Awaiting the day I'll finally own a piano

[lostinarea51]

One thing:

It is their house. Not to discourage anything, but you'd have to make a compromise with them. I would love to be able to play piano for 2 hours a day, but the thing is: my piano (bought a few weeks ago) couldn't go up the stairs into my room, so I asked my dad if it could stay in the living room to which he consented. But I can't play for longer than an hour because they watch tv and I can't play piano with them watching the tv because they have it on loud.

So I've setled for an hour.

When I'm 23 (I'm 20 at the moment) I'm going to live on my own and will be able to play until my ears fall of.

It's just the things you can't CONTROL. You need to compromise with them without sounding like a 15 year old (not that you are one). Sit with them around the table, just the three of you.

Talk to them like you are very serious; an adult. Tell them that if you can't play for an hour a day and/or keep the piano, your relationship with them will suffer and they might not see you in the future.

Be that assertive......

Thank's for joining in my mess  

It's a stage piano (a giant hi-tech good sounding keyboard) that I can use headphones with and also fit in any room in the house so it won't annoy them any more than our current keyboard does.

I have talked to them seriously, that's the problem  

The centre of discussion to them is not about me playing piano, staying at lessons, where it's going to go etc, it's about me not telling them I sold my prize and bought a piano.

It's a bit hard to tell you what to say because I don't know how you would normally speak. Just tell them you are sorry if they feel you have betrayed them. You only meant to find a solution for your piano problem that would not require them to use any money or bother them with the issue, since you know they have a lot of other things to worry about. Tell them that you did extensive research and asked advice from experts so that you are sure this ourchase was worth the money.

Thanks outin

[hfmadopter]

So how did things turn out for you ? It would be nice to hear that you are keeping a piano and continuing with your studies ! Today is Monday so it would also be nice to hear that the worst heat of this issue is over.. And that goes for us as well as you.

[lostinarea51]

Hi,

The piano is still here, and the house is nearly back to normal.
its still not opened yet.

my parents also me asked to provide more details and pictures on the piano.

things are moving slowly.. ...but hopefully *hopefully* I'll be playing it tomorrow or later today.

[hfmadopter]

Hi,

The piano is still here, and the house is nearly back to normal.
its still not opened yet.

my parents also me asked to provide more details and pictures on the piano.

things are moving slowly.. ...but hopefully *hopefully* I'll be playing it tomorrow or later today.

Goodness, you must be ready to crawl out of your skin to get at that piano by now !! But yah, sounds like you are on your way. That (hopefully) is great news. Maybe you need links to the piano etc to show your parents . Maybe show them some reviews ? I'm sure you explained that you will be needing something like this since your piano instruction will be advancing this year ?

[lostinarea51]

Yes i printed out information and customer ratings/reviews of the piano.

Honestly, I'm not too worried about not being able to open it; i have already waited five years! an extra three days is nothing!

I've already tried many times to explain why i need something that i can actually practise on without a long list of restrictions; but i may need to try and explain the difference between what we currently have and the sp250.

*hopefullu* then ill be ok.....after of course apologising again

[hfmadopter]

Yes i printed out information and customer ratings/reviews of the piano.

Honestly, I'm not too worried about not being able to open it; i have already waited five years! an extra three days is nothing!

I've already tried many times to explain why i need something that i can actually practise on without a long list of restrictions; but i may need to try and explain the difference between what we currently have and the sp250.

*hopefullu* then ill be ok.....after of course apologising again

Good job and you've kept your cool with them.

Best of luck, let us know how it goes !

[outin]

Sounds like you are making progress...good luck!

[tashaska]

I'm so happy that it is sounding positive. Good luck!

[lostinarea51]

Good news and bad news

I was allowed to open it. Ive played it....here's my summary
-Sound is great, very realistic
-Nice to play
-Weighs a tonne
-Keys are noisy when you play with headphones or with volume down low.

However, ITS FAULTY; ONE key won't work.. ...which means its going back anyway.

there is 3 possible outcomes. ..
-we return it and it gets replaced/repaired
-we return it and buy a better model
-we return it and get a refund, and parents may possibly get a piano here.

Can't believe after waiting this long, it has to go back.  its one thing after another

one question, would the noise from keys on a digital piano (lp350) be quieter or the same?

