7 Stories About QUALITY PIANOS!

[@sergiosergiyenko4439]

Fully agree, Josh! After first two years of practice on a digital Clavinova, I bought a 1900 C.Bechstein III. That was a huge difference. But then I changed again for C.Bechstein Concert 8 from 1994, which is a game changer. But I only enjoyed it for one month before putler stared bombing Kyiv, and so I had to leave it behind. But I can’t stop thinking of what an unforgettable experience a top level piano is and can’t wait to go back home, with the piano being one of the reasons.

[@laurads7385]

I hope that you and your family are safe, and that you will be able to return to your beautiful piano. It must have been heartbreaking for you to leave, for so many reasons. ❤️

[@sergiosergiyenko4439]

@@laurads7385 Thank you for your comment, Laura. Yes, leaving everything behind, not knowing if you’ll ever go back is a feeling I thought I would only read about in novels and history books. But here we are, history repeating. But we are facing it with a grin and a finger salute in the face of a huge army of disposable cowards. But we’ll win, the truth will win, the light will overcome darkness. Thank you for standing with us! 💛💙

[@laurads7385]

💛💙

[@jacquesracine9571]

A concert is a major instrument. Tried one at my dealer recently. I hope you get reunited soon. Long live Ukraine.

[@sergiosergiyenko4439]

@@jacquesracine9571 Back home now. It’s all one piece, thank the Good Lord and our army 🙏 Thank you for your support!

[@cisium1184]

I like Robert Estrin's channel. He's very knowledgeable and upbeat. And I enjoy his collection of loud shirts.

[@garthly]

I went from no piano to Kawai ES520 digital lately. I am 71 but played the piano from age 5 to 15. This piano sounds way better than any instrument I could touch in those days. It has been amazing to win back my old skills, far beyond my expectations. Dr Wright’s videos have been particularly “instrumental” in my comeback. Life in post-war London was very different, when any kind of guidance had to be searched out with great effort and persistence. Now the wealth of inexpensive online resources, including scores, is amazing. I look fwd to getting to the point where I will need an actual acoustic instrument.

[@CyrusandAurelius]

so happy to hear that someone used a digital.

[@pierrecohenmusic]

My story: I own a great Kawaii CA99 digital piano that has the weighted key technology that simulates real keys, however after buying an additional acoustic Kawai K500, the difference is night and day. There is something About striking an actual hammer that really gives you precise control of touch/tone and dynamic shaping. My hands are so much more relaxed when playing on an acoustic piano than on a digital. If I had the space for Grand I would take the leap as well.

[@CyrusandAurelius]

Wonder how a kawai nv10s would compare to acoustic upright

[@pierrecohenmusic]

@@CyrusandAurelius My only opinion since I haven’t played it would be that the sound is still coming out of speakers versus resonating from an actual soundboard.

[@kenpeters9807]

Hi, I had and loved my CA98. When I got it I was in 7th heaven…literally! I’m retired but In 2020 came into some extra money. L-o-n-g story short, I researched, tried and researched and ordered a Kawai GL-30. Fairly expensive in the US - with tax and all it is closer to $30k than $20k. As the Kawai CA98 changed my music life, the Kawai GL30 changed it dramatically. So magnificent that my wife even began taking instruction. Sad to say, with materials and shipping, the cost has gone up again. I kept changing my budget but, in the new piano realm, for me, the Kawai GL30 beat everything else. After rearranging furniture we could fit a 5’5” . Anything larger would be pushing. Our LR/DR has a gradually vaulted ceiling so the sound is magnificent. For us the extra $$ for the GX1 couldn’t be justified. In a bigger differently designed home it may make a difference. I agree with Josh, get the best piano you can afford! And then add a little. You won’t regret it. BTW, since taking delivery in September (2021) my playing has improved by a tear or two.

