Piano Brands

	Piano Brands Brand names do make a difference when choosing a piano. Certain manufacturers have established sterling reputations over the years, and work hard to maintain the quality of their instruments. Widely acknowledged as the world’s finest piano maker, Steinway & Sons continues to make each of their instruments by hand to achieve the distinct, rich tone that is appreciated by pianists and audience alike. Steinway sustains this quality through close attention to the details that go into making each piano, from selection of the spruce wood for the soundboard, to the traditional manufacturing techniques passed down through generations of piano makers. In order to make their instruments more available and affordable to a wider range of pianists, Steinway & Sons has designed and produces two additional lines of pianos, Boston and Essex. The Boston line is a mid-range instrument, with many of the fine sound qualities of the top-of-the-line Steinway. Essex pianos are an affordable instrument ideal for younger students. We also carry a line of pianos from well-established Kohler & Campbell. These instruments offer a rich tone and finely detailed cabinetry that is right at home on stage or in your home. Roland digital pianos are the highest quality electronic instruments available, and include a number of key innovations — such as weighted keys and Steinway-like sound replication — that make it an excellent choice for those seeking a digital instrument. Choosing the Right Brand for Your Needs In general, you should choose the brand of your piano that you want based primarily on quality of craftsmanship. Here are some points on which to evaluate quality: Parts and materials Avoid pianos that have any plastic parts. Pianos with plastic parts don't sound as good as better-made pianos, and they will wear out or break sooner. The case should be made of veneered wood, not plywood, hardboard or compressed sawdust. The pedals should work smoothly and silently. A piano with 3 pedals is not necessarily better than one with 2. A piano only needs a sustain (right) pedal and a soft (left) pedal. If there is a middle pedal, it may sustain selected notes, sustain the bass only, or mute the entire piano for quiet practicing. The piano should have 3 strings per key for the higher notes and 2 strings per key for most of the lower notes. The keys should all work! Make sure that none of them stick down after playing, and that no note makes a rattling or buzzing noise. Hand-made or mass-produced? Hand-made pianos sound better and last longer. Manufacturer's warranty A manufacturer that makes a quality piano will stand behind their product. Make sure your new piano comes with a warranty. Resale value How much a particular brand will be worth in a few years is important if you decide to sell it or to trade it in for a better instrument. Some pianos actually increase in value with age. Others become practically worthless with just a little wear. Find out which brands make a smart investment. Discuss these points with your Steinert representative to determine which of our available brands are best suited to your priorities.