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What
should I look for in a piano?
First and foremost, how does it sound to you? Everyone has a different idea of what
a piano should sound like and feel like. There's something to be said for tuning out the sales pitch about why this feature
or that makes the piano better. I rebuild pianos, but it is still a mystery to me why some pianos sound so much better than
others. It has to do with, among other things, the selection of wood and the care and skill of the craftsmen. The piano's
sound and touch is also determined by how it is tuned, voiced, regulated, and the acoustics of the room it is in.
What should I avoid when looking for a piano?
I steer people away from the big hype sales events and fake university
sales. These are a front the big stores use to get you in the door. The same applies to "going out of business"
sales. I've seen so many of these over the years. Almost invariably, some of the same pianos will be offered for sale after
the "final sale" is over. Sometimes it's at a different location, sometimes it's in the same store (with a new name).
Take your time, do your research and avoid high pressure tactics.
I also recommend not buying a used piano that has not
been serviced in a long time. If it has gone many years without being tuned up to pitch, it's hard to evaluate if it has musical
potential. Also, you never know how many strings will break when you try to tune it.
Do you buy used pianos? Occasionally, but I need to inspect
them first, even if they are free! If you have a piano you do not want, please email me the name brand, the height (if it's
an upright) or total length (if it's a grand) and a picture if possible. Also, please indicate what city you are in. Are old pianos better or new ones?
Some people will tell you that vintage pianos are always better than anything made today. Others claim that an older
piano is always too worn out to sound good, or can only sound good with a new soundboard. Neither is necessarily true. Every
era has great pianos and cheap pianos. Some older pianos still sound great without a complete rebuild. Some of the cheapest
new pianos from 30 years ago were pretty bad, probably worse than anything made today. The earliest Chinese pianos were horrible,
now they are all acceptable and some are very good. It all depends on personal preference.
What size piano should
I get?
For an upright piano, if you want a nice rich bass, avoid the very short piano, called a spinet, around
36" tall. These have strings that are too short to sound great in the lower register. (Spinets are also harder to repair
because the action is harder to remove from the piano.) A 45 inch high console will sound much better. All things being equal,
a full size (around 52" high) upright should sound the best, though many of these are quite old and may require more
work.
In a grand, five and a half feet in length should serve a fairly serious student; a six or seven foot piano will
be better, if you have the room and the budget.
For a beginner, most any piano will probably be far better than a keyboard.
Just make sure it receives adequate service.
Should I ask my teacher for a recommendation?
Yes, but
I would ask if they are getting a commission! Piano stores routinely offer a "cut" to teachers and tuners who refer
buyers to them. I consider this a conflict of interest and do not pay commissions, as a piano should stand on its own merit.
Also, if someone recommends a particular brand name, be aware that many big name brands offer a wide range of quality. For
example, new Yamaha grand list prices range from $11 thousand to $120 thousand!
Why buy from Fortuna Piano?
As a small shop, I am able to offer more personal service than the big stores. I will personally prep and tune your
piano to a very high standard. I have worked for some of the big stores, and while they usually prepare their pianos well,
sometimes one will "slip through the cracks" without a good prep or tuning. As a musician, I make sure pianos I
sell meet certain musical standards. (If a piano doesn't sound the way you think it should, I may also be able to voice it
differently.) I often turn down free pianos that are offered to me if I don't think highly of their musical potential. Sometimes
I take less than stellar pianos on trade in, but I usually sell these quickly at a very low price. The big stores throw less
desirable pianos in the dumpster, but I have never been able to bring myself to discard a piano.
What about
electronic keyboards?
I do not deal in electronic keyboards at all. I do not like to sell something that I can't
fix. Some of these keyboards are so inexpensive that they are not worth fixing, as it is cheaper to buy a new one. For those
wanting MIDI connectivity or a computer interface, I suggest a new Story & Clark acoustic piano with built in MIDI standard.
A real piano has resonance that electronic keyboards lack, and it will last a lifetime.
Isn't a $300 upright from
a garage sale good enough for a beginner?
It's usually better than a keyboard. But a piano with a poor tone and
an unresponsive action may frustrate even a beginner. Many students appreciate the difference and will practice more on a
better instrument. Whatever piano you can afford, it's important to have it serviced regularly.
