Search found 179 matches

by A440
09 Feb 2009, 01:35
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Baffling
Replies: 34
Views: 30387

Re: Baffling

It's sometimes a caster, make sure they are all touching the floor- if not chock up. Tap stings down on bridge, but it sounds more like sympathetic vibration- remove case parts one by one. If necessary remove action and strike string with spare hammer sounds crazy but then at least you know. But my ...
by A440
29 Jan 2009, 19:08
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: what make do you recommend ?
Replies: 20
Views: 23636

Re: what make do you recommend ?

Yes, set up and ready to play. There's also the Irmler which is under-budget in the same price bracket.
by A440
29 Jan 2009, 18:11
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: what make do you recommend ?
Replies: 20
Views: 23636

Re: what make do you recommend ?

There's always the Kemble 173 grand - a softly spoken Yamaha. It is a little over-budget, but well worth it.However, February is also British Piano Month, so there are some special deals available. If you are in Yorkshire, you could play one in Headingley pianos. www.headingley-pianos.co.uk They are...
by A440
15 Dec 2008, 18:27
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: What DOES one do about a rogue trader?
Replies: 23
Views: 24993

Just a quick thought...
Maybe a general advice page from the regular posters (such as PianoGuy) would be useful... you could call it "PG tips"!
by A440
15 Dec 2008, 18:24
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: What DOES one do about a rogue trader?
Replies: 23
Views: 24993

You're right, naming and shaming is not the way. I was playing devil's advocate a bit. But my point is that a prospective buyer will read posts such as the above and have general suspicion about all dealers because he has been shown a mystery rogue dealer. It's an obvious assumption. Buying a piano ...
by A440
14 Dec 2008, 02:35
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: What DOES one do about a rogue trader?
Replies: 23
Views: 24993

I think you should name and shame. Why not say the name of the offending trader? How else are others not going to fall into the same trap? There is nothing wrong with naming a dealer who gives bad service. I think this forum is here to help for exactly this kind of situation. Am I wrong, is it in so...
by A440
04 Dec 2008, 00:16
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Piano Case Refinishing
Replies: 11
Views: 13910

As Vernon says, you should use similar timber not a filler/glue try http://www.john-boddy-timber.ltd.uk/news.htm . Cut well back and rebuild then veneer over. Good luck!
by A440
03 Dec 2008, 23:31
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Sauter Sound
Replies: 17
Views: 25786

Beautiful sound! Is there also a creaky piano stool in there or is it just me? Good mics can pick up everything! I did a piano sample recording of pianos which we tried to keep as clean as possible and we had problems with hearing fingernails on the keys, clothing rubbing and even breathing of the p...
by A440
22 Nov 2008, 14:39
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Action adjustment
Replies: 11
Views: 16315

The left hand pedal (or rather foot pedal) doesn't really make the sound any softer, but rather it gives you the ability to play softer and strike the string as the hammer is brought closer. It is a very common misconception tha applying the left pedal makes the sound quieter. It does not, but rathe...
by A440
03 Nov 2008, 23:44
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: What Do You Get With A New Piano?
Replies: 32
Views: 30748

It is possible the dealer has registered the product for you which would be nice of them. Ask them.
by A440
03 Nov 2008, 23:42
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: What Do You Get With A New Piano?
Replies: 32
Views: 30748

Yes, Brian Kemble is still very much at the helm. You should get a postcard (freepost) to send to Kemble which registers the product (they will send you a Kemble teddy bear!). The guarrantee IS with Kemble rather than the dealer and they honour it very well indeed. I would say ask for registration d...
by A440
26 Oct 2008, 13:02
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Old Brinsmead Grand
Replies: 7
Views: 10629

You can't judge a book by it's cover, but you can judge a piano by it's case. The piano has got very damp at some stage. It can be difficult to let go, but if it was a car in such condition you would pay to have it towed away.
November 5th is only a few days away- do everyone a favour!
by A440
26 Oct 2008, 12:52
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Broadwood Frame Removal .. URGENT help please!
Replies: 12
Views: 16210

Yes, It's not really a heavy piano by professional standards. Yes, moving a piano is expensive but, as you admit, it's not an easy job. Taking the frame out to make it easier to move is like taking the engine out of your car to take it to the garage.
by A440
14 Oct 2008, 09:26
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: BIGGARS IN GLASGOW
Replies: 11
Views: 19507

