Menu

Sunny R

About Sunny R

Posts by Sunny Reuter:

A room with a piano and baby grand piano.

Baby Grands Vs Grand Pianos

0


Baby Grands Vs Grand Pianos

The major classifications of pianos is pretty simple. There are two types:  Grand pianos (which sit on three legs, horizontally) and Upright pianos (which are built vertically and usually sit against a wall.

The confusion usually starts when people talk about baby grands.   Are they talking about grand pianos? Or is a baby grand a totally different instrument?  If so, why are they different? 

Is It Just A Matter Of Size?

I think the old cliché that a picture is worth a thousand words is true here as well:

Baby Grands Vs Grand Pianos

The answer is yes and no. You can see above that size is a major difference, but it is not the only difference. A baby grand (on the right) is usually 5’ to 5’7” long – from the keyboard to the tail. Baby grand is just one of the names people use when talking about grand pianos. There is also the petite baby grand or petite grand which is from 4’7” up to 5”. Both are very popular.

Hailun Baby Grand Piano
Hailun Baby Grand Piano

But there are other categories of Grand Pianos, and their lengths roughly determine their names. Keep in mind that most of these so called categories bear names that are not carved in stone with the exception of the concert grand category. Let’s go back to the photo of the 2 pianos we started with, the one on the left is a 9’2” concert grand.

  • Concert grands run from 8’11” and above
  • Semi-Concert Grands are generally 7’4” to 8’10”
  • Parlor Grands are generally 6’8’
  • Drawing Room Grands are generally 6’4”
  • Professional Grands are generally 6’
  • Living Room Grands are generally 5’10”
  • Medium Grands are generally 5’7” to 5’9”
  • Baby Grands are generally 4’10’ to 5’6”
  • Petite Grands are less than 4’10”

You might note that the width of these grand pianos is basically the same for all categories no matter their length. Five feet give or take is the normal width and 88-keys is a standard keyboard. Some piano builders make minor changes to the width and number of keys, but not many.
But length is not the only difference. Each category of grand piano is somewhat different from the others in performance capacity.

Why Is The Performance Capacity Different?

The soundboard and strings of a grand piano are positioned inside the piano case. As a key is depressed, a hammer strikes the string from below producing sound that resonates off the soundboard. The size of the soundboard, the crown, and the materials it’s made of plus the length of the strings, their quality and how the piano is strung, can influence the tonal quality of the piano. Generally though, the larger the soundboard and longer the strings the greater the volume and tonal quality and variety.
As you can see by the names of the classifications, pianos are designed for different purposes. The job of a concert grand is to cut through the orchestra (unless it’s a piano solo) to reach the balcony and back rows of huge concert halls. That much sound in an average sized living room would be downright painful. So one normally only sees concert grands in churches, concert halls and grand rooms in grand homes. A semi concert grand would serve smaller venues well etc. down the line. It really comes down to just stopping to take a few minutes to think about how the piano will be used and how much room have you allocated for a piano.

Baby Grands Vs Grand Pianos

And if all of this isn’t confusing enough, there are even greater differences between grand pianos and vertical or upright pianos. But that’s another article on it’s own!!

Sauter Rondo Upright Piano
Sauter Rondo Upright Piano

In closing, when it comes to pianos, there is much to know. A handmade piano can be almost as unique as a human being. No two high-end pianos will sound alike or feel alike. Each will have its own personality or tonal colors. The differences tend to blur in less expensive, mass produced pianos where most manufacturers aim for consistency rather than individual colorations. Visit our blog where you’ll find a wealth of piano articles and information.

About Euro Pianos Naples

Euro Pianos Naples specializes in luxury pianos.The company’s origin dates back to 1965. Euro Pianos represents world renowned European brands as well as its own acrylic instrument – The Aire™ baby grand. Apart from being a successful retailer, consultant, and entrepreneur organization, Euro Pianos is actively engaged in the artistic and community life of Naples, Florida as an organizer and supporter of musical events throughout the years.

A red x in front of an image of a machine.

Acrylic Pianos – Let’s Talk About Quality

0


Acrylic pianos today are made by a variety of manufacturers, including Euro Pianos Naples who offer the beautiful “Aire” model which can be color customized in a variety of ways.

While acrylic pianos (also called transparent pianos, crystal pianos, lucid pianos, or clear pianos) are a fairlyrecent phenomenon, I was surprised to learn the U.S. patent for a transparent piano lid dates back to 1976. It was granted to the Libby-Owens-Ford Company, a glassmaker in Ohio. This lid, made of safety glass merged with a layer of special plastic, with a hinge, was invented for use by the Boston Pops Orchestra and the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, to lend better viewing to the audience at concerts. In other words the grand piano lid does not block the view of the orchestra.

Concert performers and entertainers today sometimes opt for acrylic grands for the same reason, to give an unfettered view of the piano workings to their audiences, and/or to provide the beautiful and dramatic theatrics which such an instrument creates. A perfect example is Bruno Mars playing the Bluthner Lucid Elegance grand on this video:

“Versace On The Floor”

But acrylic pianos have come into their own and are being purchased for homes, music rooms and entertainment venues. They fall into two general types: The best and the most expensive are transparent pianos, such as those made by Schimmel and Bluthner that run to six figures and carry the quality of the historic German piano builders under their lids. These models are decorator luxury instruments, highly customized and iconic. Schimmel’s transparent piano began to be produced in 1951 and was further perfected 30 years later by his son. Bluthner took over Lucid Pianos of Spain and streamlined the production of acrylic pianosto a new standard. Bluthner, established in 1853, is a premier performance piano builder.

The Lucid Pianos are based on models 166, 175, 186, 210 and 235 sharing the same highest performance materials and construction for the soundboard, plate pin block and action. Bluthner Plexiglas is purchased from the German company Evonik. Most modern day acrylic, like Evonik’s, will remain crystal clear with no distortions for the lifetime of the piano, regardless of the thickness or shape provided its cared for appropriately. Colorless acrylic is as transparent as the finest optical glass, its total light transmission is 92%. Lucid Idyllic Excellence is the only fully transparent piano. This piano features a patented technology – thesoundboard sits on a special metal inserts. (visible on this picture below)

Acrylic Pianos – Let’s Talk About Quality

Because top of the line luxury pianos are not affordable by all, a second choice has evolved, a piano with  an acrylic lid,with decorative acrylic lyre, music stand and legs completing the design. High-quality interiors are still contained in the cases, but are better priced in the $50K range and don’t have all the innovative bells and whistles of the more famous brands. Euro Pianos’ Aire is such a model.

Acrylic Pianos – Let’s Talk About Quality

 The Aire™ piano is built in Miami FL and uses American-made high-standard acrylic (second only to original German Evonik acrylic) which will not yellow with age or sunlight like other substitute plastics some use in place of real acrylic.

Aire™ piano is available in Black, White and the newly released Red finish with hardware options of brass or chrome.  Invisible self playing systems, are a high-tech add on providing live performance quality with today’s wirless technology.

What Is Acrylic Anyway? Can We Talk About Quality?

Acrylic is a clear (unless it’s dyed) very high-grade form of plastic made primarily from petroleum. Plexiglas (Acrylite)  is one of the big brand name manufacturers, as is Lucite (Perspex). High grade acrylic is a form of plastic that may be easily confused with non-acrylic plastics which yellow or discolor quickly and age poorly. But like anything else, there are superior and inferior acrylics, in terms of their ease of use and manufacturing process. 

The best acrylic for transparency and longevity is German made acrylic followed closely by US made acrylic. 

There are two basic versions of acrylics: cast and extruded. These are different products but both are considered acrylic with different uses.

Cast acrylic is usually regarded as a better quality than the extruded and is more resistant to some solvents.  Extruded acrylic can behave differently depending on how it’s bent whereas it makes no difference in cast acrylic.  Cast acrylic is more scratch resistant, but is harder to flame polish (the finishing process to remove saw marks, prep marks, etc.) 

The most important point is that genuine acrylic plastic will always be more expensive than non-acrylic plastics. Non-acrylic plastics carry names such as Styrene, PETG, and Polycarbonate. These are NOT genuine acrylic and as such are not suitable for durability of clarity and resistance to scratching, etc. So, buyer beware. Check that the plastic used to manufacture the piano is a true acrylic before settling for a bargain price product.

The Knock-Off Trade In Transparent Pianos

Acrylic Pianos – Let’s Talk About Quality

The Amazon of China showcases a variety of  discount priced “clear”,  “crystal” and “acrylic” pianos. Some listings attempt to mislead purchasers by posting images of genuine top-notch acrylic pianos. If the price sounds too good to be true, ask yourself …

  • Will the hardware pit and tarnish?
  • What plastic are the clear parts made of?
  • Will it yellow and grow cloudy or will it remain crystal clear and beautiful?
  • How do I enforce the warranty?
  • Are there bubbles in the acrylic?
  • Are the visible screws and glue beautiful?
  • Are the piano legs and lid engineered for safety?
  • And how about the value of the piano as a musical instrument? 
  • Is the piano built by a legitimately ranked and respected piano manufacturer?    

Final Thoughts On Quality Acrylic Pianos

If you want the best – Bluthner Lucid line of pianos (100% made in Germany using only Evonik acrylic) offers exciting, fully transparent, semi-transparent and colored acrylic pianos which can be customized with LED lighting and self playing systems in all manner of color palettes and decorative hardware.

For the price minded consumer, Aire is an elegant acrylic piano built in Miami using 100% USA acrylic and real performance quality mechanics by the world’s largest piano manufacturers. Oftentimes these pianos can be delivered in less than 8 weeks.

Euro Pianos Naples recommends either one of these options. We are available to answer questions and consult with you on acrylic and transparent pianos, free of charge. Just give us a call, and we will be happy to accommodate you.

A pink couch and chair in front of a window.

History of Mid Century Modern Design

0


What Is Mid Century Modern?

