Why Should I Buy A Piano For My Kids?
It’s a proven fact - “Music makes you smarter!” Extensive studies show that music helps children develop cognitive reasoning skills and coordination at an early age. Social skills are also enhanced. But it doesn’t stop there. Keeping music in your child’s life through his/her school years, also significantly improves SAT scores. There are other countless benefits of music. Even active seniors report notable health benefits. Stop in and see me to discuss the positive impact music will have on your child.

At What Age Should My Child Start Lessons?
Many instructors feel that 6-8 is a good age to start. As a general rule of thumb, I recommend beginning lessons when your child is old enough to read. Henri’s has a data base of over 200 qualified private piano teachers. And, we teach over 1,500 lessons each week in our studios on a variety of instruments. Consider interviewing your prospective teacher to make sure the right personality fit exists for your child ... often the key to success! Note: You are never too old to start on piano, including adults.

Should I Rent Before I Buy?
Many parents feel that it is best to ease into piano lessons by initially renting. This is recommended only if you have a child who has shown traits of giving up easily, or if finances are a major factor. Rent-to-own plans often have built-in mark-ups to offset dollars that apply towards the purchase. Making a purchase immediately will save you money by getting you a better price up front and avoiding high dealer rental fees. Quality pianos hold their value! The commitment to the study of piano provides documented benefits to the development of your child.

How Often Should I Tune My Piano?
As the seasons change (especially in Wisconsin!), so does the sound of your piano. Temperature and humidity fluctuations will effect the tuning of your piano. I recommend that your piano be tuned twice each year. One month after you turn on your heat for the season, and one month after you turn it off. This will protect your investment, and assist in developing good ear training when practicing. If you need assistance in choosing a qualified piano tuner, please give me a call. We work with only the best!

Should I Select A Grand Or Vertical?
A grand will give you the best sound and performance. Size does matter! Selecting the longest or tallest piano generally produces the best sound. Sizes of grands very greatly, often taking up less space than you might think. Manufacturers have brought prices down to affordable levels for most buyers. Verticals are often the only choice if space is an issue. Cost is normally less. I do not recommend a spinet. You should consider a minimum size of 42” or taller. Henri’s has free floor template sizing guides available upon request - pianos in general, take up less space than you might expect.

Digital vs. Wood, Which Is Best?
Acoustic (wood) pianos provide a pure sound that often improves with the aging of the woods. Crafted of top grain woods in many finishes, they fit any decor as a piece of fine furniture. Digitals (electronics) have also become big sellers due to their flexibility and versatility. Over 60% of pianos sold are digital models. They offer a variety of “sound sampled” voices that realistically duplicate various instruments. Top features include headphones for silent practice, no tuning expenses and compact sizes. Teachers recommend models with good touch response and full-sized keys.

Where Is The Best Location For My Piano?
Homes are now improved with HVAC systems that allow much flexibility in placing your piano. Avoid placement near windows which can cause fading as well as extreme heat. Keep room temperatures consistent, as pianos do not perform well when temperatures fluctuate. Humidity control systems are available for installation on your piano. I recommend placing your piano in an easily accessible location to encourage impromptu practicing (not in a secluded back bedroom!). Try to avoid conflicts with home entertainment centers and other family member activities.

Tuning Time Varies Depending On Use
No piano will stay in tune indefinitely, no matter who manufactured it or whether it is a grand piano or upright. But a well made piano will stay in tune for a fair length of time. A new piano though requires frequent tunings within its first year or two (2 or more times a year). Of course the more it is played the more often it will need to be tuned, especially if a student is practicing 2-3 hours a day. Once a year is fine if only a 30 minute to 45 minute practice schedule is maintained. Call me to schedule an appointment if your piano needs tuning.

Digital Pianos Can Provide Advantages
Digitals weigh much less than acoustic pianos and offer greater portability (especially for kids to take to school or on vacations). Digitals don’t require tuning. Since sounds for a digital piano are recorded and stored “digitally”, they sound realistic too, and also give you instrumentation options of an entire orchestra! Practice any time day or night without interfering with other family members, by using headphones. An electronic MIDI interface on many models, also lets you hook up your piano to the computer. Let me explain the endless and versatile options of digital pianos and ensembles.