You made the decisions, you took the money when things were going well now bite the bullet when theres a down turn. :evil:[/quote] You also, more importantly took the money when things were going badly. People who draw a salary out of their business as if it owed them a living are not 'running' a sm...
by A440
14 Oct 2008, 08:05
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: BIGGARS IN GLASGOW
Replies: 11
Views: 19507

I've heard they are now starting up again (this will be the third time). For legal reasons the name will be slightly changed (now Biggars of Glasgow).
The outstanding debts will be written off and they are continuing with Steinway.
Well it beats working for a living!
by A440
13 Oct 2008, 19:32
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Get Your Copy of 'Piano and Keyboard' in The Guardian
Replies: 31
Views: 22192

Just for the record I did say "nothing against Markson's" and indeed, just like Openwood I still have nothing against Markson's. I believe Pianoguy also has nothing against Markson's.
Nobody has anything at all against Markson's. I hope that is clear!
Although....
by A440
13 Oct 2008, 10:56
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Get Your Copy of 'Piano and Keyboard' in The Guardian
Replies: 31
Views: 22192

And another thing... Many of the pianos in the photos were Yamahas but there was hardly any mention of how to get one. Bit weird. Or maybe not. Who knows? Search me. There was no mention of Yamaha or Steinway because they are not sold by Markson's. Nothing against Markson's, it's the "research...
by A440
12 Oct 2008, 12:01
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Get Your Copy of 'Piano and Keyboard' in The Guardian
Replies: 31
Views: 22192

Yes, it is just a feature. But at £10,000 per page advertising I think there's a wee bit more to it than that.
by A440
12 Oct 2008, 11:25
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Get Your Copy of 'Piano and Keyboard' in The Guardian
Replies: 31
Views: 22192

Well the 'Buying Guide' (shouldn't that be selling guide?) was a tribute to in-depth journalism! Apparently they rang the (seemingly independent) Piano Advisory Service who kindly recommended all the pianos sold in the Markson shop. The fact that the PAS is owned and run by Markson is, no doubt, she...
by A440
11 Oct 2008, 10:35
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Get Your Copy of 'Piano and Keyboard' in The Guardian
Replies: 31
Views: 22192

Get Your Copy of 'Piano and Keyboard' in The Guardian

Don't Forget! Today's Guardian and tomorrows Observer come with a Piano and Keyboard booklet. As well as a few beginners lessons there's articles about players and playing. Tomorrow's edition promises to have articles about piano building, makers and a (doubtless contentious!) article abut the 'best...
by A440
07 Oct 2008, 09:12
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: I've had my piano tuned !
Replies: 23
Views: 23845

OK, OK. I'm not sure if the way that this discussion is progressing is validating my hunch or not (genuine open mind here :P ). Is my Bluthner (originally built in Leipzig in C 1920, rebuilt in Poland/Kent 2008) really a "Bluthner" at all? No, not really... But you can buy a new Bluthner ...
by A440
12 Sep 2008, 11:26
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Yamaha B3 Advice
Replies: 82
Views: 87938

The main points is that is doesn't change according to humidity, which rises and falls during the day. Over time wood will weaken as well as causing problems along the way. Is re centring a thing of the past? But it isn't the WOOD that's at fault when a piano needs re centering, it's the bushing cl...
by A440
12 Sep 2008, 09:58
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Yamaha B3 Advice
Replies: 82
Views: 87938

The abs carbon action is far superior to the wooden action in many ways. Best you read the website of Kawai. Why would you need to repair the plastic? Its near impossible to break. Read the website. It says it's STRONGER than wood (so what) but doesn't mention more durable over time. Most people in...
by A440
12 Sep 2008, 01:38
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: climate
Replies: 13
Views: 17437

Hello Ma. As Barrie says you may need a tropicalized piano. I noticed on another thread that the back of your soundboard had been painted. I thought at first this was due to an over zealous decorator, but in fact this is often done to tropicalize a soundboard as it is believed less moisture will ent...
by A440
11 Sep 2008, 12:49
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Yamaha B3 Advice
Replies: 82
Views: 87938

I don't understand why carbon action parts are considered desirable on Kawais. Do the champions (sellers) of these pianos REALLY (in real life, forgetting all the profit margins and name-drop plugs on web sites such as this) think wooden action parts can be improved upon? Any tuner with any experien...
by A440
07 Sep 2008, 20:13
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Yamaha B3 Advice
Replies: 82
Views: 87938

