Investing in a new piano can be a somewhat overwhelming experience with so many brands, models, styles and finishes available. Your first decision may well be whether to buy a traditional acoustic upright or a digital piano. The following unbiased information will help you to decide and hopefully make the process clearer for you.
Even with today's sampling technology individual notes may be quite accurately reproduced, but the tone of notes sounding together, as in an acoustic piano - with complex harmonics resonating against a flexible wooden soundboard - cannot be 100% matched. Many people also prefer the appearance of a traditional piano, which too is an important factor to consider. A good upright piano will hold its value much better than a digital. They can last anything up to 100 years, while digital models are constantly being upgraded and would not hold their original value.
Digital pianos usually have a variety of features that make them an attractive alternative to an acoustic piano, whilst still having 88 piano style "weighted keys" (these mimic the feel of an upright piano). Some of these features are as follows:

Do you want to buy a piano but you have no idea yet how much it would cost you? Well, buying a piano is such a huge purchase and you should really have to research thoroughly first before finally buying one so you will get the best piano deal purchase that you can have. After estimating a budget for a piano purchase, you should also know the kind of piano you need so that you will purchase the right and appropriate piano for you. You have to consider first the style and the size of piano you want.
If you want a half-size keyboard, that can, on the estimate, cost you $200 to $250. This purchase will already include training software for you. It can cost you more if you buy a full digital piano keyboard, with 88 keys, damper pedal and touch-sensitive key. Beat up traditional pianos can be a good starter instrument if the one you will buy is still tunable and in a good playing shape. Some of these traditional pianos can have broken pin blocks and strings that are already rusty. If you are interested to buy a traditional piano, then prepare a budget from $250 to $500. If you want an upright piano, then you may want to buy a 36-inch tall spinet. They have a vertical sounding board and it can cost you, on the minimum, nine hundred US dollars ($900) and a maximum of $1800 or more, depending on the specifics. If you are considering a studio models, taller spinet, ranging from forty to sixty inches, then you can buy them from $2000 to 8000 US dollars.
If you have a huge space for your piano and a large amount of money to spend for a piano, then grand piano can be an excellent choice for you. You have three options for the size of the grand piano you want. If you like, a baby grand piano, usually shorter than 6-feet, the average cost of it would be $4000 up to $8000 on not so popular manufacturers. However, if you are looking for a high end and very famous brand of piano, then a baby piano can cost you $10000-$24000. A six to nine feet long grand piano sells for about $10000 to $40000, on the average. The largest one, a concert grand piano, which can be as long as 9 feet will have to cost you from $30000 to $80000.
Always remember that piano is a very huge purchase and it is a big responsibility to own one. Enjoy playing your piano and take very good care of it.

Typically, a private lesson every week for thirty minutes can cost you from $15 to $35. However, if your instructor has attained a Master's degree or a doctorate, then it will cost you more, ranging from 40 US dollars up to 75 USD. If you are living in a rural area, piano lessons are much cheaper. On the minimum, it can cost you $10 and the highest can be $15 for a thirty- minute piano lesson. Some of the piano instructor charges their lesson every month. A one-on-one tutorial is a great starter for piano beginners because the instructor can be able to give comments to the performance and encourage his r her student on a personal level. Thirty minutes of lesson is just perfect for a beginner because if it took longer than that, then it can be already overwhelming for the students and he or she might not be able to grasp the lesson completely. Most of the time, the piano teacher will have to review the assignment he or she gave to his or her students, then, listen to the student while playing. After that, he or she will explain the theory applied on the lesson and then play the piece so the student will hear and learn how to play it perfectly.
You can also enroll in a piano lesson together with a small group. Its price can be as low as $25 and can be as high as 55 USD for a month. There are small group lessons that make use of digital pianos and headphones. The price for this kind of setup for piano lesson can vary depending on the length of the class and the number of students who enrolled.
Learning to pay piano involved much discipline and hard work. You just need to be a responsible student and a great listener to your instructor and in no time, you will already be an expert.

