Piano Guidance
Photo by Charles Parker Pexels Logo Photo: Charles Parker

How much does it cost to tune my piano?

Typically, most piano tuners charge by the hour, but $100 to $200 every 6-12 months is much cheaper than having the piano restrung. This process can sometimes cost nearly as much as a piano itself. Regular tuning will also ensure that the instrument sounds its best and that people can successfully play it.

What is the rarest synesthesia?
What is the rarest synesthesia?

Lexical–gustatory synesthesia It is estimated that 0.2% of the synesthesia population has this form of synesthesia, making it the rarest form.

Read More »
Was Einstein left or right brained?
Was Einstein left or right brained?

Among the famous people in history it is reasonable to assume that Rabindranath Tagore was a right brainer, Albert Einstein was a leftie while...

Read More »

Before the invention of the radio and television, pianos were the center of entertainment in many American living rooms. Families and friends would gather around the instrument, taking turns playing the keys and singing tunes. Today pianos remain an instrument at the center of many households and bring their owners delight and entertainment through the music that they produce. Aside from the beautiful melodies, pianos are an elegant piece of decor that elevates any living space. Some companies have even made a name for themselves by renting out pianos solely for staging purposes for people selling homes! Pianos, especially grand and baby grand, command the attention of any room. But before you head down to your local music store to make your piano purchase, take a look at this handy guide. Hopefully, it will answer some of the most common piano ownership questions.

What Type of Piano Is Right for My Home?

When you think of owning a piano, your mind might automatically conjure images of a large grand piano sitting in the middle of your living room. While this is certainly a possibility, it’s not your only option. Pianos come in a variety of shapes and sizes and make great additions to even smaller areas. The most common types of pianos are: Grand and Baby Grand . These two styles are what most people think of when they think of a piano. Grands are easily the largest of the various styles. A horizontal soundboard and strings characterize their construction. . These two styles are what most people think of when they think of a piano. Grands are easily the largest of the various styles. A horizontal soundboard and strings characterize their construction. Upright Piano . These pianos are closest to offering the grand piano sound without taking up nearly as much space. These are apart of the vertical piano family, so they are not as wide as grands, but stand around 48 to 52 inches tall. . These pianos are closest to offering the grand piano sound without taking up nearly as much space. These are apart of the vertical piano family, so they are not as wide as grands, but stand around 48 to 52 inches tall. Spinet . Though this is the smallest type of acoustic piano at less than 40 inches tall, it is often the most difficult and expensive to repair due to their size and configuration. Spinets are no longer in production, but you can find used ones on the market. . Though this is the smallest type of acoustic piano at less than 40 inches tall, it is often the most difficult and expensive to repair due to their size and configuration. Spinets are no longer in production, but you can find used ones on the market. Console Piano. Console pianos are the next size up from a spinet. Usually standing between 40 and 44 inches tall, these pianos are known for their furniture value.

What is the saddest love song of all time?
What is the saddest love song of all time?

1. “ Beloved Wife” by Natalie Merchant (1995) ... “Sandcastles” by Beyoncé (2016) ... “Linger” by The Cranberries (1993) ... “No More 'I Love...

Read More »
How good a piano player was Freddie Mercury?
How good a piano player was Freddie Mercury?

Although he played the piano often, Freddie Mercury was not a particularly superior pianist. Still, he was able to captivate the audience with his...

Read More »

Console pianos are the next size up from a spinet. Usually standing between 40 and 44 inches tall, these pianos are known for their furniture value. Digital Piano. Digital pianos differ from acoustic ones because they don’t have physical parts like strings or hammers. They produce sounds electronically, giving users control over volume, customizable sounds, and more. This type of piano does not need to be tuned.