Why Does Weather Change The Sound?
Because wood swells with extra moisture in the air and shrinks when the air gets drier, the soundboard is changing all the time. Since the piano strings are hooked to it, the tuning of the strings is also changing slightly all the time. A rainy day will cause your piano to sound slightly off. So will: taking a shower, running the dishwasher or boiling the kettle. A cold snap in the winter makes a lot of difference. If the power humidifier on your furnace quits, your piano will start to scream. I can’t change the weather, but I can help with your tuning problems.

Exactly What Is A “Digital” Piano?
A "digital" piano is an instrument which duplicates the sounds and feel of playing an acoustic (wood) piano. It uses digitally sampled sounds, amplifiers and speakers instead of strings and hammers to produce the piano-like sound. And, digital pianos often give you options of additional instrumentation like strings and horns for a full orchestra effect. In my opinion, Roland and Kawai digital pianos have the best weighted actions. They play and feel like an acoustic grand piano. I have several on hand. Stop in or call me for a free demo anytime.

Pianos Are Like Fine Furniture
Piano finishes are famous for their quality, and are equal to or better than those used in fine furniture (I used to be a furniture buyer, so I’m speaking from experience). If conditions in the home are reasonably good, they will stand up remarkably well. Call me to discuss the proper care for the finish of your piano. Behind the wood exterior lies the real beauty and principal value of a piano-the sensitive tone and playing mechanism. Although only incidentally an article of furniture, our Kawai grands offer you exceptional beauty to behold.

Used Pianos, Rebuilt vs. Reconditioned
Are you comparing “apples-to-apples”? I’ll explain how these differences can affect quality and price of the used piano you’re considering. Rebuilt: A used piano that’s been disassembled, inspected, repaired as necessary with replacement of all worn or deteriorated parts, reassembled, tested and approved to at least the tolerances of a new piano of like manufacture. Reconditioned: A used piano put back in good condition by cleaning, repairing and adjusting for maximum performance with replacement parts where specifically indicated.

3 Common Sense Buying Principles
1. Buy the most expensive piano you can afford. Saving money by buying a cheaper piano usually produces dissatisfaction and disappointment. 2. Buy a piano made by a reputable company, one with a good production volume that offers a manufacturer-backed warranty, like Kawai. 3. Buy a piano favored by most music institutions (conservatories and universities). They know by experience which are the best, most trouble-free pianos. Henri’s sells to many schools and universities. Let me show you their favorite models. Many school loaner return pianos are available. at big savings.

Long Live Quality Used Pianos!
Good pianos often change hands long before their useful life has expired. At Henri’s, we’re always in search of well-built, long-lasting used pianos through our Instrument X-Change. If you are in need of a good piano but your funds are limited, a used piano may be just the thing, often at half the price (or less) of a new one! But beware! It takes a reputable dealer and expert technicians to weed out the poorly-made models in search of the “cream of the crop” - we have ‘em! At Henri's Music, our Certified Pre-Owned Pianos are professionally refurbished and most include extended warranties.

Buy The Best Piano You Can Afford!
Keep in mind that you will be listening to, and looking at, your piano for a long time. And, you will probably have it long after you have sold your present furniture, house and car. Most pianos hold their value very well, especially Kawai and those we offer at Henri’s. So, buy the best piano you can afford. Don't try to economize on a piano for a child who's just starting lessons. Making good music on a quality instrument is the best way to keep a young pianist interested. And, I’m always ready to help you find the perfect fit in a piano teacher. Did you know we teach over 1,500 students each week?

Bigger Upright Or Smaller Grand?
The size of the original grand piano was cut by the use of stronger frames and an innovative system of cross-stringing. When the upright or vertical piano was developed, it sent the space-consuming bulk of the instrument up along the wall, rather than out across the floor. This was so successful that today some professional-quality uprights like Kawai, can have equal or better tone quality than many small grands. Still, good tone requires certain minimums in string length and size of the soundboard. I’ll help you make the perfect choice in a piano for your home.