An African instrument, the Thumb Piano is very similar to the Kalimba. A couple of other terms are the Mbria or Likembe. They all look quite similar to one another but quite naturally they have a variance in the sounds each instrument makes. These instruments have been around for thousands of years. Originally the keys were made of bamboo and over time the keys were replaced with medal keys. In the early 1900's the thumb piano was give the name Kalimba.
It was thought in ancient times the thumb piano (Mbira, Kalimba) was to project its sound into heaven and was even considered to draw down spirits to the earth. Some of them were violent spirits in which the music would stop until the spirits had departed from the area. Now lets look at the craftsmanship of the piano. The piano is made of rosewood and the sound board is made of spruce and comes in different tunings. On the back of the instrument is has two vibrato holes and the fingers alter the sound by moving them over the holes and away from the holes.
Most of the time the piano is played by a solo musician and the tuning is not critical as playing with another musician. If playing with another musician then you may want to take note of the tunings. The lower keys have a low pitch while the shorter keys have a high pitch. All of the keys on the piano can be tuned by adjusting the pieces of metal inward or outward. The low keys are located in the center of the wooden box and the high keys are located on the outside of the box. This Dobani brand instrument has a very incredible sound. This particular thumb piano or finger piano as it is sometimes called is a well made product. The thumb piano is part of the bar percussion family.

Being able to play the piano opens up window's of opportunities, but is also addictive, once you get the buzz of playing music, and you enjoy it you will want to continue playing forever. You never stop learning in music, and what keeps it alive is the endless amount of energy you get from playing songs, and you will never get bored.
The benefit from playing piano is that it can be used in various different environments, unlike playing an orchestral instrument such as the clarinet or Trumpet; it's not as restrictive and can be adapted in many ways.
It gives you the chance to perform, which is a new skill in itself, you get to meet other people, so there is the social aspect of it, but most importantly it gives you an opportunity to try out various styles of music, and that in itself will improve your musicality.
Rock piano, is fantastic and will focus around Chords, which can also be transferred into playing in a band, classical piano - if you take exams this is how you would normally train, so is the base of your learning but this can be used to maybe accompany singers, or play as a solo pianist.
Blues and Jazz - this will again give you a different style of playing piano, and will improve your performance skills and give you the confidence to improvise and perform solos if you were part of a function band, or in a professional orchestra, so the list of things you can do if you have piano in your life is tremendous.
Playing piano and having any kind of music in your life also gives you a new confidence, most people until they have played a musical instrument or sang have never performed in your life, and to hear people clap and appreciate what you are doing, is a great feeling to have and is a sense of personal achievement, playing piano is very rewarding.

There are several things to consider if you are interested to purchase a piano. Obviously, the first one is your budget. The next things you have to consider are the style of your piano and the size that you want. Each size and each style has different prices. Most of the time, the larger the piano, the more costly it would be for you. You should also ask first from your seller the items included on your piano purchase. You have to ask about the duration and the coverage of the warranty and you should be able to know where you have to go for repair and maintenance.
If you want a grand piano, there are three size choices you have for that. You can buy a baby piano for, on the average, $ 4000 to $8000 from little manufacturers and $10000-$24000 when you buy from famous piano brands. This kind of piano has a length of 6 feet. The next size will be ranging from six feet to nine feet long. This grand piano sells for the price tag of $10000 to $40000. If you want the biggest grand piano, then the concert grand piano is the one perfect for you. Its length is about 9 feet and on the average, it will cost you like $30000 to 80000 US dollars.
If you have a lower budget that ranges only from $200 to $250, then a half-size keyboard is the one suited for you. If you want a digital piano keyboard with a damper pedal, touch sensitive key with a full 88-key, then it will have to cost you more than $250. If you want a vertical sounding board piano, then you may want to buy a spinet that is 36 inches tall and will have to cost you $900 up to $1800. Taller spinets, 40 to 60 inches in height sell for about $2000 to 8000 USD.
Piano is a great investment and it can also be a bit expensive. When looking and canvassing for a good piano, always ask for its performance, sound quality, durability and its internal construction. You have to research carefully about what you are going to buy so you are sure that you will have the best deal when you buy it.

