Piano Player Lines
Story & Clark, Hallet & Davis
New Pianos
Story & Clark, Hallet & Davis, Hardman, Schulze Pollmann
Digital Pianos
Galileo, Adagio
Used Piano Lines
Steinway & Sons, Petrof, Baldwin, Chickering, Knabe,
Yamaha, Kawai, Wurlitzer, Kimball
Buying a Piano
Magic Age of Learning
Let us consider the study of music as an element of education and look at some of those facts, which establish its real value as a pursuit for any person, but particularly for children of the so-called "magic age of learning." Our responsibility is to teach children to think. If we fail in that, we have failed in our attempt to educate them. Indisputable facts prove to us that music study is truly, as Dr. Charles W. Elliott said, "The best mind trainer on the list." A survey by Dr. Hobart H. Sommers, formerly of the Chicago Board of Education, revealed that 196 colleges out of 200 throughout the United States state that, without question the music students were the leaders in their classes in other studies. The same report states that 90% of the honor students in the elementary grades were music students. Philander P. Claxton, former Commissioner of Education of the United States, said, "After reading writing and arithmetic, music has more practical value than any other subject taught in schools." Another Commissioner of Education of the United States, John J. Tigert, declared, "Education in music has the effect of training the memory, quickening perception, stimulating the imagination and encouraging concentration. That it makes for mental discipline has been proved over and over again by the fact that music students are nearly always found at the head of their class in other subjects.
These statements by men in high places have been proved over and over again, by survey after survey. At Oxford University, for example, it was found that 10% of the student body who were music students won 75% of all of the prizes and scholarships. This survey, incidentally, covered a period of thirty successive years.
What Music Will Do for the Children
Dr. Otto Meissner, a famous musical educator, put it well when he said, "We are not so concerned with what the children will do with music, as we are with what music will do for the children. The child who has found fun in making music will not make mischief."
To sum up, the pursuit of musical training will endow us and our children with a unique ability to think more clearly, to separate sense from nonsense and to cope more realistically with the world we live in. We should not deny ourselves this advantage. Actually, piano lessons are a "natural" for anyone of any age. Many famous people in other fields also excelled in music...Albert Schweitzer, Albert Einstein, Harry S. Truman, Abe Fortas, Joe Louis. The list is endless. No other instrument can afford such a broad introduction to the understanding and appreciation of music.
The Piano
One of the most exciting and memorable transactions you will make in your lifetime is the purchase of a piano! This remarkable instrument will open up a whole new world for you and your family. In your search for the "perfect piano" for your family, bear this in mind: you will get three things in a piano, regardless of what kind you buy, how much or how little you pay for it, how new or how old it is or what the brand name is, you will get a piece of furniture, a musical instrument, and an investment. Each of these things is important to you. You will be looking at, listening to and depending on this instrument to "pay you dividends" for a long time. It is not at all unusual for us piano people to see pianos in homes that have been in use for 50, 60, 70 years, and even longer. So, buy the best piano you can afford. Don't economize or compromise because you "don't know how little Johnnie is going to do." Who does know in advance?
The Furniture
If you spend enough, you can purchase a piano that has quality features built into the cabinet, such as solid wood core panels or cross-grained laminated panels, covered with good quality matched hardwood veneers. Lesser quality pianos use composition board (particle board) under the veneers. Some have printed grain finishes that are done so expertly that it's hard to tell from real hardwood veneers. Some very well known pianos are built this way. Incidentally, all pianos use veneers, outer surfaces glued to an under wood core. The veneers come in many kinds of wood, mahogany, walnut, cherry, pecan, oak, elm, and teakwood and are finished in many shades, also colors such as ebony or white.
After the creation of the design, the "know-how" must be available to put the piano together properly. Then a finish must be applied which will last and last and last. In the old days, pianos were finished in varnish which eventually cracked, crazed and turned black.
The Sound
The crown is approximately 1/4" thick and is curved, concaved, crowned or arched like a saucer. This crown is necessary and must remain in the piano if the tone is to remain as it was intended to be. Some manufacturers give long-term guarantees that the crown will stay in their soundboards. One in particular, gives a lifetime full warranty on its soundboard. The most desirable soundboard is made of spruce, the most resonant wood found yet. It is also an advantage, tone-wise, to have spruce posts in the back since they too, will vibrate and become a resonant part of the piano. Your choice of a piano shouldn't be only what looks good to you, but also what sounds good to you, with an ear to sound which is built to last for years.
The piano action or mechanism is important too. Although a rather complicated thing, consisting of some 10,000 parts, it is also very stable. Differences in the "touch" of the piano most usually have to do with the way the action has been regulated or adjusted. In a quality piano, many regulations can be made to change the touch or feel of the keys.
The Investment
By now, you have probably decided that a quality piano is a good investment. True, however, there are other factors involved. The dealer from whom you buy your piano has a great deal to do with whether your investment is good, better or best. A reputable, knowledgeable, honest dealer is not likely to offer you an inferior piano. It is important that you are able to purchase the piano of your choice at a fair price, and since some makes are simply overpriced, you may end up paying more than you should for such a piano. Who will help you? Where can you turn for advice? Unfortunately, you can't get much help from a music teacher, a professional pianist, a friend or a relative. Your best source of help would be someone who understands how a piano is constructed. This means a piano technician, not necessarily a tuner. Many tuners are not technicians. Or a piano sales person who has had technical training, such as trips to piano factories. Someone who has access to the information that would be helpful to you, someone who is associated with a piano technology-oriented type of business is more apt to be helpful that just another sales person.
Incidentally, a new piano is always your best buy. If you divide the years of life expectancy of a new piano into its cost, you will find that it will cost you much less per year than the used piano one might buy as a "starter."
In the final analysis, the value of your investment comes from acquiring a good piano at a fair price. Protect your investment. See to it that it is used. See to it that you play, or your spouse, or your children play. Just as a concert artist can entertain a large audience, you, or a member of your family can offer wholesome entertainment and fun to a smaller audience, the kind of entertainment and fun that keeps a family and friend in the home, playing together. Let music you make sound throughout your home. Those who play will find life fuller in other aspects. This is an immeasurable return on your investment.
PIANO & ORGAN PLAYER NOW AVAILABLE
Deborah Newton has 25 years of experience playing for Weddings, Churches & Christmas parties.
Call Jill for more information at 757-831-7828
Used and Rebuilt Pianos
Newton Piano carries all makes, subject to availability, including Steinway, Baldwin and Yamaha, Young Chang & Samick.
Rebuilding, Refinishing and Restoration
Complete rebuilding, refinishing and restoration services are available by Joe Newton. Free estimates in the Tidewater area of Virginia. Contact Joe directly at 757-615-9277.
Piano Tuning
With over 30 years experience, you can trust our piano tuning services, available in Tidewater.
Piano Rental
Newton Piano inventories a good selection of used pianos for rent, with an option to buy. Rates start at $30/month. Rent by the day, the week, the month or forever. Contact us for a quote.
Player Piano Systems
Our technicians are factory trained and certified. We can install Player Piano Systems by QRS, in virtually any piano.
Piano Lessons
Private piano lessons are given on location. Beginners and advanced students alike can develop and improve their skills.
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