Why doesn't Fortuna
Piano sell better known brands of new pianos? We have a very small shop and showroom. The big piano companies aren't interested in wholesaling
to a little company like us. I have met with reps from some well known piano brands and offered to sell their pianos. They
are not interested unless I buy a huge inventory (and a bigger building). While some brands have exclusive dealership arrangements,
even companies with no representation in Detroit won't let me represent them unless I choose to go into debt! What brands of new pianos does Fortuna Piano sell?
We are the Detroit area's exclusive dealer for Bohemia, a high quality, all European
piano company owned by Bechstein of Germany. We also offer Palatino, an amazingly good value, using the best components from
around the world but assembled in China. Finally, we offer Story & Clark, now made by Samick in Indonesia, and featuring
built in MIDI and USB connectivity, and optional player systems. We may be able to order certain other brands; ask us.
Here are links to the brands of new pianos we currently offer:
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What
about used pianos?
I buy, restore and sell vintage pianos. I also sell pianos on consignment. All consignment pianos
are at my showroom; I do not do brokering for pianos I do not have, but I am happy to do on site inspection and evaluation
for either buyers or sellers. Click the "Pianos for Sale" link on the left to see my current inventory.
Is a piano a good investment?
That depends on what you mean by investment. Even a cheap new piano with mediocre
sound may give you 50 to 100 years of use with proper care. I take this to be an argument for buying the best sounding piano
you can afford. Some high end piano dealers will claim that pianos can increase in value. I think this is a poor and misleading
argument for buying a piano. (Steinway has particularly misleading ads showing the value increasing 22 fold over 77 years;
with such a long time line a 5% CD would yield more, and you wouldn't have to pay for tuning and restoration.) A piano should
be bought because of it will give you a lifetime of enjoyment, and will not be worn out or obsolete in a few years like a
new car or computer.
How much should a new piano cost?
An amazing array of prices are out there for
the piano shopper. A new Chinese upright might go for around than $2000-$3000 on occasion, but the dealer makes next to nothing
on these, so it is usually a "bait and switch". At the other extreme, a good quality full size grand may go for
six figures. To a great extent, you get what you pay for. However, it's good to know what a piano is really worth. I have
had clients tell me they got a really good deal, when in reality they paid near full retail price, or more! See an independent
retail price for all new brands at pianobuyer.com to compare actual prices. This is a valuable tool for finding out whether
a price is a steal or a rip-off.
What should I pay for a used piano?
Anywhere from zero to more than
a new piano. An older, average brand piano with a worn looking cabinet has little monetary value, especially in the internet
age where so many pianos are advertised for sale. A completely rebuilt refinished piano may cost as much as a new one. The
rebuilt piano will offer more longevity, and usually (not always) much better sound. Should I plan to upgrade to better piano later? Some people seem to want the cheapest
piano possible, with the idea that they will get a better piano later if they stick with it. My experience is that this upgrade
rarely happens; either the piano doesn't inspire them, or it does and they get used to its limitations. Other people seem
to want to buy a piano that they can keep forever or pass on to their grandchildren. This rarely happens either. My advise
is to look for a piano that you can be happy with for many years, but it doesn't have to be a lifetime commitment. Is it safe to buy an older used piano?
It's always best to get a technician's opinion before buying, especially on an older or more expensive instrument.
Even a cheap or free instrument may not be worth moving. For example, if a piano has not been tuned for years (or decades!)
it should be tuned before you buy it. (No, moving it does not put it out of tune!) This way you will find out whether the
strings are all going to break or the tuning pins slip. I've serviced too many $300 pianos that "just need tuning"
supposedly, when in reality they need a $5000 rebuilding job.
Should I buy a grand or upright?
One is
better off with a high quality upright than a really cheap grand. I think too many pianists and teachers assume they need
a grand to be a serious musician, and they fail to consider that the high end upright may be more suitable at their price
point. A large grand can have longer strings and a larger soundboard, resulting in a fuller sound, particularly in the bass.
On the concert stage one normally sees grands that are 7 or 9 feet long. Some inexpensive baby grands are only half that size,
about 4 1/2 feet long, and have shorter strings than a full size upright. However, grands usually have the capacity for a
somewhat more responsive action with better repetition, due to their horizontal orientation and double escapement mechanism.
What brand names should I look for?
It's hard to generalize about most pianos based on the brand name.
Some brands that were once family owned were later sold to large American manufacturers, then sold again to an Asian manufacturer.
