Pramberger Fall Board
The proper name for this part of the piano is a "Fall Board". Mostly because they used to fall and squish your lovely fingers. Now, we have slow-close devices to keep those digits safe.
Samick 118 - Upright Grand
This is a modern take on the ancient tanks - the old upright grands. Everyone has seen one, they weigh about 500-800 pounds, which explains why no one got it out of your basement... ever. This new version not only weighs a lot less, but is a bit more compact and has a lovely grand-styled lid.
Boulevard by Dusty Strings
This is a lovely photo of a Dusty Strings Boulevard Troubador Harp. The uber cool feature on this model is that it's strung with gut strings (yes, gut... sheep's gut). Much like a concert harp. For those aspiring to eventually upgrade - or if you already have and want the same feel and string tension of a pedal harp - this is the one for you. As far as I know - it's the only one with that feature being made (due to higher tension)
Grand Piano
Ok - you're going for it... You're getting a grand piano. That's right, it's called a grand piano - NOT a "Baby" grand piano. If you really want to look like you know your stuff when you're toe to toe with that stuffy salesman - talk about your dream piano in feet and inches. "I'm thinking I would really like a small model, say a 4'10" in a lovely black satin finish." Let that guy know you've done some homework and it might save you some hassle and some cash.
Harpsicle by Rees Harps
What's wrong with this picture? There are no levers on this harp. Troubador harps have sharping levers that raise (or lower) the pitch of each string by a half step. This model is for beginners in music - which don't use sharps or flats. When they start to notice that they need them - we can step them up to a model with levers.
Soundboard Demo
Where does a piano get it's sound? From the gigantic piece of wood on the back, of course! The soundboard is the speaker for the piano - and the harp. Without it, the sound produced by the strings just falls flat.
Serial Numbers
All pianos have a serial number. If they don't - WATCH OUT! That doesn't necessarily mean that something's been messed with - but it doesn't not mean that either. With a proper serial number, you can find out when and where a piano was made. Who made it, what their name was, how many kids they had, what they had for lunch, all that.... kidding
You can find out the year and the place, but that's usually it.
Also super important for your warranty.
You can find out the year and the place, but that's usually it.
Also super important for your warranty.
Studio Piano Action - Top View
When buying a piano - go ahead and open the top up. It won't hurt anything, and it looks really cool in there. Plus, if you put your ear up to it, you can hear the ocean...
Ok, maybe not, but one thing you certainly should do is see if everything LOOKS THE SAME. If any part looks different than any other part - there's a problem... and a potential discount!
Ok, maybe not, but one thing you certainly should do is see if everything LOOKS THE SAME. If any part looks different than any other part - there's a problem... and a potential discount!
Flatsicle by Rees Harps
This is 2 steps up from the Harpsicle. With this model, you can rock out in up to 8 different keys! I mean - once you learn what a key is.
Studio Piano Soundboard
Another shot at a studio soundboard. Fun Fact: Soundboards are made solely out of Spruce. Maybe because it was readily available... maybe because they can get big planks out of it at the mills - or maybe because it sounds the best. Luthiers (Stringed instrument players) agree - most violins, violas, guitars - use spruce for their faces.
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Before you shop - Educate Yourself
You want to play piano - because piano players are awesome. You could always use an uptick in the awesome department, plus - chicks dig piano players.
The one thing you know - is that you really know nothing about pianos.
Well, you've happened on to something pretty cool here. A chance to ask questions, get informed, get smarter - and hey - get that awesomeness going.
See, we're not just piano dealers here. We want you to make the best decision possible for you before you put down your dough. Our technicians and teachers are here to help.
Have a look around & happy shopping!
This is all very nice, now tell me how to know if the piano I'm looking at is any good.
Just looking for the scoop on how to properly kick the tires?