I would advise buying once and buying right. Change your flute or violin yes, but pianos like staying in one place and are expensive to move. The defining factor about the B series is they have plywood sound boards. The salesman will tell you it is 'laminated to withstand changes in temperature and ...
by A440
17 Jul 2008, 23:37
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Dull bass strings, can i clean them?? please comment!!
Replies: 6
Views: 11238

Brumtuner is right. Look carefully at the windings and give the string a couple of twists in the same direction before reattaching at the bottom.
Do not take the string right off. It will last a while, but not forever. Hexacore strings arn't too expensive and you may have fun fitting them...
by A440
14 Jul 2008, 12:19
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Zimmermann Z1/Seiller Konsole 122/Sauter 120
Replies: 18
Views: 24260

Hi Genaa! The Ragazza in black is a superb instrument and falls well within the budget of most buyers seeking a hand-built german piano. As for the shape of the 'rondo' I think it's understated and timeless. It oozes quality and is a design classic (in my humble...). I think the difference between m...
by A440
08 Jul 2008, 19:43
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Zimmermann Z1/Seiller Konsole 122/Sauter 120
Replies: 18
Views: 24260

I think the Sauter is an extraordinary piano. The clarity throughout the range, the balance of bass to treble and complexity of sound put it not only in the top league of pianos but almost in a league of its own. The repetition is also unrivalled- they also look stunning. The masterclass 122 and 130...
by A440
26 Jun 2008, 23:01
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: The Age old question! Kemble or Yamaha!
Replies: 18
Views: 23104

An Oxford 12 is old stock, it's all Oxford contemporary nowadays! They have finished making the 12s and now make the profile edge design. If it's a reputable dealer there should be no back-up issues, if they are a Kemble Center of Excellence you also get the 10 year guarrantee- you can locate your n...
by A440
20 Jun 2008, 08:36
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: METRONOME
Replies: 11
Views: 14780

Openwood wrote:I don't know about the effect on the piano but they have bugger all effect on any pianist I know.

Incidentally, are you taking the piss?
GOOD QUESTION!


MA. CECILIA M. DE MESA could be an anagram...
perhaps,

Academic Emails Me
Academics Maim Eel
Lama Decease Mimic?

I think we should be told
by A440
18 Jun 2008, 12:00
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: FRAMES, VASES
Replies: 7
Views: 9785

Be sure to use gloss paint and prepare the surface thoroughly with a solution of nutmeg and metal.
Any brass fittings (hinges, page-holders etc) should be treated with lemon juice, this will also make the piano louder.
by A440
17 Jun 2008, 20:36
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: FRAMES, VASES
Replies: 7
Views: 9785

Generally with most uprights under 121cm a photo frame of medium size (say wedding or graduation) will have at least a 14% effect (in some cases as high as 18.5%). A smaller photo (cat, dog, tortoise etc) will have between 7%-9%. Any vase will have a 33% effect. This is a constant and does not chang...
by A440
07 May 2008, 12:45
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Completely fed-up with Yam U1
Replies: 21
Views: 18175

I've had a few problems with the damper backs catching the rail. On the smaller models the tolerence is too small and if the piano is moved it needs checking. I'm not overfond of the nylon doublescrew adjuster used on the pedal. The 2 big questions are 1. why cant they make it easier to get the bott...
by A440
05 May 2008, 22:05
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Broadwood pianos
Replies: 14
Views: 17277

He will need some very good advice. I agree he is a very nice chap with perhaps more knowledge than anyone. But he needs to be backed by good financial thinking. His last venture (lawrence and nash) foundered due to little or no management skills. Perhaps a wealthy and understanding backer is what i...
by A440
04 May 2008, 23:00
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: looking to buy a new upright for about 5500 pounds
Replies: 30
Views: 30955

I think Sauter is the best choice in this price range. The build quality is amazing and the clarity of sound is really unlike anything else. They do some incredible art-cased instruments and even their standard shaped uprights have a certain stylish proportion. They are remarkable instruments from a...
by A440
04 May 2008, 15:01
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Completely fed-up with Yam U1
Replies: 21
Views: 18175

Did Yamaha mention which July? I've given up on Yamaha's time promises, they don't mean anything. They seem to have an annoying policy of saying a random time in the future rather than an honest "I don't know". I now never pass on info from Yamaha to the customer because it invariably turn...
by A440
01 May 2008, 22:02
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: London International Music Show
Replies: 3
Views: 5974