Even new pianos of the same name brand may be made in 2 or 3 different countries, with varying levels of quality. I would
be leary about internet research about various older piano brands; one website makes every brand sound like a high quality
instrument, even the poorest brands. I would be happy to advise local shoppers of my opinions if you email me, but it's best
not to call just to "pick my brain" as I will usually be tuning a client's piano (you can call anytime if you want
piano service or would like to check out my shop). Should I avoid a brand of piano that I have never heard of?
No! Most people would assume
that "Steinway" must be a better piano than "Steingraeber". In reality, the Steingraeber is the more expensive
instrument and has been around as long as Steinway. There have always been small companies that make outstanding pianos that
are rarely seen. Many names that are familiar are actually out of business, but the name lives on. People like to buy a familiar
name, so many old American piano names are now put on Asian pianos. Even if it has the name of an American city on the decal,
it may be made in Asia.
Why are almost all pianos in big concerts venues Steinways or Yamahas?
Both
are large companies with big networking resources. There are all Steinway schools, Yamaha artists, etc. Both brands make a
good piano, but I think one would see a greater variety of piano makers on stage were it not for all the contractual arrangements.
Steinway does claim to not pay artists for endorsements, but they have an exclusive arrangement with many American schools;
I have to wonder how many great artists have never played on a well prepped new Mason Hamlin or Bechstein or Sauter.
Which new piano brands are best (or worst)?
The list below includes nearly all brand of pianos available as new
today. I try not to give my personal opinion, so much as explain what is made where and by whom. This should give some idea
of the relative quality and value of various brands. (A list of used piano brands would be much longer; the Piano Atlas lists
brands and serial numbers for 390 pages!)
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Altenburg
Entry level Chinese pianos, sold by Altenburg Pianos in New Jersey and elsewhere.
Astin-Weight
High quality
American piano company, made in Utah. Uprights have unique design with a larger than normal soundboard and correspondingly
big sound. They offer hand-rubbed oil finishes. Baldwin A well known American
name, now owned by by the Gibson Guitar company. Only a few limited edition grands are still American made. All other production
has been moved to China. Hamilton and Wurlitzer lines are made for Baldwin in China.
Bechstein
A high-end German piano. "C Bechstein" are the top of the line, made
in Germany; "Bechstein" (without the "C") are less expensive, with some parts made in the Czech Republic
(along with Bohemia and Hoffman).
Bluthner
A consistently high end German piano
Bohemia
A
high quality piano made in the Czech Republic, making it a more affordable European Piano. The Bohemia company was recently
bought by Bechstein, and Bohemia now makes some of the parts for certain Bechstein pianos.
Bosendorfer
Very
high-end piano made in Austria. Recently purchase by Yamaha.
Boston
Made by Kawai, sold by Steinway dealers.
A more affordable way to get the “Steinway” name
Brodmann
A high end Austrian piano. Their less
expensive lines are assembled in China, but use many European parts.
Cable Nelson
Old American name that Yamaha
recently started using on their entry level Chinese pianos
Calisia
Quality piano made in Poland, generally
not sold in USA
Edelweiss
A British company
that recently begin making affordable pianos in China. Interesting cabinetry offered including the smallest baby grand made
today Essex
Made
by Young Chang or Pearl River, sold by Steinway dealers. An even more affordable way to get the “Steinway” name
Estonia
High quality, grand pianos only, made in Estonia; costs less than German pianos, like other East European
pianos
Falcone, see Sejung
Fandrich
An American company that buys pianos from Asia or eastern Europe,
then replaces strings, hammers, etc. with highest quality parts, as well as modifying the soundboard, action,etc. Very high
quality piano for the money
Fazioli
Very high end Italian piano; it’s one of the most expensive piano
in the world
Feurich
Another high quality German piano
Forster, August
Yet another high quality
German piano
Grinnell
Old Detroit based piano company, now made in Korea by Samick
Grotrian
A high-end German company with historical ties to Steinway; called "Grotrian Steinweg" in Europe, Mr Steinweg
moved to America and changed the name to Steinway. A lawsuit brought by Steinway prevents them from using their own name in
the U.S. Gulbransen, see Sejung
Hallet, Davis & Co
Former American piano company, used on entry level Chinese pianos
Hamilton, made in China for Baldwin
Hardman & Peck
Another American name now used on Chinese pianos
Heintzman
Good quality Canadian piano; now made in China but still 90% Canadian owned
Hoffman
Bechstein's
less expensive line, made in the Czech Republic (along with Bohemia)
Ibach
High end German piano; many unique
designer cases
Kawai
Large Japanese company, similar to Yamaha. Ranges from cheaper models made in Indonesia
or China to very high end Shigeru models.
