Search found 59 matches

by abc1337
14 Aug 2008, 22:28
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Is using a digital piano,bad for your fingers touch???
Replies: 24
Views: 33527

I have a roland A90, which is a nice piece of kit, especially when faffing with logic and some of the 'fake' piano's therein, but prefer to practice on the Zimmermann...there is just something about the touch of the real piano the fake one doesn't meet, even at a mere grade 3 standard :wink:
by abc1337
14 Aug 2008, 22:24
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: What are we all learning to play at the moment?
Replies: 50
Views: 42019

Well, just started my 3rd grade three piece...the A3 one in the current book...Allegretto by Turk, having done the Hoffman B piece and the Bartok C piece. In addition to that doing some sightreading, but for pleasure have learned some Will Baily pieces (very underrated), plus i wonder by Abba from t...
by abc1337
17 Jul 2008, 17:33
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: underfloor heating
Replies: 17
Views: 21417

Depends for me on:

how high the floor temp goes (mine doesn't - it just makes the tiles less cold)
the humidity of the room
what temp the room is at normally when the heating is on?
by abc1337
04 Jul 2008, 20:49
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: underfloor heating
Replies: 17
Views: 21417

plan where the piano is going, then don't put underfloor heating there (if you have that option - thats what i have done.)
by abc1337
25 Jun 2008, 21:48
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Piano practise from hell
Replies: 41
Views: 28125

Dave,

i had the A90 via balanced leads into some fostex monitors initially. i then did the pc thing sometime later. i also used the a90 via headphones, which i still do on occasion...


it was just a thought - u can pick a good ocndition one up for around 5-600quid...
by abc1337
25 Jun 2008, 17:00
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Piano practise from hell
Replies: 41
Views: 28125

Dave, have you purchased a Clavinova yet?

have a look for the Roland A90ex - that's what i started out on, and still have for computer/midi work - fully weighted hammer action etc, and good prices 2nd hand etc...

Doesn't have the feel of the Z1, but then again that's not surprising.
by abc1337
24 Jun 2008, 21:57
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Piano practise from hell
Replies: 41
Views: 28125

I read somewhere about the brain still learning sub-consciously re psycho-motor skills/cognitive skills?

It does seem to be the case - go away, put the ketle on etc then go back, and play better.... :shock:
by abc1337
24 Jun 2008, 16:12
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Piano practise from hell
Replies: 41
Views: 28125

I like alsorts - I can play an easy version of several Abba songs, plus a few other bits - Simon and garfunkel stuff too...

I reckon the thing is to broaden ones pallet! :wink:

PS - I only started playing March last year.
by abc1337
24 Jun 2008, 15:37
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Piano practise from hell
Replies: 41
Views: 28125

Dave,
my mate Tim has played professionally in another life, and between us we have all the kit apart from a PA to play live. (numerous keyboards, software and apple macs etc)

One day I may just do that.... If Tim will lower is extremely high standards! :roll:
by abc1337
23 Jun 2008, 15:47
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: underfloor heating
Replies: 17
Views: 21417

I have just installed electric underfloor heating in my new kitchen/dining area - but had factored in where my upright was to go - so didn't put any underfloor heating under there anyway. I guess its down to how hot the underfloor is going to get. electric stuff does get luke warm, but not as hot as...
by abc1337
23 Jun 2008, 14:24
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Piano practise from hell
Replies: 41
Views: 28125

Dave, my teacher charged £12 for 30 mins - and the lesson always lasts longer than that! (probably something to do with my teacher having lots of children as pupils and not too many adults?). I fully recognise the costs involved - have you considered 1 lesson a month or some way of a compromise like...
by abc1337
23 Jun 2008, 10:16
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Piano practise from hell
Replies: 41
Views: 28125

Dave. LOL bless. It might be worth some periodic one-off lessons subject to how far you have to travel etc. My point is that the syllabus in the front of the book doesn't show nuances etc that a teacher can inject into your playing. Please note this is just my opinion, and i mean no offence in my co...
by abc1337
23 Jun 2008, 09:40
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Piano practise from hell
Replies: 41
Views: 28125