There have always been creative people ahead of their time. The roots of modern design can be traced all the way back to primitive cave art. But for the purpose of categorizing eras of design and style, Mid Century Modern as a design category for architecture, furniture, textiles and objects of business and home could be said to span the 1930’s to mid-1960’s. That means that some designers, some artists, some architects had already begun to shape what would become a world-shaking new style in the mid twentieth century before it actually exploded.

The Bauhaus Movement

To be more accurate, however, we must look back to the founding in 1919 of the Bauhaus, a German art school in Weimar, by architect Walter Gropius. The motivations behind the creation of the Bauhaus lay in anxieties about the 19thCentury’s soullessness of manufacturing and its products, and in fears about art’s loss of purpose in society. Creativity was being lost to commerce, and the Bauhaus aimed to unite them, rejuvenating design in all aspects of everyday life. Such famous artists as Paul Klee, Vasily Kandisky, and Josef Albers and others taught the study of materials, color theory and formal relationships in preparation for students’ specialized studies.

In 1925, the Bauhaus moved to the German industrial town of Dessau, created a department of architecture and launched the most influential period of their work. Gropius designed a new Bauhaus building, which is still known as a landmark of modern, functionalist architecture.

History of Mid Century Modern Design

A Swiss architect, Hannes Meyer, head of the architecture department was an active communist, and installed Marxism into the curriculum. Gropius resigned in 1928 amid battles and criticism. Meyer was replaced by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe who enhanced the architecture curriculum.  Whenthe Nazis came to power in 1930’s, the school was closed.

But during the time that Bauhaus flourished, minimalist design in furniture and textiles defied any previous concepts. In collaboration, metalworkers, artists, architects and designers used cellophane, fiberglass and (acrylic or Plexiglas) plastic, space and physics to transform design.

Many of the key figures of the Bauhaus migrated during the dangerous years of World War II. Several Bauhaus artists were arrested and killed by the Nazis; others fled to exile in America.

The Bauhaus artists found perhaps their greatest success in America, disseminating their ideas and designs. Josef and Anni Albers taught at Black Mountain College in North Carolina for 16 years, after escaping Germany. The school was founded in 1933 and liberally based on Bauhaus concepts.

History of Mid Century Modern Design

Gropius and Breuer taught at Harvard’s design school, and Moholy-Nagy founded the Chicago Institute of Design. 

Ludwig Mies Van De Rohe, the last Bauhaus leader, along with Philip Johnson in 1957, designed the Seagram Building, While the building itself stands as an icon of modernism, the empty space in front of the building was also innovative. An open, urban plaza set the building back from Park Avenue and created a gracious pedestrian space. Often emulated, such plazas have become a cliché, but, at the time, Mies was making a bold statement. He helped make Gropius’s modernist architecture the mainstay of New York City skyscrapers.

History of Mid Century Modern Design

Florence Knoll, a former student of Mies, realized that the new skyscraper style demanded modern furniture and interiors to match, so she licensed Bauhaus and other modernist designs for mass-production. Today, Knoll is still one of the only distributors of genuine Bauhaus furniture — their success an indicator of the lasting appeal of Bauhaus design, nine decades later.

Florence Knoll sofa
Florence Knoll sofa

The International Style

While Bauhaus was a huge influence all over the world, there were other architects and innovators in America, France, Finland and the Netherlands who were not German, and when Bauhaus moved to America, another more inclusive name was born. The Getty Research Institute defined the minimalist, modern style of architecture that dominated until the 1970’s, “The International Style.”  It is characterized by the same Bauhaus principles of volume over mass, flat surfaces with areas of glass and a general rejection of ornamental and repetitive modular forms. Most people think of the International Style as another general name for the spare, geometric designs that are now called Mid Century Modern or Bauhaus.

Poul Jensen Z Chairs 1950 Denmark
Poul Jensen Z Chairs 1950 Denmark

Why Did Mid Century Modern Come Into Vogue?

The 1950’s were an iconic age.  The biggest world war in history had just ended, and Americans who had been living on rations, and war effort shortages were suddenly back to work with disposable income. A newhousing industry sprang up to provide replacements for the boxy pre-war cottages that had been the norm. These craftsmen style homes had “updated” the old Victorian style homes earlier in the century and often featured an inviting front porch, but with the end of the war, another housing style was ushered in.

History of Mid Century Modern Design

New subdivisions and affordable housing were the rage, and the “ranch house” emerged as an example of the new wave of design in architecture. The mid-century designranch houses are still being built to this day. As former neighborhoods got gobbled up by developers, and streets crowded with additional lots, the builders’ focus shifted from the former invite-the- neighbors-in porch ambiance in favor of a more private, fenced backyard with a patio. Open brazier grills became a staple, and large paned patio doorsevolved to let nature inside. 

History of Mid Century Modern Design

To enhance the mid century modern architecture, new plastic materials emerged for flooring, countertops and fixtures, in modern shapes and colors.  Inexpensive track housing was made available for “the boys coming home” and while there was a “sameness” to many of the models, they endured as stable, well-built and basic homes.

Between1946 and 1965, in California, other homes were going up, more than 11,000 of them, all designed by modernists commissioned by builder Joseph Eichler. Eichler, a former dairyman, had been inspired by living briefly in a Frank Lloyd Wright home. (Wright, an architect who had earlier built over 500 iconic modern structures, believed in designing structures that were in harmony with humanity and its environment, a philosophy he called organic architecture.) Eichler houses, found throughout Northern and Southern California (and even outside of New York City), are some of the most celebrated tract residences in the United States.

History of Mid Century Modern Design

It stands to reason that innovative interior design and furnishings would follow suit. Middle class, post war Americans were gaga over the latest modern furniture. The new world, the bright future was a big step up from the woes of past economic depressions, rations, and warfare.

If you are old enough to remember the 1950’s, you might recall some of the furniture in your own home, as I do. 

Our Formica kitchen dinette set was aqua, with chrome legs. Formica, a material first developed for industrial purposes, was widely used for Mid Century Modern designtabletops, especially dinette and kitchenette sets.

History of Mid Century Modern Design

Over the span of the 1950’s and early 1960’s “space-age” materials were being developed and used to make this brave new world truly new. Plastics came into their own, rather than being used as faux (inexpensive) imitation of wood furniture. A lot of non-traditional materials including plywood, Plexiglass, vinyl, and metal changed the look and feel of furniture, as well as opened up the opportunity for wonderful bright colors and choices of contrasts.

Egg chair by Arne Jacobsen 1958
Egg chair by Arne Jacobsen 1958

Just like the clean lines of the ranch style houses, furniture took on an understated. minimalist look. Designers began to play with organic and geometric designs, making the eye move with color and contrasting materials.  Simplifying for functionality. Since an architect had proclaimed in 1896 that “form follows function”, no furniture before Mid Century Modern decorbetter exemplifies his point. If esthetic beauty should come from the pursuit of functionality, rather than simply for decoration or styling, the innovators of Mid Century Modern interior designsmade it their credo.

The Mid Century Modern furniture designers who emerged on the scene are of the best known and beloved of our time. Such names as Charles and wife, Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen, Isamu Nogochi, Edward Wormley, Aero Saarinen, Alexander Girard and George Nelson are only a few of the hugely successful and famous game changers of the era.

History of Mid Century Modern Design

The Henry Miller lounge chair and ottoman is one of the most quintessential of mid century modern pieces, designed by Charles & Ray Eames. This design is exhibited in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. 

History of Mid Century Modern Design

Mid Century Modern furniture is beautiful and fits functionally with the lifestyles of most people in the 21stCentury all over the world.  It may have come into fashion because of a world war, but in the confusion and turmoil of modern life, we can’t think of any style better to soothe and sanctify your personal living space.

The style continues to be popular, and the manufacturers continue the style lines, embracing the mid century modern because it has a timelessness to it. The Museum of Modern Art (and many other museums all over the world) pay tribute to it. But practically speaking, the designs just feel fresh, and are hard to improve upon.   

Edward Wormley sofa
Edward Wormley sofa

How To Decorate With Mid Century Modern

Yes, Mid Century Modern is a gorgeous style and most of us would like to have our home reflect some of those sleek, clean lines — but like everything else in this world, there are a few tips to doing it right.

PK22 chair by Poul Kjaerholm 1956
PK22 chair by Poul Kjaerholm 1956

Less is More

Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe used the phrase “less is more” regarding architecture and design, meaning the simplicity of lines and lack of ornamentation. But the concept holds true for Mid Century Modern when it comes to interior design as well. To have a room crammed full of mid century modern décor, be it authentic or replicated pieces would be overkill.  Just as one can have too much of a good thing in most aspects of life, it is certainly true in decorating.Balance is the secret.

Elle Decor
Elle Decor

To get the proper balance, it helps to study the history of the style, and then to take a slightly eclectic stance when choosing the full modern mix. The idea is not to replicate a 1950’s room, (which might come off dated and copycat), but to use broad strokes to create the feel of mid century modern. By choosing one or two representative pieces, like the sofa or the armchairs, the rest can be filled in with other functioning décor that enhances the room. By studying and understanding the style, you can find other furniture that echoes it, in the way of plain wooden cabinets, cork and teak, metal and plastic tables, Danish, wicker and Shaker pieces. Belike the brave of heart who go truly eclectic and use what works. We would advise against using excessive patterns unless you know how to do it, like below. By keeping the color range similar, the patterns don’t leap out and bite you, but look smashing. We love the subtle echoes in the pieces of  this room!

Nate Berkus Interiors
Nate Berkus Interiors

Authentic mid century modern pieces are still available. Indeed, some never stopped being manufactured, but they are usually pricey while excellent replicas are made by many of the top furniture sellers, and budget pieces can be found that are spectacularly well done.   

Once you have done enough research to understand the distinguishing features of the style, you will find many other pieces to echo that look, pieces that fit your budget and needs without buying original museum pieces. Don’t be afraid to mix midcentury with pieces from other periods.  You may be surprised how well some things blend, with an eye to color, shape and spatial balance.

William Abrandowicz
William Abrandowicz

Another trick to avoid your mid century modern décor from looking too uniform in style is to use furniture and accessories of different heights. Like good art, the idea is to keep the eye moving from place to place, so it works not to have everything at the same level. Lighting (such as the arc lamps) did a very good job of lifting the eye from the low-slung sofas and coffee tables that define the style. Art (large and small) (see the oriental screen in the photo above) can do the same job.     