Music teaching can really be fun, exciting, rewarding and challenging at the same time. The teachers themselves need to possess maximum levels of motivation, passion and determination in order to set a god example to students. While piano lessons give us all a chance to learn how to bring beautiful music to life through the keys, they offer us a great deal more as well. The piano offers you a chance to achieve something truly special, regardless of whether you are young or old. There are a host of benefits beyond the music that will last for the rest of your life, and make every practice session and frustrating lesson well worth it.
Since everyone learns in their own way, it can be difficult to find a piano teacher that is adaptable enough for your individual learning style. In fact, most people quit taking piano lessons because they had a bad experience with a piano teacher. Sometimes teachers get so caught up in the teaching experience that they lose focus and forget that they are supposed to be there to support their students. If you don't have a good learning experience, then you will not want to continue taking lessons, and you may never want to take piano lessons again. If you are essentially your own teacher, then you will have a higher success rate.
When attempting to find the right style of piano to play, you want to think about how major you are about learning. You will find some pianos are extremely expensive, and this type of piano may not be necessary for someone who is just starting out. Pianos do tend to hold their value, and if you take good care of it you can probably sell it many years later for a decent price when you are ready to replace it with something newer.
Learning online through an online piano course is a great way to play in your own home without having to fuss with scheduling or finding a teacher. You decide when you would like to learn your next lesson, as well as when you have the confidence to move on to the subsequent music lesson. Many people are already finding out how easy it so to learn how to play the piano on their own.
Piano lessons are definitely wonderful for learning how to play the music that you love. Regardless of whether you have a specific genre or you like to play a little of everything, the music is powerful. You are powerful when you play and you know it. As you feel the music flow through you and out onto the keys you can be transformed and it feels wonderful. Anyone can grab the best that the piano has to offer. They just need to commit to all it asks of you in return.

Being able to play piano is one of the greatest skills one could ever have. Learning to play might cost you some money but if you are really interested and serious to know more about playing piano, then the budget will not be a problem anymore.
For a beginner, most people choose to have one-on-one class with their instructor. The pricing rate of a piano tutorial greatly depends on the qualifications, educational attainment and the expertise of your piano instructor. You should expect a higher tutorial fee if your instructor has a Master's Degree or even higher. A private tutorial is perfect as a beginner student because your instructor can give you comments immediately, tell you what mistakes you did; and appreciate, and complement you if you did great. Usually, the private lesson involves reviewing your assignment, learn a theory involved on the piece that you are working on, then playing the musical piece so the instructor can listen to it and comment about your performance and then the instructor playing the musical piece so you would know how to play it using proper techniques.
For a normal weekly thirty-minute piano lesson, the fee can be as low as 15 US dollars and it can be as high as $35, all depending on the rate of your instructor, the location of your class and the other related piano services that your professor might offer you. The lesson can even cost you more if your piano teacher has higher qualifications and teaching experience. It can range from $40-75 USD.
There are also group lessons that you might want to avail. Small group sessions for piano lessons can averagely cost from 25 USD to 55 USD. The lesson fee greatly varies depending on the duration of the class and the number of students included in a small group lesson. Some small group class for piano lessons use digital pianos and headphones during their class time.
Learning piano is very fun especially if you really want to know it and you are very much interested in music. Playing a musical instrument such as piano is a great way for you to appreciate and love music even more.
While learning the piano can cost you a lot in the long run, you're going to find like anything, if you put your heart into it, you will look back and be glad that you did. Don't let the cost scare you if you really want to do it!