Dave, Are you having lessons? I think the main issue here is that if you do have a few lessons, if you have found a teacher worthy of the title they will know whats needed to achieve a 1. Moreover, they will 'educate' u hopefully enough to build in some seepage for nerves and still allow a pass. My ...
by abc1337
22 Jun 2008, 15:32
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Piano practise from hell
Replies: 41
Views: 28125

emmac has a good point re a 'strange' piano - i get to do my exams on the one i have my lessons on, so am somewhat fortunate...
by abc1337
22 Jun 2008, 14:20
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: sight reading books or hints and tips
Replies: 8
Views: 11422

Cheers for that.

I'll just trust my teacher, who has been spot on so far, assisting me to pass the 1 and 2 well.

But I'll have a look at the 4 at the beginning of 2009, although I'm already doing arpeggio's similar two octaves etc - which may be a current grade 4 req?
by abc1337
22 Jun 2008, 14:03
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: How do you play this song?
Replies: 8
Views: 12029

Have a look for this book: Bob Kropel's creative keyboard's deluxe encyclopedia of piano chords.

I got in with a ring binder spine - so I can open it on the key in question - makes it easy to look at what chord in what key etc...
by abc1337
22 Jun 2008, 13:54
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Piano practise from hell
Replies: 41
Views: 28125

I teach other things, and the most relevant thing is to acknowledge when you have had a bad session, 'cos at least you know you have had better. :shock:

The learning is in the de-brief - ask yourself what you did well etc as well as points for re-visit next session.
by abc1337
22 Jun 2008, 13:51
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: sight reading books or hints and tips
Replies: 8
Views: 11422

Afternoon all.


anyone any idea's how the syllabus is changing?

I'm currently doing my grade 3, which will result in the exam just b4 xmas. I'll then look to my grade 4 next year.

Totally agree re the Harris' books - I've brought all applicable to grades 1,2 and 3 - they are very good indeed.
by abc1337
20 Jun 2008, 07:31
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: CONCENTRATE!
Replies: 58
Views: 40276

Don't moan at being 38 - I'm 42!
by abc1337
19 Jun 2008, 22:13
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: CONCENTRATE!
Replies: 58
Views: 40276

One of the grade 3 pieces I'm learning is totally with both staves with treble clef, and another is a mixture. its as described above, but interestingly once you actually suss it it helps you read the notes better and where they are as you have to actually think, etc, if you get my meaning.
by abc1337
19 Jun 2008, 17:00
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: CONCENTRATE!
Replies: 58
Views: 40276

I did mini-rag - and liked it too. I want back to playing it recently having forgotten the correct notes at the right time and after 10 minutes of sight reading got it back again. i find that the graded pieces live with you forever - you play em that often when practicing?!? The fuch piece is simply...
by abc1337
19 Jun 2008, 07:29
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: CONCENTRATE!
Replies: 58
Views: 40276

Sight Reading.

PS - other than obviously learning to play new songs, I also use the Paul Harris books on 'improving your sight reading'.

For the price I have found these very useful, as they are structured nicely for my learning style and are easy to follow.

For the price, they are not bad value at all.
by abc1337
18 Jun 2008, 22:50
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: CONCENTRATE!
Replies: 58
Views: 40276

Cracking topic! Started in march last year, purchased a Roland A90ex, passed grade 1 (xmas) and 2 (april), now going for 3 having just got a proper piano (Zimmermann Z1). My only tip is you cannot place a value on a quality teacher. Mine I googled and looked for one with also a cert ed - general tea...
by abc1337
17 Jun 2008, 22:12
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: hydrometer - recommendations?
Replies: 6
Views: 9741

Cheers, Barrie - I'll order one tomorrow evening.
by abc1337
17 Jun 2008, 10:22
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: hydrometer - recommendations?
Replies: 6
Views: 9741

hydrometer - recommendations?