Where can you find a Mid Century Modern Piano?

Sure, you can google and find Mid Century Modern furniture everywhere. From the high-end Herman Miller and Kroll pieces right down to Crate & Barrel, furniture is available in this wonderful style. But if you’re a pianist, you may wonder how to find a piano these days to fit your new mid century modern décor? Euro Pianos Naples had customers coming to them with this exact question. It might be easy to find an Eames or Barcelona chair, but they want a piano that fits into that special room as well.

Any number of modern pianos today will echo this décor. The Sauter uprights which are stunning, look to be made for Mid Century Modern in their sleek, clean lines.

Sauter Pure designed by Peter Maly
Sauter Pure designed by Peter Maly

But because we had specific requests for affordable mid century modern piano, we designed our own upright with the time-honored lines and silhouette to fit the demand.

Echo™ - Mid Century modern Upright
Echo™ – Mid Century modern Upright
History of Mid Century Modern Design
View details

What About Mid Century Modern Style Lighting?

They say the devil is in the details, and for a devilish good result in decorating, they would be right.  Lighting a room can be an art, but the wonderful designs in mid century modern styles are worth pointing out. Generally speaking, the style of lamps is soft and rounded, “bubbles” and globes. Whether they be rice paper lamps or hanging cylinders, simplicity usually reigns.

History of Mid Century Modern Design

The arco lamp is an iconic mid century modern design that has never left us. It seems to look good in any décor, and it’s a wonderful space saver, as a floor lamp.

FLOS Arco floor lamp
FLOS Arco floor lamp

Table lamps often reflect the same simple structures of the furniture peg legs, adding charm to already simple lines.

History of Mid Century Modern Design

The opposite of the soft, round designs was the “star shape” or “sputnik” shaped multi-bulbed fixture which also represented the style, in many surprising variations. These were used to enhance the very stark décor of some rooms where straight lines prevailed.

History of Mid Century Modern Design

What are the Mid Century Modern Colors You Should Use?

Because the style ranged from Bauhaus to International and spanned two decades in the making, a wide palette of colors emerged over the years. Traditionally, in America, bright hues popped in via Formica and plastic, but colors settled down in the ‘60s and earth tones trended. Pink was always a mid century modern color giveaway.

History of Mid Century Modern Design
History of Mid Century Modern Design

These days, we think any carefully chosen palette will work, be it neutrals with pops of color, or a totally coordinated theme. One hint might be to choose your most important and eye-catching pieces first, and design around them. Even black and white can be uniquely used to make a room unforgettable. Look at the combination of rich wood and no color in this dining room.

History of Mid Century Modern Design

What Are the Finishing Touches on Mid Century Modern?

Getting back to the origins of this style, some of the kindest things you can do to any room is to bring nature and art to bear. Rocks, plants, shells, and bones are all used in variations that are not only visually gorgeous but enhance the humanity of your living space as well. If you have favorite items, things that are touchstones for your own memories and adventures, such keepsakes, incorporate them to add life to your experience of the rooms.

Like lighting, accessories are an art, and choosing small things that delight you, will help you love your space.

Vase
Vase
Teapot
Teapot
Clock
Clock
Teak Heron
Teak Heron

The finishing touches to a room can be very personal, very aesthetic, and also just be that pop of color that brings the elements together, as any good decorator or interior designer will tell you. Even throw pillows can provide exciting accents that don’t cost much to accomplish.

History of Mid Century Modern Design
History of Mid Century Modern Design

Whatever you decide on, we hope you are fearless and smart about it. Go Bold!

Iconic Knoll’s Barcelona Chair
Iconic Knoll’s Barcelona Chair

How to Choose a Piano

How to Choose a Piano


There is nothing more exhilarating than making the decision to purchase a new piano. That is not to say that purchases like a new dwelling or vehicle are not exciting and more fundamental to immediate needs, but a piano is in a class by itself.

Pianos have a life of their own. They embody the needs of people’s spiritual, artistic and creative souls so that makes their addition to a household, church, or public arena a splendid and momentous event. Because a fine instrument can thrive for generations, it is obvious that the choice of a piano needs to be given serious consideration.

Even if an inexpensive upright piano or keyboard has been contemplated for a child or an adult beginner, conventional wisdom has that you get what you pay for, and that the piano itself can be a deciding factor on whether the student enjoys and pursues the lessons. Buying the best pianos you can afford and keeping them tuned and in good repair is what any reputable teacher will assure you.

So, then, how does one go about choosing a piano?

Tips On Making Your Choice

1. Buyer beware!

There are many old “cheap” pianos being hawked on ebay, craig’s list, and at bargain piano stores. If the price of a piano seems too good to be true, it probably is. A piano that has suffered damages (like being dropped from the back of a truck or has been neglected for decades, left exposed to hot sun, or unprotected near the moisture of a lake or ocean,) may appear to be okay, but unless an expert examines it first, do not be fooled. Cheapest isn’t always the best piano to buy.

old upright piano

2. Educate Yourself!

With the advantages that the Internet provides, everyone today can begin to educate themselves without leaving their chair. Start by investigating Brand Names and Manufacturers. Unlike the old days where a classic Steinway once set the bar for elegance, today there is a Renaissance in pianos. European piano manufacturers like Bluthner, Sauter, and Petrof have exceeded expectations in performance, design, and distinction. No longer is the cookie-cutter brown baby grand in demand, but a whole new smorgasbord of colors, designs, woods, sizes and décor is available. In the long run, you will be able to make a much smarter choice of the best pianos to buy if you learn the basics: a classical piano versus a modern piano versus an art case piano. An upright versus a baby grand versus a concert grand. A player piano versus a digital piano versus a standard. You will find the adventure thrilling to see that a whole new world exists in the realm of pianos, and familiarizing yourself with it is not only fun, but it can serve you well in a final and wise choice.

3. Get out and about

Once you have an idea of what you might want, it is time to get out and visit some showrooms and talk to some experts. It is a chance to compare different models and makes. However, a truly good piano store will not try to sell you on the available floor inventory, but will listen to your needs, and attempt to help you find the instrument that is exactly right for you. In this day and age, new pianos ordered from the manufacturer can be attuned to your every desire right at the factory, and further adjusted when acclimatized in their new location. Each piano is unique, and you will likely want to request your preferences for sound, the quality of key touch, and the piano size that fits the room size—to say nothing of the designs, finishes, motifs, art and inlays that are offered in piano cases today. Don’t settle on a piano until you have found the experts that can help you. Piano sellers should be able to give you direction and objective information in your quest. Due to the nature of this product, the hard sell has no place in this industry.

Types Of Different Pianos

1. The Acoustic Grand Piano.

Everything from a “baby” grand to a “concert” grand ranging in sizes from under five feet to over nine feet. The “grand” connotes a comparison to the upright piano. With a faster touch and a larger sound, the grand piano is considered more powerful and responsive. There is horizontal action in the massive soundboard. There is also the design element, the beautiful shape of the case, and the tradition of historic majesty in the Grand Piano.

Mason Hamlin Model B Baby Grand

2. The Acoustic Upright or Vertical Piano

Uprights come in varying heights and has a vertical action which can be above or below the keyboard, and all require floor space of about five feet by two feet, thus are more appropriate for small rooms. The Studio piano is the largest, and some professional-quality uprights can have equal tone to some small grands. So you can’t buy by size alone.

Sauter Upright Piano
Sauter Upright Piano

3. The Digital Piano

Digital piano also known as piano synthesizer, or weighted keyboard is an electronic
alternative to the traditional acoustic piano. Some digital pianos are also designed to look like an acoustic piano, both the upright or grand piano body style, a step up from the 88 key keyboard.

How to Choose a Piano

4. The Player Piano

The player piano conjures an image of perforated metal or paper rolls while the keys play themselves, but the current technology of encoded music on electronic disks have revolutionized player pianos. Even more exciting, the hardware/software can now be installed into acoustic and digital pianos thus converting them into Player pianos as well.

How to Choose a Piano

A piano sitting on top of a table.

Crystal Pianos: Are They Really Made Out Of Crystals?


First of all, we need to establish what we’re talking about. Do we really mean Crystal Pianos? 

The only “real” crystal piano we know, a collaboration between Steinway and a British artist, Lauren Baker under the name of Goldfinch, is encrusted with a half million authentic Swarovski crystals, hand glued over a six-month period, commissioned by a wealthy client in the Middle East.

Goldfinch Swarovski crystal piano

Goldfinch Swarovski crystal piano

The late celebrated pianist, Liberace, who collected pianos and preferred Baldwins, had a grand piano entirely studded with rhinestones (and an automobile too!) which was sometimes referred to as a crystal piano. He also had several covered with tiny mirrors.

Crystal Pianos: Are They Really Made Out Of Crystals?

But more often than not, when one hears “crystal piano,” it means the head-turner in the piano industry these days, a transparent piano, which is built with see-through plastic material. The transparent material allows an interesting view into the interior workings of the instrument and creates a lightweight buoyant aspect to an otherwise heavy piece of furniture. These acrylic pianos are called by different names: Crystal, Transparent, Lucite, Plexiglas, and the most generic, Acrylic. One famous piano builder uses the German spelling, calling it a Krystal piano.

The Heintzman Crystal Piano holds the title of the most expensive piano to date, at the cool price of $3.22 million, built to promote the Beijing Olympic Games. The nine foot long concert grand made completely of acrylic (and always referred to as crystal) made its debut during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. This piano was sold to an anonymous bidder in an auction after the invigorating performance by world famous pianist, Lang Lang,

Crystal Pianos: Are They Really Made Out Of Crystals?

What Is Acrylic? Is It Plastic Or Plexiglas?

