) Weight: 500-600 lbs (226kg-272kg) Medium grand pianos weigh anywhere from 500-600 lbs. They are another popular choice and are about 5’6″-5’9″ (167cm-175cm) in length. Specs & Features of Medium Grand Piano – Model M Living Room Grand Piano Length: 5’10” (177 cm) Weight: 700 lbs (318kg) Living room grand pianos weigh about 700 lbs. They range in size from 5 feet 9 inches to 6 feet 1 inch in length. Specs & Features of Living Room Grand – Model O [Model L] Professional Grand Piano Length: 6′ (183cm) Weight: 700 lbs (318kg) Professional grand pianos are bigger in size than baby grand pianos and weigh about 700lbs. Parlor / Recital Grand Piano Length: 6’3″-6’9″ (190cm-206cm ) Weight: 750 lbs (318kg) These ranges in size from 5 feet 9 inches to 6 feet 1 inch. The parlor grand piano is also known as the recital grand piano and they weigh about 750 pounds. Specs & Features of Parlor Grand – Model A Drawing Room Grand Piano Length: 6′ 3″ – 6′ 10-1/2″ (193 cm – 211 cm) Weight: 750 lbs (340kg) A piano designed for spacious homes smaller recital halls auditoriums and broadcasting recording or professional studios. Specs & Features of Music Room Grand – Model B Semi Concert or Ballroom Grand Piano Length: 7’-8’6 (259cm) Weight: 900 lbs (408kg) Semi-concert grand pianos are perfect for medium to large venues. They are utilized by recording studios because they are balanced in power and deliver a fantastic depth of tone without the massive displacement of a full concert grand piano. Concert Grand Piano Length: 8′ 11-3/4″ and higher (274 cm) Weight: 900-1200 lbs (408kg-544kg) The Concert Grand is the ultimate and finest of any piano manufacturer’s products. They are meant to be used at concerts and large venues. Specs & Features of Concert Grand – Model D How Much Does An Electric Piano Weigh? Electric Pianos or Keyboards weight anywhere from 20-50 lbs. Digital pianos, however, weigh much more. Digital pianos look similar to spinet vertical pianos and weigh anywhere from 100-300lbs. Should I Attempt To Move A Piano Myself? Pianos are some of the most difficult items to move into your home. It is not recommended to move a piano yourself. To move a piano, you need special moving equipment that all professional piano movers have. When hiring movers to move your home, make sure that the movers you choose are specifically trained in moving pianos. Moving a piano isn’t about just wrapping it up and placing it on a dolly. But, if you are so inclined to move a piano yourself, I would advise searching the internet for some tips or asking a professional company for advice. References: Piano Weights & Measures: BlueBookOfPianos.com Image Sources: Vertical Piano’s – AlamoMusic.com , Grand Piano’s – SteinwayNaples.com