The Casio Privia PX-130 88-Key digital stage piano takes the portable digital piano to the next level with a great piano sound and a combination of features and technological enhancements. Through this review, you will discover the pros and cons and other important things you need to know about this particular digital stage piano model from Casio.
The first thing I noticed about the PX-130 when I sat down to play it is the sound - Casio really nails down that authentic grand piano sound. The next thing I noticed is the new scaled hammer action keyboard (88 notes and Tri-Sensor technology). After playing it for a while in the store I became aware of the other nice features such as a built-in metronome and two-track recorder together with a duet mode and other recording features like the built-in USB MIDI interface and the USB connection which enables you to save the songs you have recorded.
So here are my pros and cons of the Casio Privia PX-130...
Casio PX-130 Pros
As I mentioned earlier, PX 130 has a strikingly realistic grand piano sound and acoustic piano feel; both qualities that are always at the top of the list of any discerning piano buyer's list. With the Casio you really don't have to compromise as the PX-130 as you're going to get a terrific grand piano sound for very competitive and rock-bottom price.
Casio really delivers with the variety of their features you get 128 polyphony notes, 16 different built-in voices which can be combined or layered together with four available digital effects like reverb and other digital effects.
One last thing I'd like to mention is the library of 50 built-in classical and popular songs. This piano makes for a very amazing jukebox if you just want to sit back and entertain yourself with some classy background music.
Casio PX-130 Cons
Some people have found the keys a bit too heavy compared to equivalently priced Yamaha models. Normally though, all it takes is a few days of playing the PX-130 and your fingers will develop the necessary strength and you won't notice it anymore.
When I review pianos I always make sure to look at the back of the piano to see how many inputs and outputs there are. One potential problem is that there is no 1/4″ jack. You'll have to purchase a converter jack for one of the headphones if you want to send the signal to a professional external amplifier.
Another potential issue is one of durability; the model is made out of plastic which can be easily damaged or broken when mishandled or dropped from a 10 story building. So it's important that you handle it carefully or find a durable case to protect it while traveling.
The Casio PX-130 is Perfect For:

• Musicians who like to occasionally play live as you can take it with you anywhere
• Piano students who can practice at home as it has the built-in metronome to help them improve their piano technique and the ability to record one's performances for evaluation
• As an added bonus, it's also great for piano teachers as they can play with their student using the Privia's duet mode

Final Verdict
In many ways Casio has finally come up to the level of traditional digital piano manufacturers like Yamaha and Roland in terms of sound and playability except without the steep price. The Casio PX-130 88-key digital stage piano is a great buy for those who are looking for an affordable yet versatile digital piano they can bring with them anywhere.
My bottom line recommendation: the PX-130 gets top marks for overall sound quality and consumer value.

Arts are present long ago and still continue to exist today that may come in different forms and types. Art is defined as the expression of pure talent that is spoken in different subjects and objects like drawings, paintings, architecture and the like. To begin with, there are two fields of arts such as fine arts and performing arts; these fields are carried out by artists depending on their expertise. For instance fine arts consist of literature, paintings, drawings, video games and architecture. Performing arts on the other hand consist of theater, dance, magic, circus and music. At the end of the day, it is up to your interests what specific form of art to choose because after all art is for everyone. For sure you can appreciate arts whatever their form and type is.
In this case, let us specifically talk about performing arts. Performing arts are defined to transcend more than superficial forms of arts like paintings and drawings. It is more like an expression of various human experiences that is portrayed well through the actions of the body or the emotions of the face. Artists in performing arts are called performers to include actors, actress, comedians, magicians, dancers, singers and entertainers like those who play musical instruments. If you want this business or just want to learn it, you should first look in to what really interests you and makes you happy. Among the mentioned forms of performing arts, perhaps one of the most fulfilling yet difficult is learning how to play an instrument though all are difficult in their own ways. Learning to play instruments like guitars and pianos are time consuming but regardless, it remains to be one of our simplest pleasures in life. The mere sound of this work of art will soothe our soul therefore bringing us to a better and tranquil place.
For music enthusiasts, they describe the feeling more explicitly in a nice and beautiful way. Learning to play a guitar especially for the Lord and worshiping purposes will be majestic. It won't hurt us to give thanks and praise the Lord every once in a while right? For sure the Lord will be delighted of this simple yet very touching worship and effort. There are many guitar lessons like worship guitar offered for kids, parents and even grandparents. These guitar lessons are available in instructional videos that cost cheap and what is great is that you can learn in the comforts of your own home.
Another musical instrument that will be great when worshiping is the Christian piano lessons. These piano lessons are effectively programmed so that you will learn it the fast and easy way. The course is comprised of several stages from stages 1 to 6 that includes 6 books, 8 instructional CDs and all text, music and pictures help strengthen Christian values for your own benefit. It is not that expensive in the first place so it is possible you can have one. The good thing is you can also learn it in the comforts of your homes.