A Brief History of Plastics

Acrylic is a clear (unless it’s dyed) very high-grade form of plastic made primarily from petroleum. Plexiglas (Acrylite) is one of big brand name manufacturers, as is Lucite (Perspex). Although acrylic is a form of plastic, it should not be confused with imitation plastic products which quickly yellow and discolor. But like anything else, there are superior and inferior acrylics, in terms of their ease of use and manufacturing requirements.

There are two basic versions of acrylics: cast and extruded. Cast acrylic is produced by mixing the acrylic liquid in molds. Four acrylic plates between two glass plates where a chemical process in the mold creates a homogenous material with equivalent properties in all directions. In contrast, extruded acrylic is produced by continually pushing the acrylic mass through a form, while the chemical process takes place.

Cast acrylic is usually regarded as a better quality than the extruded, and in fact are two different materials. The cast acrylic is more resistant to some solvents. When laser cutting both, the cast acrylic creates no burrs.  Extruded acrylic can behave differently depending on how it’s bent whereas it makes no difference in cast acrylic. Cast acrylic is more scratch resistant, but is harder to flame polish (the finishing process to remove saw marks, prep marks, etc.). Cast acrylic is produced in many thicknesses and colors, which are more limited for extruded acrylic.

Internal tensions in acrylics can cause cracks when cutting it. There is more tension in extruded acrylic.

Crystal Pianos: Are They Really Made Out Of Crystals?

Why Not Use Glass Instead?

There are myriad reasons for using acrylics instead of glass. Even Cinderella might prefer her ballroom slippers be acrylic because they are much stronger than glass, more impact resistant, safer and actually let more light in. Imagine a guest dropping his highball on your glass grand piano and shattering it? It won’t happen with acrylic. The material cleans up with just a mild soap and water swipe, and even scratches in acrylic can be easily buffed out. As a matter of fact, a slab of acrylic, about an inch thick, is bullet proof, that’s how strong it is. Acrylic, unlike glass, can be sawed, glued and designed into shapes and most importantly acrylic weighs 50% less than glass. 

Why Is Acrylic Furniture Expensive?

Acrylic is manufactured in sheets before it’s cut, constructed and designed into furniture. The thicker the sheet, the more difficult the process is to maintain the crystal clarity that is desired for furniture, requiring additional costs. Since the product is primarily made from petroleum, its price is linked to volatile oil prices as well. Expensive acrylic can be thick and luxurious, crystal-like, seamless; cheap acrylic has a noticeably more plastic look and feel. But that’s not to say it can’t still do the trick and look great in the context of your interior. Acrylic furniture creates lightness in a room, giving an airy cheerful, sometimes even whimsical, aspect to decor.

Crystal Pianos: Are They Really Made Out Of Crystals?

On the piano builder’s part, and that of many furniture designers, the seasoned professional workers are accustomed to wood – so acrylic professionals who design and build acrylic command high salaries and are not always easy to find. A lot of fine pianos and furniture are fundamentally handmade, not machine tooled, thus also raising costs.

What Are The Best Acrylic Pianos On The Market?

Whenever you discuss “the best” in pianos, the conversation rightly refers to the quality of the mechanics and action under the lid – where all the knowhow of 300 years of piano building is manifest in varying degrees.   Handmade European pianos are going to outscore machine-tooled pianos that deliberately keep costs down and attract a specific market. The buyer, his budget, and the sophistication of the buyer’s musical ear are the most important deciders when judging what piano would be best for any individual. 

In the industry, where professional musicians, technicians, and critics flourish, “the best” means very different things to different people. The desired sound may be a clarity of tone, and/or warmth, richness, mellowness, purity with a short or long sustain, sonorous, or hard-edged, to mention only a few. Touch can differ by key response, key weight, stability, ruggedness. Are the cosmetics of the instrument as important as its musicality? All preferences are individual and different models and makers of pianos supply different sounds and touches, as well as differences in the design of the cases, the decorative values, the artfulness of designs. That’s just a long way of saying that “the best” is always a subjective call. 

Generally speaking, higher quality and innovative designs increase the costs and the desirability of an instrument, so maybe the question should be: what are the best quality acrylic pianos on the market?

What Are The Best Quality Acrylic Pianos?

There are several high-end piano builders today making acrylic pianos.

BLUTHNER, a privately-owned family business, has been making pianos of the highest quality in Leipzig, Germany, since 1853 and today boasts the world’s most extensive selection of transparent “Lucid” grand pianos.

Bluthner’s Lucid iDyllic Excellence piano jumps to the top of the list. A fully transparent grand piano which appears to be floating, is the culmination of over 160 years of piano manufacturing and innovation by the Blüthner Pianoforte Fabrik. Many piano builders of acrylic grands used bulky wooden support beams and countless unsightly bolts. The Blüthner Pianoforte Factory has patented the process of securing the soundboard to truly create a fully transparent grand piano. This instrument’s translucency gives it the look of a fragile glass sculpture, while the durable acrylic ensures that it will continue to look pristine and unbreakable. Bluthner buys Plexiglas from Evonik, top rated in acrylics in Europe.

Bluthner’s Lucid Idyllic Excellence

Bluthner’s Lucid Idyllic Excellence

SCHIMMEL began making pianos in Leipzig in 1885. Among European piano makers, Schimmel was a pioneer in the use of computer-aided design and manufacturing. The company has used its Computer Assisted Piano Engineering (CAPE) software to research, design, and implement virtually every aspect of making a piano. Schimmel maintains that the combination of CNC machinery and handwork leads to better results than hand-craftsmanship alone.

The Schimmel Grand K 213 Glas is another quality acrylic grand piano. Schimmel introduced the first transparent piano in 1951 and 30 years later, perfected the design. Now the K213 is one of their flagship models in the grand piano class.

Schimmel’s K213 Glas grand piano

Schimmel’s K213 Glas grand piano

KAWAI, a line of Japanese pianos, also makes a notable acrylic grand, the CR40 crystal piano. Kawai ‘s ultimate efforts to produce a world-class piano paid off and gave them brand name recognition on the list of high quality piano builders.  

Kawai CR40 Crystal grand piano

Kawai CR40 Crystal grand piano

Of course, as mentioned before, quality usually denotes expensive. Indeed, Bluthner Schimmel and Kawai prices run in six figures.

EURO PIANOS NAPLES, based in Naples, Florida, designed an affordable quality acrylic baby grand piano (built in Miami using 100% US made acrylic) for clients desiring a more affordable transparent piano. 

Bringing a new piano to the marketplace required a lot of research and development. Over months of intensive study, a team of specialists including among them an engineer and pianists, created the acrylic baby grand piano named “Aire.” 

The standard 5’3″ wooden piano case can be ordered in polished ebony, white or red with beautiful acrylic legs, lid, lyre and music desk. The clear elements added to the case make the piano look as if it’s floating on air, thus the name designated for this little beauty. It has all the magical look of a European crystal piano priced in the mid to high six figures while being a budget-pleasing acrylic piano in the $50K range. 

Aire™ Acrylic Baby Grand Piano in black trim

Aire™ Acrylic Baby Grand Piano in black trim

Why is there such a price difference between these pianos?  The answer is that the quality of a grand piano handcrafted by the very best German piano builders will always be superior to (and more expensive) than the best consumer grade piano. For the normal home, concert-level performance quality is not a requirement.

Crystal pianos are often desired for their decorative value as well as being a fully usable musical instrument, designed for a lifetime of pleasure. And while the Aire™ is not using German acrylic for its components, it is using a very high quality, but less expensive American acrylic.   

The Aire™ piano has a wooden rim, spruce soundboard and full-sized high-performance piano action. The acrylic components do not interfere with the sound or performance quality.

The Aire™ can be customized with the addition of a wireless PianoDisc player system that brings performances by top artists to your living room and extends the usefulness of the piano. Today’s high definition player systems are invisible, store hundreds of hours of music, have a full orchestra and voice accompaniment, and do not impact playability of a piano.

Aire™ Acrylic Baby Grand Piano in white trim

Aire™ Acrylic Baby Grand Piano in white trim

What About The “Other” Knock-Off Acrylic Grand Pianos?

It would be remiss to ignore the so-called crystal pianos advertised at ridiculously low prices on the internet. Like anything else, quality costs money, and let this serve as a warning: If it sounds too good to be true, it is.  

No sooner had Euro Pianos designed and marketed their affordable Aire, when Chinese knockoffs began to appear online, undercutting the already vastly-reduced price of Aire’s crystal piano. How could they do this?

Crystal Pianos: Are They Really Made Out Of Crystals?

American acrylic (and of course, highly-rated European Evonik acrylic) is extremely resistant to yellowing or discoloration. If you look at the bubble canopies of World War II bomber planes made of Plexiglas, they are still clear after a half-century of sitting in the sun

Non-genuine acrylic yellows quickly. It also becomes brittle. Styrene, PETG, and Polycarbonate have their own suitable uses, but for acrylic pianos or furniture, they are NOT suitable. So, buyer beware.

Check that the plastic used in the piano is truly acrylic before accepting such a cheap price. Also consider the quality of the hardware and the quality of the actual piano. You don’t want pitted and rusted metal in a piano that doesn’t work. Do your research before you buy! 

A large room with stairs and piano in it

Pianos Under Staircases

0


Pianos Under Staircases

When the time comes for buying a grand piano, whether it be a baby grand or a concert grand, the first interior design consideration is where to place the instrument.

Some homeowners have dedicated music rooms, or can integrate a piano into the living room or recreation room. This is not a solution for every home, but clever designers have come up with a practical and beautiful idea. In houses that have staircases, the wasted space under the steps is sometimes a “hole” in the décor that verges on an eyesore. Others, to avoid a void, might fill it with grandma’s pie pantry, or some other unused storage pieces. That same space could be a perfect place for a grand piano.

The very existence of a second story raises ceilings and provides an expanse of space that requires consideration.  Chandeliers and skylights often add the needed proportional detailing while a grand piano can lend the mass to anchor the lofty dimensions.

Because of the space, many interior designs are confined to color combinations of black and white, employing lines, direction, textures, shapes, and tones to tie together the ensembles of architecture, art and music. Others go to town with color, but regardless, with a concept, it can come together and give you that grand piano you want.