Kemble
The
last surviving British piano maker, they recently closed down the factory and are outsourcing to China Knabe
Once a fine old American piano, now a mid level piano
made by Samick. Partly built in Asia but completed in the U.S. Kohler & Campbell, see Samick
Krakauer
Former American piano company,
used on entry level Chinese pianos
Mammoth A
new American upright piano which sounds and plays like a nine foot concert grand. Over seven feet tall, it is by far the largest
upright piano made Mason
& Hamlin
High end American piano similar to Steinway, once again being made in the US after a 1990’s bankruptcy.
They are now owned by PianoDisc, makers of electronic player systems
Nordiska
Entry level pianos made in China
Otto Meister
This German sounding piano is made in China also
Overs
Small company making high
end Australian pianos; many innovations
Palatino
Entry level Chinese pianos from a company that has been making
other instruments for years. Said to be higher quality than most other Chinese manufacturers, using parts from all over the
world
Pearl River
Another entry level piano made in China Perzina, Gerb
German company that now makes their pianos in China; said to be better
than most Chinese pianos due to many German components
Petrof
High quality but less expensive than German
pianos, made in the Czech Republic.
Pfeiffer
High quality German piano, generally not sold in the U.S.
Pleyel
Good quality pianos, the only French made pianos sold in America. Possibly the world's oldest piano company
that is still in business
Pramberger
Named for a former Steinway technician who designed Young Chang's top
line. More recently, the name was sold to Samick, and is used on their higher end pianos (which are not designed by Pramberger).
Ravenscroft
Newer American piano, extremely high end and extremely limited production. German made cabinetry
and other parts, assembled in America with several innovations
Rheindorf
A name owned by a Michigan dealer;
despite the "New York & Vienna" label, this piano is made in China
Ritmuller
Another old German
name, another piano made in China
Samick (SMC)
Makes entry to mid level pianos in Korea or Indonesia. Includes
the names Wurlitzer, Sohmer, Grinnell, Kohler & Campbell, Story & Clark, Samick, Remington, Knabe, Pramberger and
others.
Sauter
High end German piano, run by the Sauter family since 1819
Schell, Lothar
German
designed, an inexpensive Chinese piano
Schimmel
High end German piano; the Vogel made in Poland is their midpriced
line
Schoenhut Long time maker of toy
piano, they now offer a child sized grand and upright piano with real strings and only 44 keys Schulze Pollmann
Good Quality piano, made in Italy
Seiler
High end German piano
Sejung
Newer but rapidly growing Chinese piano company; Entry level pianos
Shigeru, see Kawai
Sohmer, see Samick
Steck, see Sejung
Steingraeber & Sohne
Very high end German piano, they make only a few hundred per year. Many innovations offered, including a soundboard made
out of carbon fiber instead of wood Steinway & Sons
The most familiar name on the concert stage in America. Made in New York, some prefer
the ones made in Germany. There are no “cheaper” models; the less expensive lines are called “Boston”
and “Essex” are Asian made.
Story & Clark
American company now owned by QRS, maker of electronic
player systems. Pianos are assembled in Indonesia by Samick, then sent to Pennsylvania for final inspection. QRS player system
available on all models.
Stuart & Sons
Australian made grands and concert grands; Very high end with many
innovations
Suzuki
An very inexpensive Chinese piano, sold at Costco. Taylor Brodmann's less expensive line, made in China
Vogel, see Schimmel
Walter, Charles
Good quality American pianos, made in Indiana
Weinbach
Formerly made by Petrof, these are now made for Petrof
in China
Wurlitzer, see Baldwin
Wyman
Newer company started by ex-Baldwin designers; inexpensive
Chinese pianos
Yamaha
Oldest Japanese piano company, over 100 years old. A name everyone knows, as they are
a huge company with a full line of products. A range of quality and price, from high end grands, to medium quality, to entry
level Indonesian or Chinese pianos.
Young Chang
Large Korean maker of mid priced pianos. Also makes the "Essex"
line for Steinway. Weber and Bergmann are their less expensive lines, made in China.
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