Looking for tips on how to memorize music? Playing without sheet music is possible. Here are my own challenges and triumphs.
A group of us musicians were asked to play for an outdoor event at an amphitheater right by the ocean. The morning began with a huge downpour and we were frantically drying wet music scores with a hair dryer. Needless to say, it was quite challenging. What did I personally learn from the experience? Memorize your music! Yes, you can insert sheet music in plastic sleeves and that would be one way to succeed. However, it's fun just to go to Guitar Center and play a few memorized tunes in front of anyone who will listen.
1. So, why memorize music?
Playing without sheet music is very liberating.
Of course there's no need to memorize music if you don't want to. As a musician, I choose to memorize to avoid uncomfortable situations like music blowing off my stand when playing outdoors. Especially performing a night gig and the light bulb goes out on your music stand, surrounded by total darkness in the orchestra pit.
If you have been doing your homework during your practice sessions and you are familiar with the set of music, then you're not locked in to reading just the music notes with having to turn pages as well.
You will soon discover new ways of music flowing since you're eager to play without music.
2. Steps to help you memorize music.
If you're playing boogie blues or rock and roll, learn the various left hand patterns in the 12 bar blues form. Notice a couple of phrases and see if the second phrase answers the first.
When I'm reviewing a song, let's say it's a ballad, I first determine the keynote and play around and find the melody in that particular key.
If you're given a lead sheet, remembering chord progressions is the key to memorizing the song that is built on recalling the theory that you understand. Analyze the structure of the piece.
Now memorizing note for note is another ball game. Honestly, it can be more difficult for others than a youngster playing a memorized piece at a recital. In my opinion, the key to memorizing sheet music is through repetition. Also, try to remember if your hands are going in opposite directions or playing separately. Note tricky fingering as well.
I suggest taking small sections of music and repeatedly going over a few lines. We call this chunking and chaining. Please be patient. You may find recording or using flash cards to quiz yourself helps boost confidence in playing licks to a certain measure.
Laying down a rhythm pattern, programming drums, jamming in garage band or just using a metronome for a classical piece can keep you on track with skills to remember a song. Listening to a phrase of music indeed works the brain for short-term memory. Keep at it daily. In the beginning, I would open my music, then close it and try to play what I pictured.
3. Why these steps will help.
Practice, repetition and patience, a win-win formula, but truly there is no magic pill to take in memorizing music. Playing with other musicians for years and having that experience helps in knowing how to play certain songs well without sheet music. I'm thinking the biggest factor of all is choosing to memorize a song that you know and love will make it much easier for you to learn. You're on your way!

Music soothes the soul and is also universal in reaching out and affecting people's live in every possible way. In soothing what is inside each and every one of us, music is able to cross over boundaries and cause a positive reaction to all, regardless of differences in age, gender, and other beliefs. There have been actual stories and instances of individuals whose lives have been profoundly influenced by their sheer involvement in music.
The great thing about music is that there are so many ways by which people can enjoy and experience it. The instruments for playing music are just so many that the sheer variety is enough to make sure tat every possible taste and expectations are met. Whatever way that people want it to be played would be easily done and achieved. Most of the instruments have been around for a long time now and have been used for all kinds of musical genres.
Among those premier instruments is the piano, which have been used for playing many of the world's greatest pieces if music. Such examples include those from the most classic of musical sets up to the latest hits currently hitting the airwaves. The big difference is that there is now a modern counterpart to the traditional acoustic piano of old. This latest version is known as the digital piano and/or electronic keyboard. The digital piano is the one which best approximates the traditional piano however. It attempts to duplicate both the sound and the look of the older one.
Plenty of people are opting for the digital piano instead of the earlier version for a number of reasons. Several advantages make this quite possible. Perhaps the most meaningful and practical of those advantages is the one about the price. Digital pianos are generally more affordable. It is not true for all brands and models, but it is a distinct advantage.
Other notable advantages of the digital piano are its ability to produce other musical sounds, like that of a guitar or other string instruments, and user-friendly aspect that caters especially to beginners. Such things are definite positives for buyers who want the best value for their money. And speaking of having the best possible value, as well as getting quality products from a well known company, a couple of digital piano models are available. The pricing is particularly favorable to buyers. Both the Yamaha CLP 320 price and the Clavinova CLP 320 price are buyer friendly, and show that indeed, the digital piano is taking music to the next level.

