The piano is a most versatile and beautiful sounding musical instrument. It blends well with other instruments and is an ideal solo instrument. Here are some guidelines for prospective piano buyers:

COST
This should be at the top of the list. Determine a budget and stick to it. Given their permanence, pianos cost a lot more than other musical instruments.

PIANO TYPES
The piano comes in many different styles, designs, shapes and sizes, though these can be divided into two basic types: vertical and horizontal.

VERTICAL PIANOS
They are called vertical pianos because of their height and the position of the strings. The height of this kind of piano ranges from thirty-six to sixty inches. There are three types:
    Upright - the Upright is the tallest of vertical pianos, with heights ranging from fifty to sixty inches and an approximate width of sixty inches.
  • Console - the Console ranges in height from forty to forty-three inches, with the same width as the Upright.
  • Spinet - of similar width, but with a height of thirty-six inches, Spinets are the smallest of the pianos. Due to its smaller size, it is popular with those in limited living spaces.
HORIZONTAL PIANOS
They are called horizontal pianos because of their length and the placement of their strings. Grand pianos are said to produce finer tones and have the most responsive key action. There are six basic types:
  • Concert Grand - at nine feet, this is the largest of all the grand pianos.
  • Semi concert or Ballroom - next size up from the Parlour Grand piano, it is approximately seven feet long.
  • Parlour Grand - these range in size from five feet nine inches, to six feet one inch. The parlour grand piano is also called the "living room" grand piano.
  • Medium Grand - larger than the Baby Grand, at five feet and seven inches.
  • Baby Grand - a very popular type of piano, which ranges in size from four feet eleven inches, to five feet six inches. Baby grands are particularly popular, due to sound quality, visual appeal and relative affordability.
  • Petite Grand - this is the smallest of the horizontal pianos. It ranges in size from four feet five inches, to four feet ten inches. It is indeed small but still powerful.
New or Second-hand
Unlike most other musical instruments, the piano is very durable. It has an average lifespan of forty years depreciates very little over time. A piano costs more than other instruments, but the investment reflects its durability. Dependent on the budget, a well cared for, used piano may be appropriate.

Size
Any "piano shopper" should determine the space available to house the instrument. It is then imperative to research the different types and sizes of pianos aid the buying process. A thorough examination of the type of wood, the style of the piano cabinet, the music rack and leg design, the colour and the overall look of the piano is necessary.

Where to Buy
Pianos need to be seen and touched to determine quality. Visiting various dealers, preferably with a long-term piano playing friend, will help determine whether how well a piano performs and sounds.

Warranties and Repairs
Determine the length and cover of any warranty offered. Ensure the piano is tuned and cleaned before delivery. Check if the purchase price includes delivery.

ELECTRONIC KEYBOARDS
Below are some of the popular keyboards on the market, grouped into three categories to help make choosing a keyboard easier:

Entry-level keyboards
These are recommended for beginners. Prices range from the low to mid hundreds of pounds. They usually have inbuilt speakers and are quite portable.

Semi pro keyboards
These are recommended for those with some experience, or beginners who want more features and higher quality sounds. Prices range from around �600 to �1200. These are generally much heavier than entry-level keyboards. Even the higher priced models are not generally supplied with inbuilt speakers, the assumption being that the keyboard would be connected to external hi-fi speakers.

Professional keyboards
These are only recommended for those who want the audio quality, features and power necessary for studio/performance work. Prices range from around �2000 to �4500+.

A glossary of terms that may crop up when choosing a keyboard:
Polyphony: the number of notes that be played (and will sound) at one time. Also known as a "voice." At least a twelve note polyphony for playing, with a minimum of sixty-four if you want to use your keyboard for music production, is recommended.
Tone: An instrument sound. A keyboard may have between a hundred up to more than a thousand tones. Also known as a patch, program or preset.
MIDI: Stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, and allows the keyboard to be used with a computer. Most modern keyboards, except the very basic ones have this feature, signified by a "General MIDI" or "GM" logo.
Key action: How the keys respond to playing. Keys can be non-weighted (non touch-sensitive), semi-weighted (touch sensitive) or fully weighted (like piano keys). If the key action isn't specified, it usually means that the keyboard isn't touch-sensitive.
Key size: Refers to the size of the key. Full-size keys are much easier to play than half or two-thirds size keys. If the focus is more on synthesiser programming rather than playing, full-size keys might not be necessary.
Workstation: Semi pro and professional keyboards are usually known as workstations because of their added features, such as sequencers, media drives and effects processors.
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£225 ono. upright eavestaff pianette minipiano (55in/140cm width, 21in/53cm depth, 38. 5in/98cm height). two peddals. well loved but in good condition. available for viewing. will require pick-up (will need tuning after transport). great for learners or those with. .
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