Southwest Pianos Blog

What is a Hybrid Piano?

December 29, 2021

Many people these days seem to be interested in the industries heavily promoted “hybrid pianos" as an alternative to acoustic models.

Most of the instruments sold as hybrids are actually digital pianos with regular piano actions to get a closer to acoustic feel. The digital manufacturers have been improving the actions since day one to try to come as close to an acoustic experience while playing as possible, and this is the ultimate outcome.

The gift of a lifetime

December 21, 2021

Other than diamond rings and fine jewelry there are not many gifts that can last for years to come. Even then, they may be put in a drawer and forgotten.
A gift you can give that has proven to pass the test of time is an acoustic piano.

How will my piano change over time?

December 08, 2021

Trying and buying a new piano directly off the off the piano store floor is a wonderful buying option.

You get hands-on experience with that instrument and a great feel for how it is going to perform in your home.

However, you must take into consideration that a new piano fresh from the box will change its tonal characteristics over time because of the break-in period every new piano experiences.

FAZIOLI WINS CHOPIN COMPETITION

December 02, 2021

Bruce Xiaoyu Liu won 1st Prize at the 18th Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw on a FAZIOLI 278. Martin Garcia Garcia was awarded the prize for the best Concert Performance which he performed on a FAZIOLI 278 for which he received 3rd Prize. Ms. Lenora Armellini who placed 5th became a crowd favorite also chose a FAZIOLI for her performances.

GET OUT AND PERFORM

May 25, 2021

It may sound crazy at first, and your initial response might be "I could never do that" but the best way to enjoy playing the piano and making music is to share it with others.

Yes, I know most people do enjoy playing for just themselves and their own amusement. And that is great! But they would probably find it even more satisfying to play for others.

Now I am not saying you should book Carnegie Hall (maybe just not now, but you never know) but as simple as immediate family members for starters. Get comfortable, graduate to extended family, then on to friends and strangers at parties and other get togethers.

WHY BUY A GOOD PIANO?

May 14, 2021

How “good" of a piano should I buy is a question probably asked since Bartolomeo Cristofori made his second piano.

It is actually a pretty easy question to answer with the standard "buy the best one you can afford" retort, but that seems a smug answer to the uniformed.

In most cases the "uninformed" is the non-playing spouse of a player, and the non-playing parents of a student.

Tech Talk - Back-Check

April 30, 2021

Now that we have addressed let off, drop, and repetition lever spring adjustment in our previous discussions, rounding out the four primary adjustments is the back-check.

The back check itself is a small wooden block covered with a small piece of felt, over which, a strip of leather is stretched. It is mounted to the back end of the key with a wire that provides easy adjustment.

Why Everyone Should Play Piano

April 27, 2021

The physical and mental benefits of playing music have long been recognized. The piano has been an unparalleled outlet for those seeking escape, creative expression, and simply fun and joy.

Piano Tech Talk - Repetition Lever Spring Adjustment

April 12, 2021

“Repetition lever spring adjustment” is many official words for a simple adjustment. As discussed in the two previous posts on let-off and fall, we were able to see and measure (at least with our eyes) the hammer position relative to the string. To do this, the hammer is raised very slowly and in a controlled manner.

Common Mistakes People Make When Buying A Piano

April 02, 2021

Buying a piano can be a thrilling experience. However, if you are not careful, you could make a few of these mistakes:

Research: There is a lot of research that goes into buying a piano. There are multiple questions you will have to ask yourself. Do you want an acoustic piano or a digital one? Should you get a vertical piano or a grand piano? Should you go for a new piano or a used one? Finding the answers to these questions requires research

The Importance of a Store Trade-In Policy

April 01, 2021

One thing you can count on in life is that you don’t always get things right the first time.
This holds especially true when buying a piano, the choices are vast, the price ranges seem infinite, and nowadays you must choose between digital and acoustic! Ouch.

In many cases piano shoppers, especially beginners, do not even really know what they really want, creating even more anxiety about buying the wrong instrument for their individual long- and short-term needs.