[mikeowski]

I heard that the quality of the keyboard of the sp250 is pretty low. The keys become loose and then they move sideways a lot. So watch out for that. Also the thing with one key not working surely isn't a good sign.

Better get something like the yamaha p-155, it's definitely worth the extra money. Actually for something you use every day, any extra money invested into it is worth it to a certain degree.

[hfmadopter]

Good news and bad news

I was allowed to open it. Ive played it....here's my summary  

However, ITS FAULTY; ONE key won't work.. ...which means its going back anyway.

one question, would the noise from keys on a digital piano (lp350) be quieter or the same?

It's broken so it has to go back, that's too bad. The good news is it sounds like your parents are more on board now ! This may all have a silver lining. I bet now they see that you are serious.

Moving to the LP350 I suspect isn't a huge move in terms of the instrument itself. The keyboard is pretty much the same, the sound similar, obviously it has a case it's in though.

My default answer is move to something like a  Kawai Ep3, Kawai Mp6 or a later Yamaha with GH hammers ( or another brands similar action to GH) or better. Or get an acoustic.

It is best if you could possibly go try them out before purchase or make absolutely sure about  the return policy wth digital. Moving to any that I mentioned above takes you into the next level instrument from what you had but still in a stage piano.. If you want a digital with a wooden case that looks more like a traditional upright, best to let others advise you in your present price range give or take  a few hundred dollars, because at that point I'd personally only move to upper end Kawai and even more upper end Rolands ( I have no need to go there, an MP 6 would serve me fine and I have a real grand piano, my main goal would be decent action, good headset and most recently good MIDI for pop music arranging in software)..

[lostinarea51]

Piano is being collected by the courier tomorrow . So a refund should be given Monday or tuesday at the latest.

Parents are taking me more seriously,  and have said i/we will be allowed to get an acoustic  piano if i put the refunded money towards it and provided there's a discussion.

To be honest, I was pretty disappointed with the korgs sp250 keys. They were stupidly noisy. I played a more expensive Yamaha grand stage piano (cx something i think), and the keys made noise, just not as much as the korgs ones did.

Anyway...

[eueueu91]

Well, I have an SP250 and the keys are just fine. They do move a little sideways, but only when you deliberately move them so, and that's never bothered my while playing. I play with headphones, so I don't know if the keys are too noisy, but from what I recall from the few times I've played from the speakers the kwys were not abnormally loud.

Except for the lack of features (which are most of the times useless anyway), I find it a good digital piano, especially for the price.

[hfmadopter]

Piano is being collected by the courier tomorrow . So a refund should be given Monday or tuesday at the latest.

Parents are taking me more seriously,  and have said i/we will be allowed to get an acoustic  piano if i put the refunded money towards it and provided there's a discussion.

To be honest, I was pretty disappointed with the korgs sp250 keys. They were stupidly noisy. I played a more expensive Yamaha grand stage piano (cx something i think), and the keys made noise, just not as much as the korgs ones did.

Anyway...

Ya it's too bad the Korg didn't work out for you and that it was broken besides. In the long run you may be happier with an acoustic anyway though. And you should be able to get a pretty decent used one I would think. However you should be aware that older acoustics may have a touch of slop in the keys too.

I don't know, I maintain my own so it's hard for me to say what the best thing is for someone else at this point in used acoustic where it costs me nothing in labor to work on my own.. I know what I would take, what I would look for etc. Or for that matter not take or not look for.  Plenty of used uprights out there though ( which would not interest me personally).

I do wish you the best of luck. I think things are going to turn around for you now though !
David

edit: Your parents are on board now, here comes that silver lining I mentioned, in the way of ( hopefully) support !

[hfmadopter]

Well, I have an SP250 and the keys are just fine. They do move a little sideways, but only when you deliberately move them so, and that's never bothered my while playing. I play with headphones, so I don't know if the keys are too noisy, but from what I recall from the few times I've played from the speakers the kwys were not abnormally loud.

Except for the lack of features (which are most of the times useless anyway), I find it a good digital piano, especially for the price.

The thing is the OP's came in broken, who knows what happened but it needs to go back. I hope the return policy is a good one is all. It's hard to stick up for a broken piano regardless of the brand or model, broken is broken.