In the example below, the piano offers an elegant entry into the main room, and seems to provide the gravitas to offset the airy spindles of the staircase and lacy chandelier. This classic décor is warmed by the beautiful pale tones of creamy butter against gray walls. 

Pianos Under Staircases

In a monochromic design scheme, such as the cream and white textured décor below, a piano can provide a focal point that pulls the elements together. Even the soft curves of the arched doorways and curved landing echo the piano’s lid. The balusters of the stairway provide a vertical repetition that moves the eye from soft to rigid and back again, providing a pleasing balance.

Pianos Under Staircases

As evidence that there is no one right way to do things, the piano for the extremely lavish room below was chosen with a totally different design concept in mind. The white instrument was chosen in order to blend with the white of the floor’s lustrous marble, drapes, stair steps and complex white architecture with its pillars and ornate staircase, the eye is left to bounce off the filigreed black designs of the fantastic balustrade as well as the patterned rug and piano bench which echo the lacy shapes of the chandelier.   

Pianos Under Staircases

This modern, sweeping staircase in a soft spiral seems to embrace the grand piano beneath it. With the black and white motif, the statement is bold but simple. The black sculpture and black grand piano become united as art objets. Whimsically, one could almost visualize musical notes dancing down this balustrade  with its lines like staff paper.

Pianos Under Staircases

Another example of the filigreed wrought iron balustrade and white marbled floors shows off the classic grand piano in balance with the lavish chandelier. Note the carefully spaced LED spots on the ceilings, the subtle magic that lighting can add to a room. A traditionally staid design suddenly pops with surprises of modernity. 

Pianos Under Staircases

Again, the winding staircase in this arched space fairly begs for a grand piano to be tucked under it. With the addition of wood in balustrade, stair treads, and the living room hardwood floor, soft shades of tan and butterscotch walls complete the inviting and warm music area of the traditional home.

Pianos Under Staircases

This white staircase, edged with sheer acrylic, emerges from a surprising ceiling of sweeping, rounded recesses, right out of a space ship. A traditional chandelier is almost hidden in the large modern cavity, and the graceful lines of the dark grand piano, set against its world of whites, lends balance to the grandiose shapes and lines of the architecture.

Pianos Under Staircases

In an eclectic burst of color and design, this amazing stairwell with its circular landing begs for the attention of all the senses. The huge concert grand piano sits on a floral art carpet with an audience of Chiluly-like glass art in flower shapes, under an enormous carved curly-cue chandelier above. Stained glass windows, a red door, a huge leopard skin ottoman, and myriad other details make this a space not likely to be soon forgotten. Each element is an individual conversation-piece and artistic stand-alone statement, with a formidable piano as its hub.

Pianos Under Staircases

In stark contrast to the room above, the simple staircase, clean lines and single hung sash windows of this space are soothing and a proper surround for the baby grand, littered with fresh flowers. You can almost smell Spring, and feel quietude and rejuvenation just looking at this photo.

Pianos Under Staircases

This home’s foyer is also the landing for the winding staircase, with ample space beneath the stairwell for a grand piano. The warmth of wood, and the delicacy of the dual chandeliers give this space a crisp, traditional design heightened by wonderful window exposures of sunlight.

Pianos Under Staircases

Black and white is featured in this modest sized, modern living room with a stairway descending into the foyer. A black baby grand fits into the niche beneath the stairs and echoes the black balustrade, front door and furniture trim. The modern acrylic/glass coffee table and chandelier give this traditional room an eclectic charm.

Pianos Under Staircases

Sleek and sophisticated, this gorgeous staircase, bordered on the outside with acrylic, is so massive that it almost dwarfs the grand piano sitting beneath it. The modern architecture and high ceilings leave room to spare in this chic space with its surprise art and splashes of color.

Pianos Under Staircases

This curved and interesting stair provides a wall for a narrow passage with floor to ceiling windows. A grand piano is the perfect minimalist objet d’arte for such a space. The black and white theme with filmy grey curtains that mimic the floor’s marble grain complete a very architecturally beautiful space.

Pianos Under Staircases

Oops, is that space under the stairway just not big enough for a baby grand? A small house does not mean that it can’t accommodate a piano. This pretty little upright piano fits perfectly below the acrylic border of a natural-colored wood stairway, descending into a modest-sized room.

Pianos Under Staircases

Sometimes the stairway is constructed in such a way that there is no alcove. But usually that means there’s a wall instead, and sometimes such a wall is the perfect place for a piano. In this case, the walnut case of the grand harmonizes with the lovely hardwood floors, stair treads and bannister. The delicate carpet echoes the tones in   classic subtlety.

Pianos Under Staircases

It almost looks like the architect of this space had a grand piano in mind when he designed this staircase. The arched windows, the shape of the ceiling and gentle curve of the stairs all reflect the contours of the grand. The surprising pop in this space is the black and white checkered marble that stretches the length of the entryway. An additional arch and a peek at pillars in the background conjure a regal spaciousness. 

Pianos Under Staircases

This lavish double staircase is the penultimate of a glamorous setting for a grand piano. The instrument gives a clear comparison of how massive the chandelier above it is. The lacy balustrades in black wrought iron with matching balconies, marble steps and pillars are all provocative reminders of the dramatic opulence of yesteryear, in the days of Hearst Castle and tycoon mansions along the Hudson River Valley. 

Pianos Under Staircases

This staircase is a vision of romantic filigreed railings and balustrade which contrasts and compliments the contoured walls and pillars, with its arch and detailed Federal style enhancements. The grand white marble floor and pale oriental carpet add more spaciousness to the landing, and the baby grand piano is a relatively small exclamation mark beneath the  unfurled black iron lace.

Pianos Under Staircases

This charming little studio with industrial-mode fittings is another example of a baby grand piano claiming its home under the stairs. Airy and light, small in size, the loft bedroom and modern tone of the apartment advertises what music lovers already know: there’s always room for a piano.

Pianos Under Staircases

Grand is the word for the graceful black balconies and staircase of this elegant space. A grand piano parked at the bottom of the stairs punctuates accents of black along with black statues and paintings  in a room otherwise golden with shades of yellow, gold and the sheer crystal of a chandelier that mimics the Nautilus curl of the feet of the wrought iron railings.

Pianos Under Staircases

A smaller space can capture the same magic of filigreed wrought iron, golden colors and crystal. This baby grand, tucked under a gently winding staircase epitomizes elegance, and is enhanced by the spectacular waterfall chandelier.  The choice of textured walls in shades of old amber and curry create a cheerful tone without losing the formality desired.

Pianos Under Staircases

You don’t need Scotty to beam you up when you have this intergalactic-looking staircase, as unique and modern as you can find. The eclectic surprise is that the stairway descends on a near-traditional setting, with its traditional grand piano tucked beneath. However, the inlaid floor in an intriguing mandala pattern, seems appropriate to a space odyssey and the embedded lighting, like stars above might be a nod to someone’s merging everyday living to the galaxy.

Pianos Under Staircases

This is another example of the wall of the stairway used for grand piano placement. In this space, the wrought iron balustrade gently swirls down to a traditional setting with oriental carpet, cream colored walls, and a beautiful vintage chandelier with iron fittings.

Pianos Under Staircases

Here is another example of a modified “alcove” or “wall” – just a little corner nook for a cozy baby grand to snuggle into. Traditional, American, simple lines and soft hues, pianos and stairs go together like Mom and Pie. The soft yellow of the walls and soft color of the carpets all lend a serenity to this setting.

Pianos Under Staircases

Finally. A last word. When there’s no alcove beneath the stairs, and no wall hiding the stairs, is it still possible to place a grand piano nearby? As this extraordinary room shows, all you really need is a good idea.  The stairway, protected by acrylic, makes a nice backdrop for a transparent grand piano. But wait a minute. What is there’s no upstairs? I’m not sure if my eyes are deceiving me, but I think those stairs lead to nowhere, to air, and perhaps this entire stairway was built purely to be a backdrop for that acrylic piano! At any rate, it looks great and works as an artful setting for music making.

Pianos Under Staircases

When looking for the perfect spot for that new piano, don’t forget to check out the unexpected. You’d be amazed where you’ll find music!

A man is playing the piano and text reads " how much does it cost to tune a piano ".

What Is Piano Tuning And How Much Does It Cost To Tune A Piano?

0


What Is Piano Tuning And How Much Does It Cost To Tune A Piano?

To understand tuning, you need to know how a piano produces sound. When a piano key is depressed, it drops onto a small felt-covered hammer that strikes one, two or three, generally speaking, steel strings. This complex array of strings provides a range from highest treble down to the deepest bass sounds. (Since there are 88 keys on a standard piano, some wrongly think there are 88 strings, but it’s actually over 200). The bass strings of the piano are wound with copper and fewer strings are needed, the deeper the bass–two and eventually one string for the lowest notes.

Tuning a piano is a matter of adjusting the tension on each piano string until it vibrates at the proper rate–-an assessment of the interaction of vibrations among notes, which is different for every piano.

A440

Pitch, while related to the strings’ frequencies, is actually a subjective perception of a sound wave, which cannot be directly measured. However, in the world of music, a consensus has formed by most people on the range of high to low notes. So as a way of standardizing tunings, pianos are often built with the note A above middle C vibrating at 440 cycles per second and thus is called A440 pitch, the international pitch standard.

Each note on the keyboard vibrates with a specific frequency. The A in the next octave up vibrates at 880 cycles per second, and the A in the lower octave vibrates at 220 cycles per second, so with simple math, each string can be tuned.

With standard tuning, the piano performing with other instruments plays in harmony. It is sometimes referred to as “concert pitch.”

But not all people prefer the same sound. For that matter, not all pianos can create the same sound. Some pianos are “brighter,” some sound “warmer,” and there are cultural differences in preferences of pitch and sound, as well.

Europeans often tune pianos slightly higher at A442 and even A444, depending on the piano itself, and the preference of the users. When very high-end European pianos are purchased and delivered to America, often the pitch is brought down to the A440 standard to suit American preferences.