Hundreds of second-hand pianos change hands privately every year. Only a mall number are in good playing condition. We know for buying second-hand pianos and preparing them for resale is an important part of our business. Of the many pianos offered to us we actually buy fewer than one in ten of them - and almost every one needs work on it to a greater or lesser extent
When looking for a piano it is important to remember two things.
Pianos are not all of the same quality.
Before 1914, in the boom years of piano sales, huge numbers were made in small workshops to satisfy the demand for cheap pianos. They were of poor quality when new and hundreds are still around, several generations later, in dreadful condition.
There were some excellent pianos made in the 1920's and 1930's. They are now 60,70,80, years old - nearly old age in the lifespan of a piano. If they have been well maintained during their life they can still be good instruments, but if they have been neglected or abused they will be tired, second rate pianos.
Some will be "the family heirloom" passed down through several generations, much loved but often unplayed and neglected. Such pianos may have sentimental value to their owners but their true worth, as a playing piano, may be nil.
Pianos do not last forever
A piano is made up of around 5000 parts many of which move. Although enormously strong and heavy it is very complicated and sensitive to damp, dryness, changes in temperature, wear and tear and neglect.
A good piano, well maintained, has much the same useful lifespan as a human - few are in really good shape after 80 years! Remember that the piano you buy will probably be the only one you ever buy so look for the youngest and best quality instrument you can find.
So What Should I Look For In A Second-hand Piano?
Very few people have any technical knowledge about pianos. The list below will give you an idea of some of the problems often found in second-hand pianos.
Sticking keys or hammers
This is usually the result of being in a damp atmosphere. The felt absorbs moisture, swells and movement is restricted. If only one or two notes are sticking it may be possible to ease them. If lots are sticking the action (i.e. the moving parts inside the piano) probably needs to be dismantled and rebuilt. Expensive!
Noisy keys or noise from the action
A sign of wear. A tuner may be able to make adjustments to lessen the unwanted noises but if it is badly worn a rebuild will be required.
Hard Tone
Probably the result of worn and compressed hammer felts. If they are not too badly worn they may be able to be reshaped. Really heavily worn hammers cannot be treated in this way and new hammerheads need to be fitted.
Dull, dead tone
This may be partially due to worn hammers but is more likely to indicate that the piano strings have lost their original suppleness and need replacing. This is a major undertaking and only high quality pianos can justify the cost.
The dull tone may also be the result of splits having developed in the wooden soundboard. These can be repaired but, again, it is only worth doing this to really good pianos.
Out of tune
Every piano goes out of tune as the tension in the strings changes slightly. If the entire piano is out of tune it is probably because it has not been tuned for some time. Depending upon how far it has fallen below pitch one or more tunings should put this right.
If, However, only one section of a few notes is really very badly out of tune and is clearly very much worse than the rest of the piano, this signals really problems. IT si likely that the tuning plank has lost its ability to hold the tuning pins tightly enough to keep tension on the strings. It is common on pianos made before the 1960's. They were not built to withstand the dry atmospheres created by modern central heating systems. The timber loses moisture and shrinks, the pins go slack and the piano is beyond economical repair and useless for playing purposes. Avoid at all costs.
Woodworm
More common in older pianos. They attack the timber - look for small holes and tiny heaps of wood dust. To check, the piano needs to be dismantled as far as practicable and closely examined with a torch. Look behind it and under the keyboard. Avoid anything that has or has had woodworm.
Moths and mice
Damage the felt hammers, dampers and key washers. Minor damage is not important but extensive damage is costly to put right.
Cracked frames
The strings are carried on a cast iron frame. Examine the entire frame carefully with a torch. Although cracked frames are not common, should the frame be cracked the piano is a write off.
Uneven piano keys
Kneel down until your eyes are level with the piano keys. They should be level along the whole length. If they are not they will need to be adjusted by a skilled piano tuner to make the piano easier to play.
If the keys form an arc with either a rise or a depression in the centre it is probable that the wooden frame on which the keys sit has warped. Avoid.
Pedals not working
The pedals are connected to the action by levers. If the levers are dislodged the "loud" or "soft" pedals will not work. Relatively simple to put right but best done by a piano tuner.
Casework
The condition of the casework has no bearing on whether the piano plays properly or not. The heart of the piano is inside - the casework is largely decorative. A clean attractive case can conceal a total wreck inside. Never buy a second hand piano just because the case work looks good or will match your room.
If you do find a piano which plays well but has casework in poor condition remember that although pianos can be stripped and repolished the cost is such that only pianos of really good quality can ever justify the expense.
Avoid
* Pianos with fretwork fronts - very old
* Pianos with candlesticks or candlestick marks (look carefully). They are likely to be at least 90 years old.
* Pianos with flowers and garlands inlaid. Pretty but again pre-1914.
* Pianos with heavily carved legs
* Pianos with wooden pedals with brass button ends
* Pianos advertised as "suit beginner". They are almost without exception dreadful pianos which the owner wants to get rid of and are usually totally unsuitable for any pianist.
* Pianos with wooden frames.
* Pianos stored in garages or outhouses. We've yet to come across one in decent condition after being stored in an outhouse.
* Pianos which have not been tuned or played for years.
Buy if possible
Overstrung pianos i.e. the bass and treble strings cross over each other
Pianos which were new from the 1950's on. They are best in central heating
Pianos which have been regularly tuned and maintained. Ask who the piano tuner is and check with him on the condition of the piano - he will remember it.
Extra costs
Remember that in addition to the cost of the piano you will have the expense of
Advertising
* Following up any pianos offered (mileage, time and frustration!)
* Transport, especially if stairs are involved
* Tuning once in your home
* Essential repairs recommended by the tuner
Together this generally adds up to around £200 and my be very much more if your piano needs a lot of work.
Expert Advice
The person selling the piano may genuinely be unaware of the faults in their piano (and some may well be aware but say nothing!) Before you buy privately please, please ask a reputable independent piano tuner to check the piano for you. He will charge you for this but may save you wasting money through buying a bad piano. We regret that because we may well be competing against you to purchase the piano in which you are interested we cannot be considered to be impartial and cannot provide this service.
How much should I pay?
An impossible question to answer since the value depends upon its original quality, present condition, age and how much it will cost to bring it into proper playing condition.
One word of advice though- never, ever buy a piano simply because it is cheap. Cheap pianos are cheap because they are usually worthless as playing instruments. There may be rare cases where good quality pianos are sold below their true market value but your chance of coming across this kind of bargain is about the same as winning the lottery.
Equally do not think that by paying more to a private seller that it guarantees that you are buying a good quality piano. Most piano owners have a greatly inflated idea of how much their piano is worth and ask a price which may have no relation to its age, condition or true value.
We have to repeat - before you part with money please get a report from an independent tuner.