[hfmadopter]

lostinarea51, how are you making out ? Are you still in a holding pattern for the time being?

[lostinarea51]

lostinarea51, how are you making out ? Are you still in a holding pattern for the time being?

Making good progress. Awaiting refund from the kprg.

I also went and looked at two pianos today with dad; one that the person was giving away for free, that was very nice but would repairs in the region of $300.
the other one was $550-600ish i think and didn't need any repairs or tuning.

Were just getting advice now and discussing tge options.

I could have a piano by the end of the week

[hfmadopter]

Making good progress. Awaiting refund from the kprg.

I also went and looked at two pianos today with dad; one that the person was giving away for free, that was very nice but would repairs in the region of $300.
the other one was $550-600ish i think and didn't need any repairs or tuning.

Were just getting advice now and discussing tge options.

I could have a piano by the end of the week

Excellent news then !

[outin]

I could have a piano by the end of the week

This sounds really good! Maybe this mess opened the eyes of your parents a bit...
Just be a good boy now 

[lostinarea51]

Good new, piano arrived into the house yesterday!

we took the free one and there will be someone in early next week to fix the few broken hammers and tune it.

Its a nice piano, and I am quite happy. Still waiting for a refund on the stage piano, but should get it next week hopefully

[hfmadopter]

Good new, piano arrived into the house yesterday!

we took the free one and there will be someone in early next week to fix the few broken hammers and tune it.

Its a nice piano, and I am quite happy. Still waiting for a refund on the stage piano, but should get it next week hopefully

That's great, hope it works out as well as Ranniks did !!

[outin]

Good new, piano arrived into the house yesterday!

I'm SO happy for you! This turned out better than you expected I guess

Even if the piano is not the most expensive and high quality one, when it has been repaired and tuned, your playing will get to the next level soon. An acoustic is always an acoustic. Hopefully I'll hear you play some day!

[ranniks]

CONGRATULATIONS!

One topic on the internet said a good digital is better than a cheap acoustic. Well my friend, that is utter nonsense. I went and played a 7k digital yamaha piano. It was good I daresay, but it gave a neo-acoustic/digital feeling. Like the keys were set too even, not moving at all.

I got myself a cheap console piano, maybe you have one as well. Before the tuning the action was nowhere near any of the pianos I played when I visited a store with mostly acoustic pianos. After the tuning my piano was on their level. The Kawai 15-E better most likely. But I'm just so, so happy with it. It plays really fine now and I would say it has a mellow tone which I like very much!

I'm now not even sure if I ever will need to replace my piano. It only has 85 keys though. So probably yes. But not for another 3-5 years I would say. And then I might even keep it, lol.

My piano only needed tuning and some regulation apparently. The hammers needed to be oiled or something. I'm having it looked at again next year with tuning of course.

PIANO=AWESOME!

Maybe I'm being biased, but acoustic is just the first thing you should get if that is in the realm of possibility. If not, get a good digital. I would have gone for the ydp 141 most likely btw. Maybe a little bit heavier action though.

[outin]

I'm now not even sure if I ever will need to replace my piano.

You will when you want to have a grand...in a few years

[ranniks]

You will when you want to have a grand...in a few years

On student loans? Most likely the cheapest grand you'll find. Now if only I could impress an old man/woman in a black suit/dress that recognizes my hard work and dilligence and realises their Steinway grand is in need of a ambitious owner before they pass away (I'm talking a 90 year old person *ahum*).........One can only hope and dream =p.

[outin]

On student loans?

After you graduate then

I cannot REALLY afford the grand either, after all I work for the government...but I will buy it anyway, it's a matter of priorities in life

[ranniks]

After you graduate then

I cannot REALLY afford the grand either, after all I work for the government...but I will buy it anyway, it's a matter of priorities in life

I couldn't REALLY afford my acoustic either (still in some debt, not much, loaned some form my brother, will give it back before end of year, actually next week).

I can relate to what you mean by priorities. We love the piano that much. I'm just not sure I'll get a yamaha anymore though. Don't want to get a 'commercial' brand if that makes sense. Although I do love my teacher's yamaha .