Costs of Pianos

The price of a piano can vary greatly and depends on the type and the piano manufacturer. Grand pianos are by far the most expensive on the market. The largest concert grands can cost around $210,000! Of course, you probably wouldn’t be playing a concert grand in your home, but parlor and baby grand pianos will still cost a pretty penny. Six- to seven-foot grand pianos can cost anywhere between $39,000 to $142,000 for a top of the line Steinway. As for baby grands, expect to pay between $22,000-$35,000 for a brand like Baldwin or around $34,000 for an entry-level Yamaha. Uprights are more affordable than grands, typically starting at $4,400 for name-brand Yamahas and $9,000 for entry-level Baldwins. If you want to own a coveted Steinway, their uprights begin at around $32,300. Unless you have the right equipment and people to help move a piano to your home, you’ll also need to factor in shipping and delivery fees. These will, of course, affect your total price.

Buying a Used Piano

Purchasing a used piano may be a good option if you aren’t looking to commit to a full-priced brand new one just yet. However, keep in mind that pianos depreciate slowly. Many people sell their pianos at more-or-less the purchase price. If you’re in the market, it may take a while for you to find the kind of deal you want.

How Much Does It Cost to Maintain a Piano?

The cost of owning a piano doesn’t end after the initial purchase. The instrument requires regular maintenance to keep it sounding and looking good. With proper care, pianos can last decades and are often passed down through generations. Left alone, though, and a neglected piano can become little more than an expensive centerpiece.

Piano Tuning Costs

Did Evh play out of tune?
Did Evh play out of tune?

After the solo in which Van Halen slammed the guitar into the stage and knocked it out of tune, he reportedly retuned a little bit to sound...

Read More »
Which singer has the highest note in the world?
Which singer has the highest note in the world?

But it's Mariah Carey who takes the prize for the largest vocal range of all. She can reach a low F2 and hit an unbelievable G7, a note that...

Read More »

The task you’ll have to have done most frequently is a tuning. Over time, the strings inside a piano stretch, causing them to change in pitch and frequency. Regular tuning is essential for the health of your piano and is cheaper in the long run. Pianos that go untuned are more susceptible to damage and are harder to get back into shape. Strings can deteriorate if not properly taken care of, and the only solution then is to restring the instrument. Typically, most piano tuners charge by the hour, but $100 to $200 every 6-12 months is much cheaper than having the piano restrung. This process can sometimes cost nearly as much as a piano itself. Regular tuning will also ensure that the instrument sounds its best and that people can successfully play it. An out of tune piano can be more challenging to play since the sounds of each key aren’t what they should be.

Other Maintenance Costs

Sometimes a maintenance visit will require more than the average tuning. Over time, strings can wear out, tuning pins can loosen, and soundboards can get damaged. Technicians can repair these to get your piano back in working order, but it’ll add more to the bill.

Can You Safely Transport a Piano When Moving?

Pianos are large, heavy, and relatively fragile— three qualities that make moving them to a new location difficult. However, it can be done with a few strong extra hands, a few moving supplies, and some preparation and measuring beforehand. There are also specialized moving companies out there that work only in piano transport. If you don’t have the manpower, trailer space, or confidence to undertake the task, hiring a professional is a reliable option.

Conclusion

Becoming a piano owner is a rewarding experience. They’re beautifully crafted instruments that bring people the gift of music and will be enjoyed for years to come by all that come into your home. Because of this, pianos of all types can be a worthwhile investment for you and your home!

Can you tune a piano after 30 years?
Can you tune a piano after 30 years?

Yes, any piano can be tuned after years of no use, as long as it is working condition. Keep in mind, however, that a severely out-of-tune piano...

Read More »
When did piano keys stop using ivory?
When did piano keys stop using ivory?

In 1990, a global treaty was signed, banning trade in all kinds of rhino or elephant ivory. Pianos with ivory keys are no longer manufactured, but...

Read More »
What should I do in piano practice?
What should I do in piano practice?

Eight Great Tips for Practicing Piano Set aside at least 20 minutes each day to practice. ... Don't forget to warm up. ... Don't try to take on too...

Read More »
What is the most satisfying instrument to play?
What is the most satisfying instrument to play?

Violin – The Technician While the violin has the steepest learning curve, it is also one of the most rewarding instruments, as it is capable of...

Read More »