The Piano F.A.Q.
Finding the right instrument for a beginning player is not as difficult a task as it may seem. Though it’s true that Gist Piano Center offers a number of options from portable keyboards in the 100 dollar range to art-case Steinway grand pianos in the 200,000 dollar range, it is equally true that each of our team members is uniquely trained to help you find the right instrument – and the right plan – for you.
…but, if you’re like most first-time shoppers, you probably want to know a little bit more about pianos in general before you begin speaking to a professional. Thus, here is a brief F.A.Q. (a list of Frequently Asked Questions) to help get you started:
- Can I start lessons on a keyboard?
- What kind of keyboard is best?
- What should my keyboard have on it?
- How can I tell if my instrument has “full-sized” keys?
- What does “weighted key” mean?
- What is a sustain pedal?
- What about a digital piano?
- How much do digital pianos cost?
- Which is better, a digital piano or a used piano?
- How much do new pianos cost?
- Do you rent pianos?
A. The simple answer is yes. During the first couple of months of lessons, you can begin learning basic notes and the layout of the keyboard. You can even use it with computer software to learn music symbols, musical organization, and timing. However, while you can learn notes and rhythms on a keyboard, you will not be able to develop the proper musculature to play a piano. You will also lack the necessary control over loud and soft sounds that pianists call “Proper Technique.” Ideally, you should start on a piano or digital piano with a gravity hammer action. Most students who begin on keyboards get frustrated and quit within the first year of piano study.
A. The two main producers of portable keyboards are Casio and Yamaha. Based on years of experience with both, Gist recommends the Yamaha brand. Yamaha has a better piano sound, exciting “Yamaha Education Suite” features, and a better service record.
A. Portable keyboards come in three basic sizes: 61 Note, 76 Note, and 88 Note. If you want the most realistic playing experience, you should find an 88-Note keyboard (pianos have 88 keys) with full-sized piano keys, a weighted key action, and a sustain pedal. 76 Note keyboards and smaller are ideal for travel fun or computer hookups. Most portable keyboards will come with at least 100 different instrument sounds and some drum rhythm options. These can be fun for the kids but will most likely not play a big role in their first year of lessons.
A. The quickest way to tell if your keyboard, piano, or digital piano has “full-sized” keys is to do the “Dollar Bill Test.” Simply remove a dollar bill from your wallet and lay it down on one of the white keys (lengthwise – parallel to the key). The key should run from one end of the dollar bill (the end pressed against the felt at the hilt of the key) to the end of the ink on the other end of the dollar bill.
A. A weighted key action is designed to provide more resistance than the standard “organ touch” portable keyboards. Keyboards with weighted keys more closely simulate the gravity hammer action of a grand piano and, thus, are better to learn on. New developments in digital piano technology have produced a gravity hammer action that is even more similar to a grand piano's touch. These are the ultimate choice for digital piano buyers.
A. Sometimes called the “damper pedal,” the sustain pedal is the first pedal on the right of a piano or digital piano (and, sometimes, the only pedal on a keyboard). When depressed, a piano's sustain pedal lifts the dampers off the strings so they continue to ring (Electronic instruments simulate this effect with varying levels of accuracy depending on the manufacturer and model). Typically, students begin using this pedal in lessons within the first year of study.
A. A digital piano (sometimes referred to as a “Clavinova”) is an acceptable choice for beginning lessons. Most digital pianos feature 88 full-sized “weighted key” actions, with authentic piano sounds and a sustain pedal. Some even include recording options, additional instruments, and onboard learning software. Digital pianos are popular because they allow students to record themselves, hook to their computers, play using headphones, or create their own music. …and, since they never need tuning, they are great for apartments, houses with little or no climate control, and school labs.
A. Digital pianos range in price from about $600 to $30,000. Most first-time buyers will select a digital piano in the $1500 - $3000 range. Then, as the player becomes more involved with the digital features, many will take advantage of Gist Piano Center’s 1 year FULL TRADE option on keyboards and digital pianos – allowing the instrument to grow with the students.
A. That depends on the quality of a used piano and on the interests of the player. Good quality used pianos that are properly tuned and adjusted are superb first-time instruments. They hold their value for trade-up and they provide a furniture aesthetic for the home. Digital pianos offer more variety, headphones, and a reduced maintenance fee (since they don’t require tuning). Thus, if a player prefers the sound and touch of an acoustic piano, a good used piano will be ideal. If he or she wants to play with different instruments, record, or listen through headphones, a digital piano might be the best option. As with any instrument, the most important thing here is to find the right tool to keep the player interested. The choice is often highly individual.
A. Pianos range in price as vastly as do cars or kitchen appliances. There are a number of poor quality new pianos today that are very inexpensive. However, on average, a good quality “starter piano” should cost around $3000. Then, based on size, color, sound, and style preferences, your new piano could range between $3000 and $90,000. (A huge majority of first-time buyers select an upright piano between the $3000 and $6000 range. Most first-time grand piano buyers select an instrument in the $10,000 - $20,000 range.) Again, it is important before making an investment in a new instrument that the player work closely with a professional piano consultant to determine what his or her needs and preferences are. It is important to select the best instrument that will keep the player interested and fulfilled.
A. After taking a close look at piano rental programs across the United States, Gist decided instead to offer a rent-to-own program. You select the piano you would like to rent, put 10% down and spread the payments out over two years. Payments start at $50/mo and at the end of your rental period, you own the piano! With Gist's SpreadPay program, we can help you spend less and get more without locking you into an inflexible lease.
For more information on pianos, digital pianos, keyboards or modern player systems, please don't hesitate to contact us. Highly trained on dozens of different brands, shapes, sizes, colors, and price points, the Gist Piano Center Service Team is uniquely-positioned to help you find the piano of your dreams. None of our staff is on commission, so you can rest assured that we’ll get you the best piano – and the best price – for you. Your visit with any of these incredible people will be full of good information, warm recommendations, and friendly support as we guide you through your selection process. There is nothing like talking to an expert – especially when that expert loves music as much as we do. Talk to us! You’ll make a good buying decision and a life-long friend.
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