Method for testing pianos (opinions?)

[violinist]

I've been trying some pianos and I just wanted to post my method of testing them out.  I'm not a fantastic piano player, but I fancy myself to be a good musician (violinist).

Here's my method.

1. Place the music stand (is that what this is called?) down so it doesn't block the sound.  Raise the lid.

2. Play a 440 A.  A note that is used for tuning, a note that I've heard tons of times in my life.  Then play other A's across the piano to listen for tone.

3. Play musical pieces to check for action/response and tone
The pieces (or parts of pieces) I've selected are (which I play from memory):

Bach Invention #1 - no pedal.  Just listen to the notes, try out some good articulation.
Chopin Etude 10/1 - see how the action works
and other pieces as I feel like, but those are the two work horse test pieces I use.

4. Have a pianist play the piano and I'll listen from the side


Hope this will work for me to pick my piano.

[xvimbi]

Just to make sure: did you take a look at Larry Fine's book "The Piano Book: Buying & Owning a New or Used Piano"? It's considered a must-read book when it comes to buying a piano. There is a recent supplement with updated info on manufacturers, makes, and prices.

https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1929145012/qid=1124155651/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-1913410-9531017?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

[violinist]

Just to make sure: did you take a look at Larry Fine's book "The Piano Book: Buying & Owning a New or Used Piano"? It's considered a must-read book when it comes to buying a piano. There is a recent supplement with updated info on manufacturers, makes, and prices.

https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1929145012/qid=1124155651/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-1913410-9531017?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

I have read that book cover to cover (and several times), but it was about 9 years ago.  It was a blue colored book at the time.  I have lost it since.  I was thinking about a piano at that time, but didn't have the money and so I bout an digital piano (yamaha p200), saved, saved...then bought a great violin then saved and saved, and now is the time... but alas... the book can't be found.  If there are any highlights anyone wants to share with me, feel free to post.

- Calvin

[iumonito]

A few great pieces to recognize the qualities of a piano right away:

Chopin Op. 28 # 20,
Mozart K 331, 3rd Mov.
Schumann Kinderszenen
Beethoven Op. 28
Moussorgsky Great Gate of Kiev
Albeniz-Godowsky Tango
Chopin Ballade Op. 52
Ravel Alborada del Gracioso

No need to play the whole thing, just play the sections that are the most characteristics (naturally, the Ballade is a great work with loads of different sounds and techniques in it, but the others I am sure you will figure out in seconds why I put them on the list).

Cheers,
H

[pianistimo]

i like to test pianos in showrooms.  they aren't always in tune, but at least they have a certain quality and haven't experienced abuse or neglect.  you just don't know when you come across a piano in a practice room if it is emotionally disturbed.  for instance, it can seem ok at first and then suddenly you realize it's got a mind of it's own. (a disturbed mind)

[jeremyjchilds]

Just to make sure: did you take a look at Larry Fine's book "The Piano Book: Buying & Owning a New or Used Piano"? It's considered a must-read book when it comes to buying a piano. There is a recent supplement with updated info on manufacturers, makes, and prices.

https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1929145012/qid=1124155651/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-1913410-9531017?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

You beat me to it...

[happyface94]

The first piece I play to check for the piano's sound is the Bach-Busoni's Chaconna. To me the chords are so powerful that it should resonate and should make your eyes gaze to the ceiling. Of course I only play the beginning. Then I proceed to play other pieces to check for action, pedal sounds, dynamics response, while alternating between major and minor tunes.

[Waldszenen]

Chopin's Minute Waltz, or something similar with lots of notework (like his Op. 25 No. 2) to test how responsive and stiff the action is.

[jolly]

A couple of things...

1. Ascertain build quality. The Fine book gives lots of good pointers, but even common sense will tell you a lot. Look at how well the joinery is done, if any screw heads are partially stripped, are the hammers aligned properly, etc.

You'll notice in a German piano, most of the time they'll even go so far as to align the slot heads on the screws.

2. Play the piano. Is it musical? Can it sing? Can it be played very softly without compromise? (that is harder to build than one that can bring the thunder). Do play the same pieces the same way on every piano you seriously try.

3. Near-field and spectator sound are two different things. It always helps to play the instrument yourself, and then let someone else have at it, while you go to the far corner of the shop.

4. Lastly, make people think you've lost your mind. One of the best places to check build quality, and get the best listening experience, is under a grand. 



Just a few thoughts.....

[violinist]

A couple of things...

1. Ascertain build quality. The Fine book gives lots of good pointers, but even common sense will tell you a lot. Look at how well the joinery is done, if any screw heads are partially stripped, are the hammers aligned properly, etc.

You'll notice in a German piano, most of the time they'll even go so far as to align the slot heads on the screws.

2. Play the piano. Is it musical? Can it sing? Can it be played very softly without compromise? (that is harder to build than one that can bring the thunder). Do play the same pieces the same way on every piano you seriously try.

3. Near-field and spectator sound are two different things. It always helps to play the instrument yourself, and then let someone else have at it, while you go to the far corner of the shop.

4. Lastly, make people think you've lost your mind. One of the best places to check build quality, and get the best listening experience, is under a grand. 



Just a few thoughts.....

I got the new piano.  A Steinway B.  I didn't lay under it though.  But I chose it mainly from how it sounded to me as a player.  Whew... now I have to wait for it to arrive in my house.

[Axtremus]

Congratulations on the new player, and ...

... I chose it mainly from how it sounded to me as a player.

... I love your piano selection methodology.