London International Music Show

I hear through the grapevine that the LIMS has been deserted by piano people. Apparently the once packed Piano Hall now has ZERO exhibitors! Anyone got any ideas why this might be? Too expensive? Too Rock n Roll? Bad management? A mixture of all 3? It seems a pity that there is no representation (Ke...
by A440
12 Apr 2008, 12:44
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Yamaha B1 Silent
Replies: 21
Views: 23126

Go for the Kemble 121 with silent system. Then you get the Yamaha silent system and a sweet-toned Kemble, best of both worlds. The silent system doesn't make the piano feel different, the set-off is slightly wider whether on or off (to allow room for the bar). If you know what to feel for you can te...
by A440
27 Mar 2008, 23:33
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Kemble vs. Irmler
Replies: 29
Views: 24338

As a human and a business man, I get a bigger kick out of the fuzzy feeling. That's kind of the point. You'll never get rich quick with pianos, that's not why we do it. I love pianos and can't get away from the blasted things even if I wanted to! Try retraining in estate agency! That may well make y...
by A440
27 Mar 2008, 01:25
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Humphreys London piano
Replies: 8
Views: 13751

Is it an A and E humphrys by any chance? My next door neighbour is a retired tuner and it was his father and grandfathers firm. I have been looking out for one for him for some time. I found one once and it had just been scrapped (the action burned) I only missd it by a few hours, strange really.
by A440
27 Mar 2008, 01:07
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Yamaha B1 Silent
Replies: 21
Views: 23126

It is a good piano. Dealers get it non-prepped which brings the price down and puts the onus on the dealer to tech it properly (which it needs!) The only thing is the silent system has no midi or usb connection which means no computer interface which is, I think, generally more useful than the silen...
by A440
27 Mar 2008, 00:56
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Kemble vs. Irmler
Replies: 29
Views: 24338

Yes, it's a great piano and you ARE keeping brits in the piano trade (the last remaining factory). As far as all the squabbling of some dealers goes, what a sad state of affairs. It seems rather forgotten that some piano shops want to supply a good piano with on-going service for the future. It's no...
by A440
15 Mar 2008, 19:55
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Baby Grand Waldstein Vs Schumann
Replies: 6
Views: 9472

At 152cm the Schumann isn't really a baby grand and is certainly much larger than any upright available (you can get 133cm). There are also advantages to a grand over an upright (repetition, feel, sostinuto pedal and of course good looks!). A massive upright is always a good choice but in reality mo...
by A440
08 Feb 2008, 14:00
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: I have 500 GBP for a piano - what will it buy me?
Replies: 25
Views: 23134

First rule of being a tuner. Value high and they'll pay you to tune it each year. "My,my Mrs Miggins what a perfect example of a spring and loop Alfred Eccles, this could be worth a fortune if properly maintained...." :lol: Just be careful of hitch-hikers particually moths and woodworm- th...
by A440
05 Feb 2008, 13:40
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: I have 500 GBP for a piano - what will it buy me?
Replies: 25
Views: 23134

You do have to be Very Lucky Indeed to pick something up worth having. I have moved pianos for about 15 years (about 10-12 a week on average). I can count one one hand the amount of real bargains I've seen people buy (people who have paid less than I would for a piano). Over 99 per cent are not wort...
by A440
30 Jan 2008, 01:45
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Recondition or purchase a new piano
Replies: 5
Views: 8707

A new piano may well make you happy. However the Danemann seems to please you. The faults sound very minor (the hammer return noise is probably just the hammer rest rail needs tightening- it wouldn't cost anything).At worst you may need some recentering -a regular maintenance job. Get a good tuner i...
by A440
19 Jan 2008, 01:00
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: On-line business against shops
Replies: 16
Views: 18529

e-Bay is the same old bent pennies moving from a to b. The only difference is that a to b is usually much further. The best way to make money in the piano industry now-a-days is to be a mover!
by A440
19 Jan 2008, 00:53
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Buying a new piano - some advice
Replies: 13
Views: 15311

The old system has no midi interface however which is pretty useful. How do you fit a sound interface with no midi?
by A440
19 Jan 2008, 00:46
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Silent piano advice
Replies: 8
Views: 11087

The set-off is wider in a silent piano. This has the effect of making the action feel a little spongey. Once you notice it, it feels different but you can get used to it. However it's probably only a piano tech who would notice so best forget I even mentioned it... :?