HI, Can anyone recommend a particular brand/make of the above thats accurate etc? I took delivery of my Zimmermann Z1 a few weeks ago - its fine and sounds lovely - i just want to keep it that way! Any links/suggestions/replies gratefully recieved. thanks Andy PS - i narrowed it down in the end to t...
by abc1337
28 Jan 2008, 21:45
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: How do I record myself?
Replies: 6
Views: 9033

Go to the Sound on Sound magazine website - they did an article of various ways to record piano, from the simple to complex - you can then see what involved?
by abc1337
23 Jan 2008, 11:20
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: I have 500 GBP for a piano - what will it buy me?
Replies: 25
Views: 23135

sirprize Its suited my purpose nicely, and was used in conjunction with my teachers Young Chang to get a distinction at grade 1:lol: ! I'm already beginning to recognise its limitations, but I love it for the fun aspect of layering sounds etc using Ableton software etc. Fortunately my wife is an und...
by abc1337
23 Jan 2008, 09:50
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: I have 500 GBP for a piano - what will it buy me?
Replies: 25
Views: 23135

I had this issue re budget when i started last year - I purchased a Roland A90ex plus a set of headphones for £600! I'll never get rid of it, either - it has a nice feel for its type, and I also use the midi side of things with it with my PC. Have a look on the Sound on Sound website - there are som...
by abc1337
18 Jan 2008, 13:50
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Yamaha C1/Yamaha GC-1/Kawai RX-1/Samick NSG/Boston, etc
Replies: 4
Views: 11053

Did you not try any kemble Grands?

Whilst on my upright search I tried several of em, and thought them ok.

Not enough room for a grand in my house, tho.
by abc1337
12 Jan 2008, 22:17
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: any ideas???
Replies: 59
Views: 48626

I settled on the Zimmermann Z1 - I got a very nice deal from Lincoln Piano Centre, and also like the chap I've done business with.

Just need to get the building work done now - then get it delivered.

No-one can say i have no patience!
by abc1337
07 Jan 2008, 23:18
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Talk to me about Humidification!
Replies: 6
Views: 9230

Thanks, david - I've replied with a link on the other thread.
by abc1337
07 Jan 2008, 23:17
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Can you recommend a good humidifier?
Replies: 11
Views: 15412

http://www.jshumidifiers.com/products/SEURLF/ASP/SFS/PID.25/SFE/details.htm As a result of another thread I posted - altavista'd the item mentioned - above is the link for reference... Is there such a device for internal use on an upright piano...(i refer to the link to the 'life saver' device menti...
by abc1337
07 Jan 2008, 21:44
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: any ideas???
Replies: 59
Views: 48626

chrissy,
If you have found a piano you like at a price you are prepared to pay, then subject to the advice from the knowledgeable folk here you know the answer...

Just also shows that piano's are as individual as their owners!
by abc1337
07 Jan 2008, 21:41
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Talk to me about Humidification!
Replies: 6
Views: 9230

To answer some questions - my piano will be new, and there will also be an air-con unit with adjustable humidifier in use as well.

Any specific humidifiers you suggest?
by abc1337
07 Jan 2008, 10:36
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: any ideas???
Replies: 59
Views: 48626

LIncoln Piano centre list the Z3 116cm at 6799, but obviously deals can be had. John there has been very professional and courteous with me, and to be fair he has ticked the right boxes. I'm off back there this sat, to try the Z3 and Z1 again... I think at some stage you have to make the decision, b...
by abc1337
06 Jan 2008, 23:37
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Talk to me about Humidification!
Replies: 6
Views: 9230

The room will go from quite warm to bloody hot w/out some form of air-con...The house is a 2000 built modern 4 bed detached - we don't suffer from condensation on windows or anything like that...
by abc1337
06 Jan 2008, 21:12
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Talk to me about Humidification!
Replies: 6
Views: 9230

Talk to me about Humidification!

