I have a Yamaha Lu100, taking grade 8 piano, and I find it unacceptable to continue with such a piano. Would it be advisible to get a grand piano? Yamaha and Kawai pianos seems nice to start with. Living in an apartment, it may only be suitable to get a baby grand.
It is a little difficult to answer this question because you are leaving out a lot of relevant information, but I’ll try. Why is it unacceptable to continue playing this piano? Is the action of the keys too hard/soft? Does it just not sound impressive? Will your neighbors care?
Assuming it is a key action problem, this problem can easily be rectified by making a call to your local piano technician. These wonderful people can adjust the action to your liking, as well as "re-voice" the piano. However, this process is quite tedious, as each individual key must be balanced according to taste. But, it will be a lot cheaper than purchasing a new piano.
If you do decide to purchase a grand piano, don’t be afraid to shop for value. A good piano technician will work with you, determine your preferences, and probably have you come in to the store a few times to make sure the piano you purchase is adjusted to your liking.
As for deciding between a baby or a conservatory, keep in mind that a baby grand will still sound "muddy." Play an octave on a baby grand, then play an octave on a slightly larger grand, and you can hear the difference in clarity. You may just find out that a 5-foot baby grand sounds just like your Yamaha upright.
Good luck to you.
Yamaha. And frankly, I hope you have a big apartment.
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It isn’t so much about the brand name as it is the Piano. I prefer Yamaha, but you need to go to the piano, put your fingers on it, spend some time with it, and make a decision based on personal experience. Don’t let the sales person talk you into anything either. They are trained to impress with you statistics. Yamaha used to make a full upright with a correct action as well.
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It all depends on what you like. My experience is that Yamaha has an easier touch, but Kawai has a better sound.
Better yet, go for Steinway!!! The best pianos I have ever played. They combine good action with rich sounds.
Obviously a grand piano has a better distribution of sound, but if you get a good quality upright, that is acceptable if you have space limitations.
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I have been a pianist for over 30 years
Since you probably don’t have room for a full-sized grand piano, I would go for a Yamaha upright. We have one of those, and everyone who comes over and plays really likes it. Whatever you do, do not get a baby grand. Their strings are actually shorter than an upright, and they sound terrible. Baby grands are only for looks. But don’t buy anything based on the name alone – go play on them and choose the one with the best sound.
Good luck!
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Agreed with the Steinway statement! My favorite by far. I just recently performed on a new Yamaha that was very nice…bright sounding but a good touch. I have never played a baby grand that I enjoyed, but that is just personal experience. Definitely shop around!
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It is a little difficult to answer this question because you are leaving out a lot of relevant information, but I’ll try. Why is it unacceptable to continue playing this piano? Is the action of the keys too hard/soft? Does it just not sound impressive? Will your neighbors care?
Assuming it is a key action problem, this problem can easily be rectified by making a call to your local piano technician. These wonderful people can adjust the action to your liking, as well as "re-voice" the piano. However, this process is quite tedious, as each individual key must be balanced according to taste. But, it will be a lot cheaper than purchasing a new piano.
If you do decide to purchase a grand piano, don’t be afraid to shop for value. A good piano technician will work with you, determine your preferences, and probably have you come in to the store a few times to make sure the piano you purchase is adjusted to your liking.
As for deciding between a baby or a conservatory, keep in mind that a baby grand will still sound "muddy." Play an octave on a baby grand, then play an octave on a slightly larger grand, and you can hear the difference in clarity. You may just find out that a 5-foot baby grand sounds just like your Yamaha upright.
Good luck to you.
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Spoke with a Yamaha/Kawai piano technician