What is a piano, really? Is it a fine piece of handcrafted furniture with a marvelous musical instrument inside? Or is it a highly sophisticated mechanical marvel that creates some of the finest musical tones known to man packaged in fine furniture? It is actually both.  

As you enter into the piano market either as a first time buyer or as a piano owner ready to upgrade, there are a few important things you should know as you prepare to make an informed decision. Some basic knowledge about piano design, construction, the manufacturer's reputation, post-purchase support, and clear personal purchase goals will help clarify your decision and make this investment in your piano one that will please you and your family for decades to come.  

With proper selection, care, environment and handing, a quality piano will last through three or more generations of enjoyment. Your piano purchase should be approached with the knowledge that it will create a legacy because it just may be in the family for 100 years! Below are some things to consider when buying a piano: 

• Piano Design: To make an investment in a piano, a buyer must see clear value reflected in its design. A piano is much more than wood, wire, steel, glue and a little rubber and plastic quickly assembled together. Achieving the finest sound, ideal response, quality appearance, product consistency, and many years of enjoyment by the user is no easy task. Demanding buyers should expect today's piano manufacturer to research, identify, select, and properly prepare the finest materials from around the world. The ideal piano is an idyllic hybrid instrument at an affordable price.  
• Piano Construction: Try to assure that your piano is built using the finest methods of piano building and production. Experts will tell you the best source of high quality pianos is a company having the benefit of many years experience, blending old-world craftsmanship with advanced manufacturing technology and techniques. Your piano supplier should be candid about how it utilizes and improves on the best known techniques, processes, materials and components from around the world to create its final product.  
• The Manufacturer's Reputation: The reputation and responsiveness of a piano supplier must be world class. The quality and desirability of any piano line can often be gauged by those who endorse it and the strength with which the manufacturer stands behind the product. Some of the finest players in the world select a particular brand or piano because it reflects the quality, sound and reputation they wish to present to their audience. And, reputable technicians know which pianos are designed, built and supported properly. This is reflected in the instrument's tuning stability, the responsiveness and quietness of its action, the consistency and precision of its components, and the post-purchase support experiences of current owners.  
• The Piano's Sound and Feel: The search for a piano can be an arduous one, but when you find the right piano for you, it is something you will know at once. When you bring it home, your piano will create a "playing pleasure continuum" in that the more you enjoy the look, the sound, and the action of your piano, the more you will play it. And, the more you play it, the more you will enjoy your new piano!  
• Your Personal Goals: Before entering the piano showroom, you should have a pretty clear picture of the role your new piano play in your life. Yet you should be flexible enough to consider the long-term benefits that purchasing a quality instrument will bring. Like any other purchase, the final selection of your piano ultimately depends on your intended use of the instrument and your expectations as an owner. This includes such factors as the degree of playing proficiency, the amount of space available, your furniture style preference, your budget and financing goals, and perhaps other goals that will factor into your decision.  

• Protect your piano finish and appearance: The keyboard cover should remain closed when not in use. Piano keys should be kept clean by using a soft, damp (using water) cloth. Avoid abrasive compounds on the keys and finish. Protect your piano's finish by using soft padding under any object placed on the instrument. Always avoid placing cups or glasses of liquids on the instrument to prevent rings in the finish and the danger of spillage into the mechanism. Follow the guidelines set forth in the manufacturer's manual  regarding polish or other agents to be used on your piano finish.  A soft, lightly damp cloth (using water) is often the best way to clean your piano.                     Back to Top 
• Placement of your piano: Direct sunlight and wide temperature and humidity swings should be avoided. Always locate your instrument in such a way as to minimize the above conditions. Tuning can be greatly affected by environmental conditions. Optimum environment is 70F and 40% humidity. If you must store your piano, use a professional facility capable of maintaining ideal conditions.  
• Repairs and Moving: All repairs should be done by competent, experienced technicians. Your piano dealer can supply you with a list of such professionals for your geographic area. When moving your instrument, either from room to room or over a long distance, employ an experienced piano mover. Extensive damage can be caused by a piano move improperly done.  

Your piano loves to be played: More harm can come to a piano that is neglected than one that is played often. You will maximize your investment if you and other members of your family play your piano regularly.                                     Back to Top

• Tuning (pitch): One of the most frequently asked questions of new piano owners is “How often should I tune my piano?” For a variety of reasons the answer is not that simple. A piano can go out of tune for a variety reasons: frequent or vigorous play, subjecting the piano to environmental extremes and moving the instrument are the most common. Additionally, the frequency of tuning for brand new and very old pianos is higher than normal. Your new piano should be first tuned within 30 days after it arrives in its final location. Once a piano is acclimated to its environment and gets past its “new” phase in a year or so, you can expect to have it tuned one-to-two times per year depending on conditions and use. Avoid going more than two years between tunings to prevent the tuning pins from freezing and to assure that a technician has the opportunity to spot a minor problem before it becomes a major one.                                              Back to Top 
• Voicing (tone): Each time a hammer strikes a string, its felt is compressed ever so slightly. With regular playing, over time the hammer felts become more and more compressed, causing the tone of your piano to change. A technician would adjusts the hammer to achieve the normal tone through the voicing process. Proper voicing assures that the tonal quality is consistent throughout the entire scale, and should be performed on an as-needed basis.  
• Action Regulation (touch): The “action” is the complicated, fragile section of your piano that swings the hammer to hit a string when a key is depressed. At the factory, the action is adjusted to tolerances that may measure the thickness of a single hair. When these tolerances are out of adjustment for some reason, the piano may not play exactly as expected. A technician will adjust the action regulation to assure proper operation and prevent unnecessary wear and is performed on an as-needed basis.