Praised for its incredible sound by musicians and audiences alike, the Yamaha AvantGrand N3 Hybrid Piano is a groundbreaking instrument using specially developed new technology. If you've always dreamed of owning a grand piano but can't quite stretch to the expense, the Yamaha AvantGrand piano is the next best thing. It's Yamaha's flagship hybrid piano and has been widely acclaimed by professional pianists around the world.
These days, only insanely rich traditionalists invest in a full concert grand model. You can get exactly the same sound and feel, with lots of amazing extra features, from this top quality hybrid piano at a fraction of the cost. Some would even say that this particular hybrid piano is actually much better than the original instrument.
In many senses the Yamaha AvantGrand N3 takes grand pianos to the next level, improving and adding to the original design. It uses the same piano action, with hammers hitting strings, to re-create the unforgettable sound of a Yamaha concert grand. The spatial acoustic speaker system is designed to enhance the sound of natural reverberation that you get from a grand piano. This incredible piano also uses samples of sound from the soundboard of an original Yamaha concert grand to make sure every note is utterly convincing.
Just look what it can do: with a maximum 256 note polyphony you can build up a superb wall of sound on the Yamaha hybrid piano, and this also makes the transition between notes very smooth. You can choose between three different sounds - grand piano, piano or harpsichord - which is like having three different instruments in one. The Yamaha hybrid piano also has a built-in metronome, tempo and fine tuning, plus headphones and a USB connection. You don't get any of that with an old-fashioned grand piano.
The innovative Tactile Response System lets you feel the vibrations of the strings through the keys as you play. As well as all this, the Yamaha AvantGrand has three pedals to modify each note, just as you would normally. The damper pedal has a half-pedal effect, and the sostenuto and soft pedals have been developed to give as realistic an effect as you can get. The amplification is so powerful you'll be blown away - the 16 speakers are fed by 16 individual amps. There are even 10 pre-programmed songs to choose from.
This hybrid piano really looks the part too with its traditional baby grand body, in polished ebony, and the matching stool that comes with it. It's easy to imagine yourself playing to a huge audience, hanging off your every note in a packed concert hall. Best of all, with a Yamaha hybrid piano your brilliant concert performance doesn't have to disturb the neighbours as you can have the sound turned up high but keep the headphones plugged in.