Ideally pianos should stay tuned at the same pitch (whether European or American), as this is ideal for both the piano and for the musicians.

What Other Maintenance Might Be Needed?

Normally, tuning is the “lube” job of the piano. But just like an automobile, with use and age, sometimes other maintenance may be needed. It’s important to understand all the services a good piano technician (more than just a piano tuner) provides.

Touch – Adjustment of the action or action regulation

In order to ensure an accurate, balanced musical performance and ultimate sound experience permanently, the action must be adjusted at regular intervals. This adjustment of the instrument restores the uniformity of the touch by fine tuning the keyboard and mechanics. It must be checked, so you can always express the highest musical level.

Even in normal use and environmental conditions, small changes will occur over time that can affect the perfect balance of the touch. An adjustment of the keyboard and action assembly corrects these irregularities.

The many components of sophisticated action parts need to work accurately and precisely to achieve optimum results. In addition, even the weight in pressing down your keys can be changed to increase or decrease reaction and friction. Every really qualified technician will be able to do this.

What Is Piano Tuning And How Much Does It Cost To Tune A Piano?

Tone - Voicing the hammer heads

Voicing ensures the tone quality by treating the hammer heads. This is not something that is done as basic maintenance, but rather if hammers have changed over time or if a client desires a different tone.

“Voicing” means giving tone and it may well be classified as subjective. It is the art of influencing the sound character of your instrument by reworking the hammer head felts. Within certain limits, voicing can adjust the dynamic range, timbre and other parameters of the overall sound to your personal taste or indoor conditions. Through regular playing and constant impact on the hard metal strings, hammer head felt coverings condense and make the sound harder. When the hammer head felt fibers stretch due to exposure to high humidity, the tone becomes softer and duller. Such changes are not consistent and produce an unbalanced sound. With specialized tools and a lot of experience, a qualified technician will restore the initial state of the hammer head felts or alter the original hammer head felts to make a piano sound “brighter” or “softer”.

A technician may “needle” hammer heads to fluff them or may apply a drop of “hammer hardener” to harden them – either way, voicing is something only a qualified piano technician should do. Done incorrectly, altering the hammer head felts can result in permanent damage.

Why do pianos go out of tune?

There are two main reasons for a piano going out of tune.

When a piano is new, the pitch may drop while the strings stretch with use and wooden parts “settle.” This is a key time to provide more frequent maintenance so that the string tension and the structure can stabilize. Three or four tunings for the first year and at least two tunings during the second year are highly recommended.

The other reason is an ongoing issue because of the piano’s internal wooden structure. The soundboard is made of resonant wood (which is why the sound is so wonderful), but it is sensitive to climate changes, as are many other wooden parts within. Pianos are like living beings, and as humidity increases, the soundboard and wooden structural parts of the piano swells up and stretches the strings and their pitch. During dry times, the board flattens and puts less tension on the strings, so the pitch drops. Without servicing the instrument, the pitch will likely continue to fluctuate and distort sound. While better made pianos often hold the pitch longer than cheap ones, the fact remains that regular, professional maintenance is important to both.

A word about pitch raising

If any piano goes for an extended time without tuning, the pitch may drop way below standard. Tuning a badly out of tune piano is frustrating. Chances are the tuning will not “stick” and it will be back out of tune in a matter of days. An experienced tuner/technician will recommend a “pitch raise” tuning which is in essence two tunings. First a rough tuning to raise the pitch followed by a fine tuning to even the tension on all 200 plus strings. Accurate tuning or “fine” tuning is possible only when all strings are close to their proper tension or pitch.

A Word About Pin Blocks And Pins

What Is Piano Tuning And How Much Does It Cost To Tune A Piano?

The strings of a piano are held taut by pins which are screwed into a pinblock. If the pinblock is not holding the pins snugly, which sometimes happens in very old (or poorly made) pianos, the piano will fall out of tune, no matter how often it is tuned. The pins just cannot hold the tension.

The remedy to this can take different forms depending on the deterioration. There are some gluing techniques that can help, or oversized pins can be installed. Worst case scenario is to replace the pin block. This is costly and would likely be indicated only in pianos of substantial value, as the cost and labor involved is sizable.

It’s interesting to note that in some truly excellent, but aged, pianos, the pitch may drop below the A440 standard, but all the strings drop in an equal manner, with little or no distortion. A good technician can acknowledge and work with this, without pitch raising, if the sound is still acceptable to the pianist.

How To Tell If A Piano Needs Tuning

The easiest and most responsible way is to keep a record of the last time the instrument was tuned, and schedule accordingly. Sometimes, a piano doesn’t need to “sound” bad, to have bad things gradually happening within. It’s better not to wait for sound distortion or problems before scheduling maintenance. You don’t wait for an automobile to stop running to give it regular maintenance. The same should be true for pianos. Besides, tuners do more than just tune – they also clean the interior of your piano. The amount of dust that accumulates is astonishing and it can gum up the action if not regularly removed.

Most pianists can tell, sitting down at a piano, that it’s out of tune because the notes do not sound like they should. Striking a key that usually sounds sweet and clear now sounds buzzy or twangy. If a note trembles or is wavy, it’s probably time for a tuning. By playing an interval or a simple chord, the notes should blend in harmony. If they don’t, it will be noticeable. Even the tiniest change in a string’s tension can be heard by a practiced ear.

What Is Piano Tuning And How Much Does It Cost To Tune A Piano?

How Often Should A Piano Be Tuned?

As already noted, the quality of your piano can affect the duration of its pitch or time between tunings. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity affect pianos. Contrary to popular belief, moving a piano does not affect the tuning, rather it is the change in environment that will.

If you live in a stable climate and the piano is played only moderately, a tuning once or twice a year is probably adequate. If your climate vacillates from dry to humid, and/or if your piano is used daily for teaching or practice, a minimum of twice a year, is recommended.

Professional pianists who give a piano heavy workout should consider tuning their instrument every four months, and before every paid public performance.

Fun fact: Performance grands are sometimes tuned several times a day between rehearsals and performances.

What Is The Ideal Temperature and Humidity for a Piano?

Optimum climate conditions for a piano would be a stable 68-degree F temperature with relative humidity of 42 percent.

Most environments don’t provide this kind of exact stability, so preserve your instrument accordingly with maintenance.

How Much Does It Cost To Tune A Piano?

Tunings can range from $100 to $250. Usually this will include inspecting the piano and cleaning the interior. You can add more to that for any repairs, replaced strings, pitch raising, action and pedal regulation or voicing.

Like any other service, there are variables in the cost of tuning a piano. There are many reasons that the prices are different.

Poorly Maintained Instrument?

How badly is the piano out of tune? If it is poorly maintained, it could require much more work than normal. Does it need to be pitch raised before it can be tuned? If it needs new strings, repairs or return visits, the costs will be higher.

Location, Location

Location can sometime affect the price standards. Do you live in a climate where piano tuning is required frequently? Do you live in a major city where prices are higher? And what about the location in your home? Have you placed your piano in front of a sunny (or snowy) window making it more susceptible to fluctuations?

Technician, Tuner, Hobbyist?

What kind of technician are you hiring? There are as many levels of skill in this field as any other profession. Piano tuners spring from many sources. While your Uncle Harry may insist he knows how to tune a piano, we would recommend using a registered professional. You can find one on The Piano Technician’s Guild website or by asking your local piano store or performance venue. You could also ask a friend or neighbor who owns a piano, or a piano teacher for recommendations. It doesn’t hurt to check references.

It is convenient, but certainly not mandatory, to have a technician that can perform additional services, especially if you have an antique or somewhat damaged piano, an off brand, or at the other end, an expensive collectible or high-end handmade brand. Once you find a trustworthy and competent technician, you can let him help you keep your piano in tip top condition. Good technicians will value your input as to how you want your piano to sound, they can make the necessary changes to enhance your enjoyment of your piano.

So How Much for Additional services?

Right now, the average national costs are listed below, with the stipulation that the prices may be entirely different in your area.  These are, after all, average prices.

Many piano tuners also offer piano repair and additional services. It is smart to ask them their prices in advance of the tuning, just in case you need services that go beyond tuning. If you suspect your piano needs more than just tuning, always confirm whether the tuner is experienced with action work. Some tuners really do just tune.  

 
  • Repairs: $65 – $100 per hour
  • Voicing: $175 – $600
  • Action & pedal regulation: $300 – $400
  • Grand action reconditioning: $2,500-$3,500
  • Vertical action reconditioning: $800-$2,500
  • Soundboard cleaning: $100-$150 (this entails going under the strings)
  • Climate control system installation: $450-$800
  • Piano rebuilding: $5,000-$8,000
  • Written inspections, assessments or evaluations: $100-$250

Should I Hire A Registered Piano Technician?

It is always best to hire a registered piano technician. The Piano Technician’s Guild offers a directory of tuners and many other services which you might need over the life of a piano, so it helps to immerse yourself in the information and expertise that will give your investment the best chance for retaining its value and performance qualities.

Tuning By Ear Vs. Using A Machine

What Is Piano Tuning And How Much Does It Cost To Tune A Piano?

Traditionally pianos have been tuned by ear, and technicians adjust the pitch based on the scale design of the piano, using intervals to set and test proper spacing between the half notes. The tuner needs a tuning fork to establish the reference pitch source. The rest is his/her skilled talents and ear. Even the tiniest change in a string’s tension can be heard by a practiced ear.

As you might suspect in today’s electronic world, there are now machines and apps that can take readings from your piano. These machines can store recallable tuner settings which is handy for concert halls, music schools and recording studios where the settings are consistent and frequent tunings are required.

While technology has its place, it is important not to discount the subtleties and nuance of pianos and pitch; tunings should not be rote and uncreative. A technician still needs to balance piano reaction to change in tension and what electronic tuning device is displaying. Besides, you need to ensure that your technician is experienced at changing strings, making repairs, regulation and voicing.

How Can A Piano Be Helped To Hold Its Tuning?

We always tell people to buy the best piano they can afford, because quality shows not only in the sound performance, but in the components that hold pitch and make the instrument an investment that will last many lifetimes.