[@simonnplaysmc]

I had the ca79 and then upgraded to the k500 as well! After researching a lot about the Kawai grand touch key mechanisms I was sure that I would never need an acoustic however as you mentioned it’s literally night and day difference . How do you find the k500? :)

[@thearm95]

@@CyrusandAurelius Yes I would love to know this too (CA97 owner)

[@littlebrookreader949]

Marvellous teaching! Wonderful stories! ❤️❤️❤️

[@susanweber581]

My story: back in 1974 when I was in my early 20's, I bought a brand new Steinway model M. I suffered for years with a noisy action from Teflon bushings. I was never happy with my trills and had difficulty playing loud to soft. Six years ago, my technician replaced the flanges and shanks in order to get rid of the Teflon. The piano was fine for a while but soon I had more buzzing noises and it sounded like someone was shaking a tambourine. I recently discovered that the soundboard was cracked. My husband and I talked about restoring the piano or replacing it. I visited dealers and tried different brands. Four weeks ago my brand new Yamaha C1X was delivered and I love it! I can trill much better on it and can go from Forte to piano much easier. I guess the moral of the story is not all Steinways are created equal. Playing the piano is now enjoyable again.

[@itzelguerra2655]

Excellent points. I think if you have a solid technique and foundation, a quality instrument can do wonders for your musicianship. It lets you focus on the sound you are creating vs struggling with the limitations of the instrument. I had a chance to play my teachers Fazioli in college, and it was a jaw dropping experience. Like driving a Ferrari, or so I would imagine.

[@wilhelmkramer2534]

I have played the good, the bad and the wretched over the years. I now have a Yamaha P-45 and a brass pedal that acts like a true piano pedal. The weighted, touch sensitive keys are wonderful. With the added advantage of the volume setting, i can practice without disturbing my upstairs neighbor! I learned all the 3 Part Sinfonien of Bach on it, some of Burgmüller's Brilliant & Melodious Etudes, and now I am working my way through a book of Sonatinas (Kuhlau; I know the Clementi already). Yes, a good, reliable instrument can make a huge difference!

[@philipcibley8159]

Another thing that will lead to great improvement is to get whatever you have tuned as often as you can afford. For me that is touching up unisons weekly and doing a full tuning monthly. Learning how to do this was the best thing I have done in a long time.

[@hurricane_hazel]

I was just going to say this. Having just had my piano tuned again, I'm always astounded at the difference.

[@chasesutherland1168]

I want to add that if possible get a piano from a steinway gallery. They have "the steinway promise" (I am unsure if it's a worldwide thing or just an American thing) What that is, is whenever you buy/finance a piano with them you have 10 years to get another piano and the price of the first one is taken off. For example, I got my young chang from them for about $6,000. So if I go in and they have a piano for $18,000 I would only have to pay $12,000, and with financing I would pay about $160/month over 10 years. But with payments that low it could be reasonably paid off in just a couple years if I make larger payments. And it continues. Say after the $12,000 piano is paid off and completely mine, I find one that is $30,000, they would take the $12,000 off (they take what you pay off) and the 10 years resets. So you could realistically work your way up, over several years, from a $6,000 piano to a $150,000 one. Also, you have to trade you old piano, but I think that goes without saying. I hope I explained it clearly enough lol.

[@Beyondabsence]

The answer to me is YES! Being a jazz/little classical pianists since early in life, I find that finding my dream instrument, Steinway from 1945, original soundboard. As I play my wonderful instrument, I realized that the sound and textures I was trying to evoke based on Bill Evans, Shearing and Jarrett's touch, I'm able to evoke, and get my own touch, just as satisfying, thanks to the superior and magical Steinway.

[@debrac2023]

I started on the cheapest electronic I could find with weighted keys. I waited and waited for something to come along that I could afford. Finally someone sold their baby grand they bought new in the '70s. I've played it every day since I got it. It sounds better and better as time passes, as if it thrives on love. I adore my piano and have no desire for anything else. It cost me $500. The best piano is the one you love playing.

[@scarlettrhettforever]

2019 brought U3 Yamaha upright piano before Covid hit. I enjoy playing it more than digital piano.

[@georgel2201]

Good points, definitely a good quality instrument can boost up your playing experience but speaking about Steinway or other brands that belong to this price category I think that concerns a very limited group of People. Most of us who have a middle-class kind of living, can't afford and maybe never will.