What’s The History Of Your Piano?
When purchasing a used piano ask about the history of the instrument: Where has the piano been? Who used it? Has it been well-cared for? When was it last tuned? If the charming old upright you found from a private party has a badly cracked soundboard and needs a complete rebuild - pass! When buying your used piano from a reputable dealer like Henri’s Music, you can be sure we’ve considered all of these questions. We sell quality, Certified Pre-Owned pianos with lasting value.

Start With A Grand Or Trade Up Later?
If you have the room and the money, go for the tonal quality of a grand right away. If not, choose a sturdy well-built upright (vertical). Remember, you can always trade up later and if it is a quality instrument, you will often get back nearly as much as you originally paid. There are fine used pianos on the market - some better than new, but approach the purchase of either new or used with some basic knowledge before buying. I can help you with that.

“Rediscover” the Rewards of the Piano!
A recent survey from the National Association of Music Merchants, cited a 12% increase in acoustic piano sales as being one of the biggest in decades! Why the big resurgence? It seems that as baby boomers are hitting their middle years, they are rediscovering the piano for themselves and their own children. Often when parents buy a piano for their children, they find it is also a reward for themselves. And, it’s never too late to learn to play! We teach lessons to all ages and levels of play.

Size Determines Vertical Piano Tone
If your piano choice is between a so-so grand and a good vertical, I would definitely recommend choosing the vertical. While producing a better sound, you’ll also notice their floor space requirements are still minimal. Verticals or uprights, range in size from 36 to 51 inches in height; all of them require the same amount of floor space, about 5 feet by 2 feet. The largest of the verticals is the studio piano -- 44 inches or taller -- a type that is becoming quite popular. Let me help you choose a new or used vertical from our selection of over 300, value-priced pianos in stock.

The “GRAND” Experience!
In these articles, I continue to reinforce the simple fact, “the larger the piano, the better the sound”. The grand piano ranges in size from five to nine feet (concert grand). Some “petite” grands are slightly smaller. For the most part, grands tend to be more responsive and powerful than a vertical piano. A top-quality grand is your best investment, especially if the pianist in your family is aiming for concert performance, or is well advanced in their playing. However, many people also choose Kawai grands for their great looks, superior quality and resale value.

The Right Sound That’s Right For You!
The right piano for you must appeal to both your ear and your heart - but go after the sound first. Everyone has an individual response to music, so go with what you like, not what someone else says you should like. An instrument that gives almost, but not precisely the sound you want can be adjusted by "voicing". This is performed by our technicians who can regulate the action of the keys by softening or hardening the felt on the hammers. This will give you your perfect sound.

Finding A Piano With Just The Right Touch
Touch is almost as important as tone. Play every key and feel for sticky or squishy action - it should feel as if there is no obstacle between you and the instrument. Listen for notes that are out of tune and for buzzes and rattles. Also check the hammer response (should be firm, not floppy). These are just a few of the details we check for at Henri's Music. I’ll point out the features of our Kawai piano line, so you can compare the incomparable quality, sound and “feel” of these instruments.

Learn To Play And Cry With Joy!
Even if you're buying a piano without knowing how to play, remember it's never too late to learn (and at Henri's Music, we teach all ages!). At the age of 51, Noah Adams, host of the National Public Radio show, All Things Considered, bought a piano before knowing how to use it. He chronicled his adventures learning to play in his book Piano Lessons. What happened when he finally played Schumann's Traumerei for his wife? She cried and so did he! Add the joy of a piano to enrich your life.

What’s “Under The Hood” Of Your Piano?
Do you know what to look for in piano construction? Taking the time to "look under the hood", there are several tests you can easily perform without being an expert: Pluck a string in the upper register and run your fingers over several strings. If the sound doesn't ring out, move on. Check the hammer response too (firm, not floppy) and see that the wires on the tuning pins line up evenly. Let me take you for a “test drive” of our Kawai pianos. You’ll like what’s under the hood!

Tone That’s Pleasing To The Ear!
A piano must be capable of tolerating a variety of different styles of music and players. Look for a piano that possesses pleasing mid-tones with good balance in the higher and lower registers. Avoid a piano that has a metallic sharp edged bite to it. Look for a piano tone that is well balanced and uniform through its entire range. With over 300 pianos to choose from at Henri's Music, you can compare many new and used acoustic pianos and grands to find the sound balance that’s most pleasing to your ear.