views on a piano

[kristian]

I just finished my freshman year at uni, im working all summer as a programmer, and ive been a musician since i was in 5th grade. i just 2 years ago picked up piano, and since im making a decent amount of money this summer i was consider buying one. I initially am looking at somethign like a Yamaha Clavinova but ive also considered an upright used if i know what im looking for. I can sit down and play and i can tell if the action is right, if it sounds like crap, if its tuned. etc, but i cant tell if there is something severly wrong, something that i just cant tell yet. I know to have areal tech look at it, but for my first browsing signs before i have a tech look at it, i want to know what the used price of a used uprights go for. yamaha, or something equivalent. I've just had nice experiences with them so its a good reference point.

Also, if this is all bollox then should i just look at a clavinova till i have a real job and can afford a more expensive piano?

 

[Kelly Holdridge]

I don't like the Clavinova; the action is too "mechanical." And while ALL action is inherently mechanical, there's something about the Clavinova that doesn't feel right.

I dunno, maybe it's the super white and black shiny keys; that bugs me.

My favorite pianos have always been pieces of shit. Mostly uprights. Some grands/baby grands. I catch more character (and therefore inspiration) out of these then "perfect" pianos.

I would suggest finding a controller (the keys themselves) that feel good to you and represent the true action that you're playing. Then find a GREAT module for the sounds, and rig 'em through your board.

I'd prolly buy a $200 piano and have it looked at, tuned ($60-$75), and painted/stained. Do something that makes it my piano, you know?

Hope you find what you're lookin' for.

 

[Synth2k]

When looking at a piano, you should check out several things before you buy. First, take a look at the felt on the hammers. Check to see that it is not worn out, or if it has any deep imprints on it from the strings. Another thing that I hate about some pianos is when you press the una corda pedal, the whole keyboard shifts. Avoid that at all costs

I've had great luck with Yamaha pianos - in fact I own a 30 year old Yamaha 52" upright that still works perfectly and sounds wonderful. Beware of the "cheaper" pianos, like the Young Chang pianos. I've heard horror stories about those things falling apart after a few years. Also check out the model number inside the piano if you're buying a used piano or a new piano. I've come across some dealers that have brought in pianos from the East, selling them here only to have them collapse because they are not built for a warm and dry climate. If you can take down the model number (usualy if you just flip open the lid, it'll be there in one of the corners) you can get a reputable authorized dealer for that product to find out where it came from. Generally I've found that Yamaha pianos seem to last a long time (as mine is over 30 years old).

I also prefer a 52" upright to a smaller upright - you get a much nicer sound and from some piano tuners that I have talked to, they stay in tune longer. Also depending on what you need, some pianos have the middle pedal disabled or as a "practice" pedal that mutes the sound of the piano.

Ryan.
----
Sonic Control
http://www.soniccontrol.com/

 

[Elle]

Synth2k just about sumed it all up. Although, because there are lots of things to look for when buying a used piano, it is sometimes benifical to pay a piano tuner to go with you and check it out. Usually around $25.

I own a used Yamaha, (10 yrs old), and love it. Of course I'd rather have a grand, so the bass was warmer, but oh well. Used it was $3500.

After searching and searching you might find a $500 dollar one with a nice sound, usually found at estate sales.

I started off with the Kurzweil. They have the best sounding piano sounds from all other synths that I tried. Although, Roland was right up there too.

In the end, it's all about action and sound quality........leave the mechanics up to the pros.......good luck in your search!