[@seancregomusic]

A lot of pianos that cost a fraction of a Steinway are actually better than a modern (post-1988) NY Steinway. ;) But that is a rabbit hole discussion that just ends up with people upset at each other. For the most part, modern Estonia, Petrof (specifically 1996-2000; the new ones cost more than a S&S), Charles Walter, Boston, upper-midrange Kawai or Yamaha...any of those will do just as fine if not better than a modern NY S&S for 99% of us. :)

[@quadricode]

A good instrument is affordable to a middle class person, especially if you peruse the used market. It's just not super easy, and it's also a big purchase.

[@ThePianoTester]

@@seancregomusic Can you explain that in more details?

[@josantonioalcantara]

@@seancregomusic I love Petrof pianos, I have one, how the key feel is very different from other pianos. I played on a tail one once and the sound is so sweet and smooth. They are simply different. I completely agree on what you say about Kawai or Yamaha. Kawai pianos have a nice key response and a great sound. It feels so easy to play anything in those. I liked a lot an Upright Yahama from the silent series. Expensive, but the sound was pretty good. I find those very useful to practice your inner voicing without making a sound

[@seancregomusic]

@@ThePianoTester not enough time or space in a YT comments section, unfortunately. But, keep in mind that when it comes to pianos, you get what you pay for; you are not paying just for brand recognition for the name on the fallboard--EXCEPT for S&S (NY). [Hamburg S&S are extreme top-end; those are very different instruments.]

[@g.970]

Thanks for the informative video. My dream piano would be a 7’ Fazzioli. I’ve played on them and the touch is so responsive. Sadly, out of my budget range so I bought a 7’ Shigeru Kawai. Love it so much. Has the mellow sound I like and a very responsive action. Oh, I also had a bad experience at my local Steinway dealer which really put me off.

[@amybuchler8874]

The Steinway Dealers also usually do promotions during the months of April and September on brand new pianos: Steinway, Boston, and Essex. Definitely worth visiting your local Steinway dealer and asking about deals and promotions.

[@lizardwithahat4862]

Currently I have a Roland FP-30x e-Piano and I'm trying to learn the Friska-part of the Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2. Especially in the beginning, I struggle with the fast repeated c#. One day, I had the chance to play this part on the grand piano in my school, and it was a like a whole new world. It felt so much better and I managed to play this part quite well (for my level), so the instrument makes a big difference in my opinion. However, I think it doesn't mean that everything should be blamed on the instrument. When I am unable to play something on the e-piano, I try to find the mistake with me, and not with the instrument.

[@Mondelfe]

What electric piano would you recommend, Josh? I have the same reasons for choosing an e piano, I practice very late or early and I am going to buy a new one this year. I thought about the Nord Grand but you suggested Yamaha in this video?

[@hurricane_hazel]

Wonderful video! I agree with every point. My piano is the best investment I have ever made.

[@davidwhite2949]

I’ve always thought about getting a Steinway and this video convinces me I should do it, at least after I get enough space Thanks!

[@davidwhite2949]

@@LuluBodhi Thanks for the encouragement!

[@myklkay]

Hello, do have any advice on room acoustic if you want to play wih the lid open ? I think many people want to do it but can't because the volume is to high and the lid closed give a muffled sound

[@CJScrol]

Thanks.

[@mikolajochocki2810]

Thank you for this

[@steliosdimitriadis]

Definitely yes

[@Chopin-Etudes-Cosplay]

I wonder how to know when I've outgrown my piano. I have a Kawai CA-93...

[@jasonfreel2085]

Any recommendations for a digital piano? 😬 I have a small house and the living space is upstairs so I am not able to have an acoustic piano.

[@KSM2026]

YPD 164 is quite decent for an intermediate piano player. The keys are so heavy tho, I was confused by it in the first weeks. I got used to it eventually and it has a great ,, concert like sound‘‘. So if your looking for a rather cheap digital piano( 1000-2000$), this one’s pretty good. Only downside…. When I’m playing on a real piano I tend to play too loud because the keys feel way light. 😅

[@jasonfreel2085]

@@KSM2026 thanks for your input!

[@jasonfreel2085]

@Level 1 Noob Pianist It does not need to be portable. Novus is out of my price range but I have read about the CA series before. Thanks for your feedback!

[@jules153]

What's your budget?

