How to choose an upright piano?
How to choose an upright piano?
Your child wants to start piano lessons? You were a pianist and you would like to go back to it? You are a beginner in piano and are starting lessons at the Conservatory? You want to change your piano for a bigger one, for a new piano? Are you looking for a second-hand piano in Switzerland? An acoustic piano in French-speaking Switzerland? A Bösendorfer piano in Switzerland?
Choosing a piano can sometimes be complicated. We will try to guide you to make the right choice when buying or renting your piano. If you are already convinced, discover our virtual showroom of upright pianos.
Introduction
The piano is a stringed instrument struck by hammers operated from the keyboard. It is often said that the harpsichord is the ancestor of the piano, but this is not true, the harpsichord is a plucked string instrument. The power of the sound depends on the length of the strings but also and mainly on the quality of the soundboard. There can be up to 30 tons of tension on the piano frame.
The quality and depth of sound, the timbre of the piano and the finesse of the touch of a piano depend on the quality of manufacture of its soundboard, hammers and action. Smaller pianos, used by beginners, are often called student pianos.
Advantages of an upright piano
An acoustic upright piano has a warmer sound, a more pleasant and precise touch, a richer sound and greater playing possibilities than a digital piano. The digital piano tries to imitate an acoustic piano as closely as possible. The digital piano has other advantages but will never replace a good upright piano in terms of pure acoustics.
The piano also has an aesthetic aspect. Many shapes and finishes exist. From the most classic style to the most contemporary and modern. There are pianos in black, white, mahogany, walnut, cherry, alder, beech and many other beautiful woods.
Piano size and dimensions?
The size of your piano influences the touch and volume of sound. The height of the instrument determines the size of the action. It is important to mention that the key leverage ratios are better on larger pianos. Some pianos even have a spring system that gives the double escapement feel of grand pianos.
The quality of the materials used greatly influences the sound and resonance. For a similar price, it is therefore much more sensible to choose a small piano of good workmanship than a grand piano whose only advantage would be the price and the shine of the cabinet. The soundboard, made of spruce, as well as its ribs and belt, will be the "loudspeaker" of the piano. The sound of the piano will be completely influenced by these elements and will allow to go through all the piano registers if they are of good quality.
From a certain quality of instrument, the different brands have a typical sound identity, a specific timbre. Some manufacturers make pianos with a jazz or classical sound for others, for example.
Depending on its range, a piano will follow you for a few decades or for several generations.
The higher the quality of the piano, the finer the playing and the cleaner the sound.
How much does an acoustic piano cost?
The price of an upright piano is generally higher than an electronic piano. The budget for the purchase of a new entry-level upright piano is generally 4000 francs. To acquire a second-hand upright piano (depending on its general condition), you should count between 2500 and 3000 francs.
Some additional accessories for playing the piano are also sometimes necessary; piano seat, bench, lamp, metronome, piano score.
Prices vary according to brand and range. The main brands are Bösendorfer, Bechstein, Steinway, Yamaha, Kawai and Petrof.
Maintaining a piano
The piano is a musical instrument made from quality materials. In order to keep it in good condition and playable to 100% of its potential, regular maintenance is necessary. We strongly recommend that you have your piano tuned at least once a year. In this way, the tuner can, in addition to the tuning, detect the slightest irregularity and treat it before it becomes more serious. In this way, the perfect sound quality of your piano and its excellent condition are guaranteed for many years.
A piano test?
Whether you are a virtuoso or just starting to learn this beautiful instrument, we are happy to welcome you to our music shop to find the piano you are looking for.
From beginners to professionals, we will take care of your future piano.
Our little extras
We offer piano hire and sale, concert piano hire, piano transport, instrument hire and silent piano installation. We also deliver throughout Switzerland.
Are you looking for an alternative? Discover in our second article how to choose your grand piano.