OK, I'm researching getting a piano - and am interested in the above aspect of its care. Specifically I'd like the participants here to advise me of: What type of meter I'd need? What type of humidifier I'd need, not specifically one that needs to fit in the Piano, either? Are any of you aware of an...
by abc1337
06 Jan 2008, 18:56
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: any ideas???
Replies: 59
Views: 48626

I thought for around £4k the Kemble is a no-brainer - I liked all three of them I played (in diff venues) over Kawai and Yamaha pianos of similar price. I liked both Schimmel 116's in Forsyth's, and they also allowed me to try a 120 which was also very nice. I prefered the action on either 116, and ...
by abc1337
06 Jan 2008, 00:00
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: any ideas???
Replies: 59
Views: 48626

Well...
Played two Kemble Conservatoire's, also a Yamaha U3 and Radius, plus an Irmler - no Blunthers within budget.

Played two Schimmels, the 116 and 120 international - very nice.

chewing over options...
by abc1337
04 Jan 2008, 22:00
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: any ideas???
Replies: 59
Views: 48626

All depends on cost - no more that £6.5k...so its up to the dealers, dude :wink:
by abc1337
04 Jan 2008, 18:59
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: any ideas???
Replies: 59
Views: 48626

So - tomorrow brings forth the Land of Blunther, Irmler and more Souter(Headingly Piano's at Leeds) & Schimmel (at Forsyths of Manchester)! Report will duly follow. Am interested in the comments above re the Schimmel v the Yamaha - I've not taken to any Yamaha's or kawai's I've (crudely) played...
by abc1337
30 Dec 2007, 19:51
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: any ideas???
Replies: 59
Views: 48626

Further thoughts: The Z1 and Z3 Zimmermann's are very clear yet not bright. They had amongst the nicest actions of the piano's I tried. The price is the issue, tho. I'm wrestling with paying either £4k or upto £6.75k. My reasoning is I'll keep what I get for a good long while, so am taking my time. ...
by abc1337
29 Dec 2007, 21:36
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: any ideas???
Replies: 59
Views: 48626

Well, Met John – owner of Lincoln Piano centre – played: Grotian Steinwegs – 2 diff ones Pleyels Yamaha U3 (2nd hand) Boston - several Zimmermann Z3 & Z1 (Bechstein manufactured) Kemble (Mozart, Conservatoire) Steinway grand (wow!) Narrowed it down to the Conservatoire and either of the Zimmerma...
by abc1337
28 Dec 2007, 21:10
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: any ideas???
Replies: 59
Views: 48626

LOL another make to look at! :shock:
by abc1337
28 Dec 2007, 17:32
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: piano kemble k 121CLM
Replies: 16
Views: 19381

Interesting - will go try the Kemble 121 - poss in Leeds as the dealer up there also stocks Sauter....
by abc1337
27 Dec 2007, 23:13
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Buying a new piano - I need advice
Replies: 24
Views: 22371

Did you try a Zimmermann, then?
by abc1337
22 Dec 2007, 22:25
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: any ideas???
Replies: 59
Views: 48626

Barrie,
this one was a custom made one for Clements - not art deco at all - and sounded very nice indeed.

It set the bar, so to speak, IMHO and WMLE... :shock:
by abc1337
22 Dec 2007, 21:57
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: any ideas???
Replies: 59
Views: 48626

Well - 1st trials started today:

Tried:
Kawai k3 and K5 – Japan
Yamaha U1 – Japan
Sauter 114 Custom – Germany

Guess which one sounded the nicest?

Guess which one was the most expensive?

To try – Kemble K121, and Yamaha U3...

Clements of Nottm is also a nice shop!
by abc1337
22 Dec 2007, 10:43
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: any ideas???
Replies: 59
Views: 48626

I reckon if a dealer is trying to assist a purchaser, then what's wrong with using a furum to do so? :wink:
by abc1337
21 Dec 2007, 16:48
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: any ideas???
Replies: 59
Views: 48626

Watching this thread with interest, as my Budget is £5k, and I'm starting the miles trip tomorrow with a visit to Clements in Nottingham to look/try the kawai's...