[@jasonfreel2085]

@@jules153 $2-$3k for a digital. If I spent anymore I would rather buy a new house first so I could fit in a nice Grand. 😆

[@feni2934]

for me personaly I always like practicing on pianos with a heavier action as I tend to hold back to much as I have to play alot on an E piano with headphones. The heavier action helps me alot to adapt to all kinds of pianos aswell

[@Beyondabsence]

And make sure everyone is willing to spend around $150 every two months for tuning. Also, installing a damp chaser is paramount. And for those who don't think it works, an honest comparison would be a state of the art control system built in a room versus the damp chasers. Humidity control room may be a winner. Good luck trying to compete with a weather where 20% humidity is the average. Also, a humidifier can't compete with the heating system in your living room. Get massive humidifiers and place them in each corner. Have them run 24/7. You won't enjoy the sound. After installing a damp chaser on my Steinway, the difference is significant.

[@pierrecohenmusic]

I’ve heard good things about dampp chasers, but I haven’t found definitive proof as to whether or not they make a difference. If you’re able to regulate humidity and temperature in the room that the piano is in, then what extra advantage does a dampp chaser provide?

[@matsu820]

@@pierrecohenmusic None, to my understanding. Damp-chaser is just an easier alternative to whole-room treatment.

[@Beyondabsence]

@@pierrecohenmusic according to my experience, 10 years of trying to have two big humidifiers compete with the heating system at home, and another 20 years with damp chaser, the damp chaser is a much better alternative. It holds the tuning much longer and almost zero issues with action/regulation. Plus, I've spoken with some of the best technicians in my State. And they didn't need to sell me anything. 2 of them I trust 100%.

[@Beyondabsence]

@@matsu820 if you live in Massachusetts, it's a life saver. 20 years experience having a damp chaser, versus 10 years having big humidifiers in the room. Damp chaser wins hands down in every aspect.

[@Beyondabsence]

@@pierrecohenmusic plus, in MA, sometimes with 15% humidity, good luck trying to compete with the heating system. Unless you're very wealthy and build an entire room control system in your house.

[@monsieur171]

what was the saint sains piece?

[@joshwrightpiano]

Concerto No.2 in G minor

[@Researcher30473]

An upright accelerated mine.

[@manuelernst397]

Now I'm sad I don't have a nice grand piano :(

[@scarletcraig2024]

If anybody cares My band director Mr Wright says that's his brother

[@user-sg8xd6tu5u]

👌

[@danialattarzadeh2619]

You are very handsome man and good player

[@noscopekiller4351]

First

[@velcroman11]

If a beginner, it matters little if you are using a cheap piano or a really expensive piano. You ARE STILL a beginner. An accomplished pianist, like Josh, can make a cheap piano sound much better that it will sound when played by a beginner. Good info by Josh but it seems his concept of beginner is far up the scale of assessing what a beginner is.

[@matsu820]

On the other hand, deem yourself "just a beginner" and you could hinder your own growth.

[@joshwrightpiano]

Haha the guy that I mentioned in this video was truly a beginner - he just worked extremely hard and progressed quickly. A topic for another video - quality instruction is even more important than upgrading your instrument. I owe everything to my teachers

[@josantonioalcantara]

It makes a huge difference. Before I bought my piano, I hunted practice time in any acoustic piano I could find. Part of the learning process comes from what the instrument allows you to do. I gave my piano the first maintenance it received. I bought it used. I wasn’t aware there were things that weren’t working out as supposed. Day and night difference.

[@KeiS14]

@@josantonioalcantara I have a similar story, but with my teacher’s grand piano instead. When I first started lessons with her, I didn’t enjoy playing during lessons because it sounded weird and the keys felt strange (I would hit the right keys but second guess myself because they sounded wrong). Over the holidays, she got the piano tuned and when I came back it was a completely different experience. I now look forward to that piano every lesson because of how satisfying it is to play and can’t believe how it used to sound. Tuning really can make a big difference.

[@amybuchler8874]

Those simple beginner songs do sound a lot better on a nice sounding piano. Helps to stay motivated, because it doesn't take long to realize that a cheap digital is not easy to play with smooth dynamics. I've been there. Then again, everything sounds better on a quality accoustic piano.

[@origamicaptain5664]

A better stethoscope is not going to make you a better doctor if you don't know what to listen for, a better computer isn't going to make you an amazing programer, and a fancy pants piano will not make you know how to play the piano.