Is it essential for learning piano further (meaning the touch etc.)? Does it make you a better and more sensitive player? And is it easier to play other pianos after playing a grand? I've played for 10 years now. I have a not-so-good beginner upright and I feel it's slowing down my progress. I'm thinking of a second-hand yamaha c2 or c3. Thanks.
2006-12-08 08:19:16 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Performing Arts
Coming from a guitarist who waited 15 years to get the guitar he really wanted (an American Fender Stratocaster), I would wait until I was playing a lot. Almost like professionally. I play lead guitar for my church band and another gospel group. That is the benchmark that I used.
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2006-12-08 08:28:24 · answer #1 · answered by truth_handler 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I am a guitarist also, but my brother plays the piano quite well (Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, & Liszt from memory), and one other thing you may want to consider is that if you foresee moving in the near future, that should affect your decision of when to switch to a Grand, as they are a wee bit difficult to move from one house to another. This makes them more prone to damage.
On the other hand, it is true there is no substitute for a quality instrument, and only you can be the judge of what that means for you. I have found it to be true that no matter what instrument you play it is a good idea to shop around, and play a few of them (even several of the same model) over multiple visits. Be really sure you want THAT instrument.
In the case of pianos, I've heard from several players that an older instrument (even 20 years or more) is better because it will have had a chance to season, and grow into the sound it will ultimately keep, whereas a new instrument may sound great for the first few years only to decline irretrieveably as time wears on.
They also say you should have it tuned every 6 months at least.
Good luck with your decision. I'm sure you'll make the right choice.
2006-12-08 17:20:30 · answer #2 · answered by death_to_spies 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The only consideration that you should make is of the cost. Are you willing to spend the money to get a grand piano? If you are then you'll see that playing a grand is like jumping up a level. The keys are more sensitive and the hammers are more refined. This will allow for a much more subtle performance full of nuance and interpretation. But, this will initially be more difficult to adjust to as it requires more physical work to draw that out.
As a musician there is no substitute for a proper instrument. Your skill and talent will only take you so far on a subpar upright; and it sounds as if you have reached that plateau already. Yamaha is a great model. In fact it is the same model that I have! I would suggest having it professionaly tuned at the outset so that you can become accustomed to how it resonates when it is perfectly in tune. Enjoy!
2006-12-08 16:35:18 · answer #3 · answered by AJ 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Many of the upright pianos on the market are better than grands, so be careful. Do plenty of research and try out lots of pianos. I have an upright, a digital, a grand and 2 keyboards in my home. My digital actually has the best action (in my opinion), and the grand has the best sound, but it is difficult for beginniners to play because the action is stiff.
It really depends on how good your current piano is. If it is in good shape and the response of the keys is quick, then I would say your technique wouldnt't improve that much more with a grand.
But if you are not satisfied with your current instrument, then by all means, look into a new piano. But keep your mind open. There may be an upright out there to suit your needs.
2006-12-08 18:42:15 · answer #4 · answered by Gina Z 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Go for it! The sound difference is incredible and it will inspire you to play more often and speed your progress. It feels so elegant and it truly is. Make the switch as fast as you can. My cousin has a piano shop and I'm sure anyone there will answer any ? u have. It's in W. Hartford Ct. You can go to his website @www.shawnspiano.com
there's a link to email or u can call and tell him his cousin says hi.
Frankly, they are called GRAND for a real good reason. Afull grand sounds even nicer than a baby grand in my opinion but I'm not the expert.
Keep it tuned and I do believe that where it's placed in a room will affect the beauty of the sound even more. Good luck!
PS. Shawn is a world renowned restorer.................
2006-12-08 16:36:36 · answer #5 · answered by MARTHA D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not so sure that it's going to change your playing all that much. Sure, the tone quality is different, but whenever you perform on a piano, you're going to be performing on a different piano, not the one you play on at home. Perhaps you should start looking to practice on many different pianos.
(My piano teacher, for example, has a spinet at her house, and practices on an upright at her church, but she's going to get a Master's degree in music.)
2006-12-08 18:02:39 · answer #6 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Grand pianos are for large rooms, concerts or people with money who want to show off. Stick with an upright and learn it better that someone with lots of money.
2006-12-10 17:10:28 · answer #7 · answered by steve1kelly 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Another thing to take into consideration is the fact that grand pianos are one of the most difficult things to move! If you plan on relocating at all anytime soon, I'd advise you to wait to buy it until after you are settled in one place!
Good luck!
2006-12-08 17:07:40 · answer #8 · answered by wnk 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