Working with an experienced technician is a big step in helping a piano hold its tune. Some tuners have “a way” with pianos and the right amount of pressure and just the right touch for more stability. In the industry, it’s said they do tunings that “stick.” Getting references and recommendations from reliable and knowledgeable sources all helps. You might want to find that tuner who is familiar with the brand of your piano, (especially if it’s European, high-end, antique, or “special” in any way), heeds your preferences, and is skilled in full maintenance.

Paying attention to the location of your piano and how the temperatures will affect it is another way of helping. Hot sun, floor and wall heaters, window air conditioners, and wet condensation on windows next to a piano can have detrimental effects on the overall health of the instrument as well as the tuning. Stability in climate is key.

There are climate control systems available today, installed into your piano with sensors, a humidistat, dehumidifiers and humidifiers to keep a piano at a consistent safe humidity. In some extreme climates, such systems can be a good investment. This is of particular importance with institutional pianos in schools, concert halls or churches when the heat or air conditioning may be turned off and on.

Should A Piano Be Tuned After Moving It?

The answer is yes. But not immediately. While a piano has thousands of parts and is sensitive to the touch, the actual move is NOT likely to throw it out of tune. Pianos are quite hearty and are built to withstand decades of heavy usage, so moving it is not the issue. The larger concert grand piano hold a lot more tension compared to smaller grand and baby grand pianos, thus will be move affected by movings.

However, all pianos are very sensitive to climate change. A small difference in humidity between the two locations will affect the soundboard, actually changing the shape of it–which automatically changes the tension of the strings, throwing it out of tune. A fan above piano will move air faster and will effect the tension in the strings.

Even moving a piano from one room to another can affect it if air conditioning or heating is not identical in both rooms. 

What Is Piano Tuning And How Much Does It Cost To Tune A Piano?

The prevailing advice is to wait for one or two months after the move before having it tuned. This gives the instrument time to “settle in” and reacclimate to the humidity and climate of the new locale.

We would say that this is the best advice for a new instrument that has traveled through warehouses, trucks and climates. New pianos are special cases anyway because their pitch drops quickly for the first few years, strings and wood needing to settle in, so more tunings are required the first year. If the new piano is tuned, you can be sure it will need to be tuned again soon, regardless. 

But for your own used, well-tuned piano that has received regular maintenance, and is being moved from one home or room to another, waiting for just a week or two would probably suffice, especially if the climates are very similar in both locales. If the piano has not been well maintained, all bets are off. Go ahead and tune it, and then you’ll have to do it again soon.

In the case of upright pianos, they also need to adjust to a new climate, but in addition, be careful about the flooring where it is placed. An uneven floor, or half on/half off a carpet can cause a vertical piano to go out of tune. Put it back on a flat floor and it will revert to pitch. But climate changes will have similar effects, so give it time to adjust.

Being open to spending $250.00 annually to look after your piano, protects your investment and results in a dependable, beautiful sounding instrument.

A piano sitting next to a stool.

Euro Pianos Naples Introduces the ECHO, a new Mid Century Modern Upright Piano


Euro Pianos Naples Introduces the ECHO, a new Mid Century Modern Upright Piano

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Euro Pianos Naples Introduces the ECHO, a new Mid Century Modern Upright Piano 

Naples, Florida – May 2018

This week, Euro Pianos Naples, a cutting edge online piano boutique with a designer line of luxury grands and upright pianos introduces its new model, the ECHO.

The Echo, designed by Euro Pianos owner, Sunny Reuter, is built in Miami, Florida.

Inspired by the timeless elegance of the 1950s, the Echo™ is a sleek addition to today’s modern interiors. It is perfect for small spaces.  Shown above in a classic walnut satin with brass hardware and angled, tapered legs, this compact 43” upright houses a responsive action producing a dynamic and warm sound.

Reminiscent of the design values of the iconic Baldwin Acrosonic and the Danish consoles of yesteryear, the Echo™ incorporates a larger soundboard, longer string length and the latest in sophisticated piano engineering and materials all at an affordable price.  

The Echo™ comes with a 5 year warranty and a stylish mid century bench as the finishing touch.  

Limited quantities are available exclusively at Euro Pianos Naples.

Euro Pianos Naples Introduces the ECHO, a new Mid Century Modern Upright Piano

A woman is smiling and holding her piano.

The Multiple Mind-Blowing Benefits of Playing Piano

0


The Multiple Mind-Blowing Benefits of Playing Piano

Pianos have been around for hundreds of years and have never yielded their place as the preferred and select musical instrument. There are good reasons for this.  Unlike other instruments, the piano provides both melody and harmony, requiring no accompaniment.  (instead, piano is usually required as the accompaniment to other instruments.)  This makes it a world of music unto itself, and a whole “container” for individuals to pursue music solo or in public.

But that is merely the most obvious boast of pianos.  In truth, the piano is a time-honored wellspring of extraordinary advantages for any adult or child who makes the effort to learn to play. Piano playing, even at the most rudimentary levels, opens up an entire world of benefits to the individual.  The benefits are so vast that we can actually say they are mind blowing!

Social Benefits

The most superficially alluring of all the benefits are the obvious social benefits.

Participation with People

The Multiple Mind-Blowing Benefits of Playing Piano

People love music, and musicians are often sought after to participate in social events.  This increased participation is a wonderful way to round out the personalities of both children and adults in an ever-increasing world of lives lived in relative seclusion, devoted to computers, television, and gaming devices.

Influencing the Quality of Life of Others

The Multiple Mind-Blowing Benefits of Playing Piano

When someone walks into a room and sits down at a piano, the entire mood of a family or group can be lifted by music.  There is the potential for magical power with the ability to transform the everyday into–the memorable, the enjoyable, the notable shared musical experience.  People who share their talents with others are a magnet for friends and new experiences.  If you play the piano, chances are you’ll never be lonely again!

Accepting Criticism and Compliments

The Multiple Mind-Blowing Benefits of Playing Piano

The commitment to learning to play piano represents a major benefit in one’s outer representation of self.  There will be disappointments as well as successes, as learning to play music is a life-long pursuit. There is always the next level, the next challenge and mastering it is never a fait accompli, even for professionals. Musicians learn to roll with the punches, and react with ease to their own mistakes or equally daunting, the acceptance of accolades from others.  Such experiences give pianists the added benefit of public and social ‘presence’ – being comfortable in their own skins—which can benefit all other endeavors in their lives, as well. 

Physical Health Benefits

Learning to play the piano requires focus, concentration and practice!  It is not an easy task to set for oneself, and it requires commitment (or in the case of children, a little inducement).  But the added physical benefits are worth every struggle. 

Hand Eye Coordination and muscle strengths

The Multiple Mind-Blowing Benefits of Playing Piano

In the young, all kinds of new coordination skills are developed, but even in adults, the hand-eye coordination and the strengthening of the muscles in the hands is vastly improved. 

In the beginning it is difficult and frustrating to coordinate two hands, each playing something different, so it splits your concentration.  Learning to do that is a tremendous skill in itself, but it also allows you later to hear differently, splitting your aural awareness of your playing in both up close or from back of the room vantage points. Splitting your focus is a mental training that will serve in other ways in everyday multitasking.

Slowdown of Aging Losses

The Multiple Mind-Blowing Benefits of Playing Piano

Studies have found that ongoing piano playing by older people slows down the losses of memory, losses of hearing and slows the breakdown of intricate processes of the brain in advanced aging.  That benefit alone, like doing crossword puzzles and word games, is something like putting money in the bank of the future.

Mental Health Benefits

Music has Charms to Soothe a Savage Beast

The Multiple Mind-Blowing Benefits of Playing Piano

While we’re on the subject of health benefits, we don’t want to forget that mental health is as important as keeping our bodies flexible and coordinated. Music is soothing and healing, even to an ailing elephant in Thailand (above).

Psychological and Neurological Changes

The Multiple Mind-Blowing Benefits of Playing Piano

It’s widely reported that learning to play piano has a tremendous effect on the brain.  While some people’s brains seem to be more adept at piano, scientific studies have ascertained that learning piano can actually change brain structure and mental abilities, improving skills in people who come to it less naturally.

Furthermore, in other studies that compared piano practice to other activities like sports, crafts, and hobbies, the piano players showed better psychological and neurological improvement as their tactile and kinesthetic skills were honed.

Self-Esteem and Confidence

The Multiple Mind-Blowing Benefits of Playing Piano

While better self-esteem may seem like a natural offshoot of accomplishing anything, it was nonetheless put to a test.  In a study of children with three years or more of piano study, they tested higher than non-musical children in self esteem and confidence in their abilities.

Playing the piano often leads to performance opportunities. It could be playing for family and friends or at teacher recitals or even proper concerts.  Learning to focus on sharing music rather than on our own fears and insecurities develops confidence and presentation skills necessary in life.

Reduce Stress and Promote Focus

The Multiple Mind-Blowing Benefits of Playing Piano

The piano can be a great stress reliever, and in the process, playing on a regular basis can improve one’s ability to handle stress to begin with. Because of the complexities of the piano, and its challenges, it is so much more involving and personal to the player. It is not a mere diversion or past time, but a comrade or accomplice of sorts, in everyday living situations. It has brought great solace to many people. Many physicians, politicians, lawyers and actors play piano to decompress after a difficult day.

Intellectual Benefits

The Multiple Mind-Blowing Benefits of Playing Piano

Improves Brain Power in overall life

In 1993, researchers tried to establish the idea that listening to Mozart made children smarter.  It caused a stir which increased when some German researchers strengthened the idea. They found the region of the cortex that is responsible for analyzing pitch was 25 percent larger in musicians– the size increases correlated to the age at which the musician began playing. Thus, musicians would ideally be started young.

However, other researchers, discovered the Mozart Effect effects did not last more than an hour. They discerned that the real discovery in all this might be that playing an instrument (as opposed to listening to music) is the thing that really catapults one’s intellect. Their later research showed early language development and spatial-temporal intelligence could be boosted by music lessons for preschoolers.    

