Click for more products.
No produts were found.

Twinkle Twinkle Piano: Buy Your First Piano

Posted on2 Years ago
Love7

Twinkle Twinkle Piano: Buy Your First Piano

The first time I sat at a keyboard, I was eight years old. I attempted Twinkle Twinkle Little Star on this tiny ‘piano’. The sound of each key fired up a passion inside me that I was far too young to understand. My fingers grew stronger and more flexible as I learned to reach for more notes on the keyboard and the song became etched in my memory. I wanted to be better and play better and turn my Twinkle Twinkle Piano (is what I started to call it) into a performance piece. Practice, practice, and practice and the time came. With my parents and siblings watching I performed my Twinkle Twinkle Piano followed by lots of clapping and cheering. I was hooked.

At 12 years old my parents decided to buy a piano. Up until then, I was practicing my music and playing my Twinkle Twinkle Piano on a little keyboard with headphones on. For a few months, I had visited our local piano store with my parents and dreamed of a day when we would buy a piano. Imagining the day I could just wander downstairs into my living room and play a real piano. I played on a Yamaha piano during my music lessons, and I felt its pitch was perfect. The black gloss was so shiny I could watch my hands dance over the keys while I played. I was beyond delighted when my parents decided to purchase a Yamaha piano.

The Yamaha piano was a beautiful polished ebony.  I remember the modern look and how the shine danced across the entire instrument. The piano was an entry level upright Yamaha piano, but to me, it was everything. Music became a deep escape for me, and my piano was my portal. The beginner Yamaha piano even had a proper piano bench. It’s a small gesture but I was most impressed with the bench because for years I was using a dining room chair that creaked when I swayed.

For a young child, this Yamaha piano was everything. For many, music is a way of life. It's a passion that flows so deeply in musicians that a piano can be like giving an artist a canvas. Art is created, and music is performed. However, purchasing and owning a piano might seem like an enormous feat. Let me share with you several tips so you can feel more confident and comfortable to buy piano.

Twinkle Twinkle Piano

How To Buy a Piano

There are a handful of things to consider seriously before you buy a piano. A few examples of how much space you have to work with, your budget, and are you open to investing in a new or used piano.

Size:

Size is very important to consider when shopping at the piano store. A full-size upright piano typically ranges from 110 cm -135 cm in height and 60cm deep. Large grand pianos are approximately 6.5 feet in length and can weigh up to 900 pounds. Therefore, it's essential to consider the size you have space for before you make the purchase.

Budget:

The cost of a piano varies significantly between models. It's important to be clear on your budget and educate yourself about the cost of what you're looking for. The cost of the piano varies significantly between models, sizes, and ages.

New/Used:

A well-maintained used piano could be cost efficient but could have some underlining conditions. If you're purchasing a used piano, try to visit a local piano store and get a feel for it before purchasing. The used piano selection in a piano store would have any issues taken care of and repairs completed. New pianos are a great investment that can be a part of your home for generations. A piano is a significant investment, and it's important to ensure you buy the perfect one.

Space:

Regardless of how large the piano is that you choose, it's heavy. Even the smaller beginner piano is heavy. Make sure that wherever you choose to situate the piano, it's a good spot for a long time. Pianos require permanent spaces. It's not going to be a part of rearranging rooms too often.  Also consider the room on the stairs and entrance ways, no different than any other large piece of furniture like a sofa or bed, you have to make sure the piano can get to space you want the piano in.

Buy Piano

How to Take Care of a Piano

A piano is relatively a low-maintenance instrument. However, with a few simple added measures, you can show your piano some love and have it playing and sounding its very best.

1. Wipe down the piano keys regularly. This helps to remove dirt and grime and prevents it from getting in between the keys. If the piano keys are plastic, it's best to wipe them down with filtered water and white vinegar. If they are ivory, then warm water and soap are the solutions. When wiping the keys, make sure always to wipe vertically so that moisture doesn't get trapped between the keys. Never use harsh cleaners/chemicals.  The piano store near you will have some great tips and products, they take care of pianos all year long.

2. Keep the piano tuned. Opt for a professional to tune it approximately every six months. This helps to keep all the working parts of the piano in great shape.

3. Store your piano in a room with a consistent temperature and humidity level. Moisture and temperature are essential to the piano.

4. Don't put things on top of the piano. A piano shouldn't be a replacement for a purposeful shelf. Moreover, placing things on it can damage the exterior and raise the risk of damaging the keys and strings inside.

Before You Buy a Piano

A piano is a great purchase. It's often a family heirloom and brings generations of musical culture to homes. However, before you rush out to purchase yours, there are a few things you must consider first.

Quality is important. Though most pianos work the same, they certainly aren't created the same nor with the same materials. Therefore, quality is very important with this musical instrument. There is a sound difference between good-quality pianos and poor-quality ones. Yamaha pianos are highly recommended.

Bigger is better. The larger the piano is, the longer the strings are, the smoother the sound will be. Of course, this is in conjunction with your budget and space, but generally speaking, the larger the piano, the more beautiful the sound. The relation between the size of the room and the size of the piano is vital. These two things will significantly impact the sound and the quality of the tone. It's a good idea to speak to your local piano store regarding the size of the space you have to ensure you get the best-sized piano.

Are you looking for a piano to become part of the decor? For some people, their piano is a statement piece of furniture, while others, it's for musical study, and for others, it's both. Player pianos like a Yamaha Disklavier make great additions to large living spaces. The size component is vital to consider because the exterior appearance of the piano might make or break it. Some used pianos are more rustic looking, while new pianos are shiny, glossy, and gorgeous.

Buy Piano

What To Look For Before Making The Big Piano Purchase

Once you've answered all the questions above, there are a few things to be aware of before you finally buy it.

The Exterior Condition

Do an in-depth visual examination of the piano to evaluate the condition. Check for loose veneer, scratches, and dings. Slight blemishes won’t effect the sound but it’s important to look for any major wear and tear.

Who is the piano for?

Whether the piano is for a serious student or maybe just a casual occurrence here and there, that helps determine how large of an investment you are willing to make. This is a significant factor in choosing the quality of piano you purchase. Usually, the better the quality, the better the sound, pitch, tone, and appearance.

How do you feel when you're at it?

When you choose a piano, you should feel something. When you sit and play the keys, the tone should speak to you. There's a certain chemistry between the student and the right piano. That's one reason why it's so important to visit the piano store in person and physically play the piano. You need to hear it and feel the keys. Each piano will sound and feel a little different.

Finally, Go Find Your Twinkle Twinkle Piano

Buying your first piano might feel like a lot. There are many things to consider, and it's essential to choose the right one. Considerations need to be taken about things like size, space, sound, and more. Purchasing a piano is a big decision. It requires much thought and care. Once you find your ‘Twinkle Twinkle Piano’, you’ll love it! Visit a St. John’s Music Piano Centre near you for more information.

Menu

Menu

Click for more products.
No produts were found.

Create a free account to save loved items.

Sign in

Create a free account to use wishlists.

Sign in