To begin your piano tuner search, get recommendations from the following:

• Universities and music schools/academies
• Dealers that sell top quality pianos up to concert range. Ask for the concert piano tuner - their top technician.
• Local churches that have a vibrant music program. Just a few minutes talking with the music director/organist should give an idea of how they look after the piano.
• If you've got a local orchestra call them and find out who they use. Or call your nearest college/school and see who tunes all their pianos.
• People who've actually had good experiences with tuners. In particular, a personal recommendation from a skilled pianist that owns a fine piano is a great help.
• Your local music shop. Give them a call or visit them to ask them if they can recommend a good piano tuner. They may have someone they regularly recommend or have business cards of various tuners.
• The piano teacher of your friends or those you know learning the piano
• If you purchased your piano second-hand, ask the person you bought from who had been tuning the piano.
• Piano tuner associations. Call and ask if your tuner is a member or alternatively, get names of members there. To become a part of an association/guild, a technician or tuner must pass a series of thorough examinations. If they need help passing these tests, they must take classes until the knowledge is obtained to pass. Therefore, you can be sure that a member of this association/guild has sufficient knowledge to get the job done properly.

Visit the websites of the piano tuners you are interested in using. The sites may give you information on how long an individual tuner has been in business and his credentials. If the tuner does not have a website, call and ask these questions.
When you get in touch with a tuner, ask them for references of previous customers or check for this information on the website. If some of the tuner's customers are churches or schools, you can call for a reference. Remember a high price doesn't always mean high quality. Evaluate piano tuners to get the best tuner for the best price and don't forget that just because a tuner is expensive it doesn't make them a good or qualified technician.
When you call to schedule a potential appointment, get them to spend a few moments telling a little about themselves regarding their experience and training. During this portion of the conversation try to get a feel for the way they feel about their job, their philosophy on customer service, etc.
Find a tuner who cares as much about your piano as you do and loves the instrument either playing or listening. Disregard "talk" and look for demonstration. Do they not only tune a piano, but also know the instrument like "the back of their hand", to the point they can competently do major and minor repairs? Ask some "basic" piano questions, knowing the answer and evaluate their response.
Ultimately, you might need to give a tuner a paid "trial" run. If you don't like what he or she does, move on in your search. Finally, tune the piano regularly to keep up the pitch.

Ever wondered what the difference between a major and minor chords is? Of course you should know that major chord sounds happy and a minor chord sounds sad. But, there is more to it than that. Take a minute and learn about the method to creating a minor chord.
In music there is a system of organization called musical keys. These keys are defined by intervals in order from smallest to largest:
unison = the same note or c
minor 2nd = c#
major 2nd = d
minor 3rd = d#
major 3rd = e
perfect 4th = f
tri-tone = f#
perfect 5th = g
minor 6th =g#
major 6th = a
minor 7th = a#
major 7th = b
octave = c
Major and Minor Chords
Major and minor are words used to describe the quality of a triad or series of two thirds. Major chords have a a major third above the root of the chord, and a perfect 5th above the root. But, the distance between the major third and perfect fifth is a minor third, therefore creating a series of two thirds. The minor chord has a minor third above the root, with a perfect fifth as well. however, the creates a major third between the minor third and perfect fifth, once again creating a series of two 3rds.
Take a C major chord for example: start with c as a root, then go a major third up, or e. Then from the e fo up a minor third or g. This creates a major chord.
Now take c minor: Start on c, go up a minor third, or e-flat. Then go up a major third or g. This is a minor third.