In further exploration, which instrument might provide the strongest cognitive returns became a huge scientific project, and the winner of this research over all other instruments, was the piano. A team found that those receiving piano lessons had scores boosted 34 percent higher on tests measuring spatial-temporal ability.  This big revelation was all the more important for these skills figure heavily in activities like mathematics, science, engineering, and playing chess, thus music lessons affected much more than making music.

Some of the things to be learned are: Sightreading, Notes, Intervals, Chords, Theory, Ear Training, Scales, Arpeggios, Rhythm, Articulation, Technique, Interpretive skills and Compositions. While it may sound daunting, it’s no more than one learns doing anything well. Whether it’s designing a building, competing in sports, or playing world class bridge, the details coming together is what makes the endeavor worth doing in the first place.  It is the secret to joy in our lives.

Math, Reading and Language Skills Improvement

The Multiple Mind-Blowing Benefits of Playing Piano

Rhythm is not something you’re necessarily born with; it can be learned and developed in piano lessons. One of the really astounding finds is that children exposed to music training over time, in programs of complex tonal and rhythmic skills displayed superior cognitive performance in reading and language comprehension in comparison to non-musical kids.

Studying the piano aids in understanding math. Time signatures specify how many beats there are in bar. Notes each have a value, some are fractions. The multitasking and variety of tasks in children’s piano lessons mirror much of the complex needs that adults later face.

Promotes Discipline and Concentration

The Multiple Mind-Blowing Benefits of Playing Piano

Children and adults alike who have learned the skills of organization, concentration, patience, and time management find that life becomes more manageable and less stressful. Piano lessons are almost a metaphor for life, in this respect. Scientists have tested the brains of musicians and discovered that multiple areas of the brain light up when playing. The discipline needed to play piano is the equivalent of a total brain workout. It takes focus, practice and patience to learn to play piano. It’s a gradual, encompassing, and thoroughly consuming endeavor that builds habits and inclinations in people that will serve them throughout life in many different ways. Anyone who has practiced scales on the piano knows that instant gratification is not the way to make music, nor is it the way to live one’s life to reap its best rewards.

Provides Cultural Knowledge

The Multiple Mind-Blowing Benefits of Playing Piano

Exposure to music lessons can be an education in more ways than how to play a tune. The rich history of pianos, famous musicians, old world countries and cultures are part of the backdrop of musical exploration.  Learning is often prompted by curiosity. When one sits in front of a piano, it is not uncommon for the player to filled with questions and the music and lead to study of music theory and, music libraries. The heritage of classical, folk, and jazz music can be an adjunct of information that both informs the performance as well as educates and delights the musician.

Spiritual Benefits

Opens Creative Urges

The Multiple Mind-Blowing Benefits of Playing Piano

If one had to define “spiritual,” there would be references to the Divine, the connections to the universe, the basic dimensions of one’s life and inner self.  The definition would also encompass creativity, which is, after all, the expression of one’s deepest inner feelings and awareness of self in relation to the world. Playing piano is a doorway, egress for the emotions and reflections of the personal spirit that resides in all humans. Some call it soul.  Some call it a personal muse. But music is fundamental to us because of the spiritual/creative release it provides. 

Heals and Soothes the Inner Soul

The Multiple Mind-Blowing Benefits of Playing Piano

Often when we are troubled, there are no clear resolutions or answers to our issues. A problem can fester within us, causing our lives to take dangerous turns of illogic and despair. It is at these times that playing music can be almost a balm for the illness within. It provides access to parts of ourselves that we cannot put into words or actions. Each person has an inner self that hides from the everyday mundane experience, and is awakened by the peak experiences of peaceful contemplation and beauty. It often remains a mystery, but when stirred, there’s no mistaking it.

Music for Churches and religious events

The Multiple Mind-Blowing Benefits of Playing Piano

For those who attend religious services, an organ or piano is often featured to provide liturgical music to celebrate and praise the divine entity and enhance the experience of worship and prayer. Pianists provide community service and get personal pleasure from such employment. If one’s religion reflects the most private values and worth of individuals, then it is music that echoes those ideals. 

In Summary

Playing the piano offers myriad benefits that can enhance every aspect of your life.  To own and play a piano places you into a cultural tradition that has abided for the last three centuries. The power of music has sustained human beings since their beginnings, and the joys of learning to play a piano enrich every individual who chooses that path. 

Please visit our website and choose the piano of your future, and let us help you realize that spectacular dream.

A man playing piano in front of a group.

The Crazy Piano Man Of Washington Square

0


The Crazy Piano Man Of Washington Square

One of the iconic city parks in New York City, Washington Square, sits in lower Manhattan, and boasts a large fountain and a marble arch (built to commemorate the inauguration of George Washington) in the middle of Greenwich Village. Surrounded by buildings owned by NYU, it has a long history as a gathering place for political rallies, “flower children,” chess players, tourists, dog walkers, cyclists, and street musicians of every stripe:  steel bands, hip hoppers, jazz trios, soloists with violins and guitars, as well as vocalists. 

A classical pianist named Colin Huggins has become one of the most famous buskers of Washington Square. Born in 1978, hailing from Georgia, self-trained in guitar and piano, he was uncertain what to do with his life. He hit New York City in 2003. For four years he played for the Joffrey Ballet as an accompanist for ballet dancers, but found himself wanting to be more creative. Drawn to street performers, he learned to break dance, but decided his piano talents might be more viable.

He and his roommate decided a real piano played in the street would be a spectacle to draw attention and allow him to be his own boss.

Dubbing himself “The Crazy Piano Man,” in 2007, he pushed his upright piano outside and rolled it on a dolly to Father Demo Square in Union Square where he successfully began a new career ($30 the first day) as a busker. That is until neighbors complained about the crowds and he was forced to move on.

The Crazy Piano Man Of Washington Square

Playing in the New York City subway, he earned a guest performance on the television series Louie, and he began playing in Washington Square two or three times a week. Becoming a career busker, Huggins bought more pianos off Craigslist and stored them around the city close to his favored spots.

 He found himself loving the work and often plays up to twelve hours a day, surrounded by listeners.

The Crazy Piano Man Of Washington Square

The rest of the week he practices and participates in related activities.  The long hours outdoors are tiring, hard on his hands which actually bleed when he plays in the winter.

Loving classical music, he takes the time to learn pieces by heart to add to his repertoire, including “Un Sospiro” by Liszt which had evaded him in his early training. He also mastered Rachmaninoff’s “Etude in E-flat minor,” among many others. He plays entirely from memory, so this is no small feat. He is as comfortable with classics as the Beatles and other contemporary piano music.

There was a setback when the NYC Dept. of Parks and Recreation began ticketing musicians near monuments and park benches. In 2011, he was fined over $6,000, but that policy was later revoked. In the same year he began a Facebook crowdfunding campaign to raise almost $9,000 to purchase a baby grand piano to replace the uprights.

His Yamaha baby grand was stored at a Spring Street mini-storage facility less than a mile from the park. Weighing hundred of pounds, the instrument was rigged to roll down the city streets without its legs which were attached on site. Huggins mastered the feat with glee.

He hires piano tuners to come to the storage units and maintain his numerous instruments. The tuners acknowledge that the pianos which are regularly rolled over curbs and exposed to the elements take a beating.

The Crazy Piano Man Of Washington Square

He plays in the park all year around, during all seasons, keeping a careful eye on weather reports. Weather dictates his work days. He said he feels guilty about the humidity and sun exposure on a baby grand, but the whole of his audience agree that the larger instrument is incomparably better sounding than the uprights. Huggins agrees that nothing beats an acoustic piano, and that, added to the freedom of playing outdoors to an appreciative audience, is ideal.

The Crazy Piano Man Of Washington Square

Over the years Huggins fan base has exploded. Social media has made a celebrity of him and appreciation for his music, his helpful, easygoing demeanor, and talents can be found on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter as well as many television and print articles about him. He has gone through many pianos, many fundraisers, and a Steinway currently makes a statement. It carries a message, an indication of Huggins personal philosophy which he explains.

Huggins says, “the phrase comes from Woody Guthrie, and is first and foremost a statement of nonviolence.

Woodie Guthrie saw this phrase posted in a weapons factory in America during World War II. He then proceeded to put the phrase on his guitar.

The fundamental meaning, as far as I can tell, is that we remove divisive ideology from humanity best with music and knowledge and thoughtful discussions, and we should only concern ourselves with wellbeing.”

The Crazy Piano Man Of Washington Square

In Washington Park, he is a permanent fixture around which events and happenings swirl. 

In 2017, one man requested Clair du Lune and asked if he could lay under Huggins’s piano while it was played. The man wept while doing so, and Huggins decided it was something he could offer anyone. It’s become a thing now for people to lay under the baby grand to experience the music in this special way.

The Crazy Piano Man Of Washington Square

“When you get closer to a piano, you can actually feel the vibrations,” Huggins says. “So you’re not only hearing the sound, but you can feel it too. It makes it more of an intimate and powerful experience.”

He estimates that six out of 10 listeners who try it end up weeping. Even Alec Baldwin couldn’t resist it and a tear or two.

The Crazy Piano Man Of Washington Square

During the summers, “Opera Nights” are held with Huggins accompanying singers. Listeners flock to celebrate the occasions. Free opera in the middle of iconic Washington Square in the Big Apple on a balmy summer night—it’s hard to beat that for a happening.

The Crazy Piano Man Of Washington Square

There’s a Vimeo of interpretive dancer, Emily Smith, in a collaborative performance with Huggins, made in 2018. Her naked upper body is an artistic statement, covered with words supporting her position. Another happening in Washington Square.

The Crazy Piano Man Of Washington Square

There are digital albums of Huggins work online, as well as many ongoing interviews and videos of him over the years.

From our viewpoint, it looks like not all the keepers of the flame of music reside in concert halls and the lofty halls of classical music institutions. 

This veritable self-taught young man has a mission in life to give music to as many people as he can reach from the piano bench he’s chosen, and he seems to be doing a very authentic and interesting job of it. Maybe not so crazy at all.

Load More