[outin]

I couldn't REALLY afford my acoustic either (still in some debt, not much, loaned some form my brother, will give it back before end of year, actually next week).

I owe quite a lot to the bank too, but isn't that what they are for? I am lucky to already have a buyer for my U1 (and she can wait), so I think in March-April next year I should have my grand

I can relate to what you mean by priorities. We love the piano that much. I'm just not sure I'll get a yamaha anymore though. Don't want to get a 'commercial' brand if that makes sense. Although I do love my teacher's yamaha .

You mean you don't want to send your money to the Japanese?

I think for me getting an European made piano is kind of a nice bonus.
If the market was bigger for used grands around here I might start looking for a quality used German one, but there really aren't that many and in our climate if the piano was not well kept it might not be in good condition. Here only professionals (and the filthy rich) have grands, the upright has been the standard piano (maybe also because no company here has been building grands).

[hfmadopter]

I couldn't REALLY afford my acoustic either (still in some debt, not much, loaned some form my brother, will give it back before end of year, actually next week).

I can relate to what you mean by priorities. We love the piano that much. I'm just not sure I'll get a yamaha anymore though. Don't want to get a 'commercial' brand if that makes sense. Although I do love my teacher's yamaha .

Outin is not overly fond of her upright Yamaha and anyway wants a grand down deep inside. You on the other hand are fond of your piano, it plays well has nice tone. No need to rush into anything in that case. If the piano suits you it suits you !

The piano store down the street from my house has a sweet rebuilt 5'2" Yamaha and a couple of larger Steinways, a Mason and Hamlin and a smaller Henry F Miller than mine. All of them are rebuilt and things like bass strings and tuning pins and harp are all sparkling and shiney. One Steinway is maybe 6 ft ish and something I wouldn't mind owning.. But I'm happy with my old Henry F Miller grand ( confusion over whether this piano is actually 5'9" or 5'11" so if you hear me refer to as one or the other that's the reason !). I voiced the hammers yesterday and I reset the hammer heights. Another day I'll pull the action back out and set the let offs. In the summer I had set the rest position of the hammer shanks and twisted the bass strings. So all that will be left is back check settings and maybe a second voicing when this one plays in. I have a busy season with the piano coming up between now and christmas and actually beyond, where I'm aquiring some students and planning a Christmas performance of my own at the same time, plus I still work full time for a demanding large company. The piano it's sounding fine right now. This old piano owes me absolutely nothing, plays well and for thousands of dollars I could duplicate it's sound or slightly exceed it's sound with a nice Steinway..

I'll leave it to anyone else to figure out the moral to my story, as I don't really know what it is myself ! Just babbling. Now I'm going fishing with my son.

[outin]

Oh, I certainly didn't mean that Ranniks should get a grand now, since he is happy with what he has. But I think he might just one day get to the level where an upright just doesn't fill all his needs anymore

[ranniks]

I owe quite a lot to the bank too, but isn't that what they are for? I am lucky to already have a buyer for my U1 (and she can wait), so I think in March-April next year I should have my grand


You mean you don't want to send your money to the Japanese?

I think for me getting an European made piano is kind of a nice bonus.
If the market was bigger for used grands around here I might start looking for a quality used German one, but there really aren't that many and in our climate if the piano was not well kept it might not be in good condition. Here only professionals (and the filthy rich) have grands, the upright has been the standard piano (maybe also because no company here has been building grands).

Watashi wa sukoshi nihongo-wakarimas. I'm not sure if I don't or do want to send my money to the Japanese, but I do thoroughly enjoy their anime and manga and some cultural references. But then again, I love the idea of how John Hancock and Samuel Adams fought for the treaty of independance (forgive this simpleton if he is mistaken) as well.

I get what you mean by the rich and such. When I went to the accoustic piano store I felt like a mediocre person when speaking to the salesman in regards to buying a piano.

Outin is not overly fond of her upright Yamaha and anyway wants a grand down deep inside. You on the other hand are fond of your piano, it plays well has nice tone. No need to rush into anything in that case. If the piano suits you it suits you !

The piano store down the street from my house has a sweet rebuilt 5'2" Yamaha and a couple of larger Steinways, a Mason and Hamlin and a smaller Henry F Miller than mine. All of them are rebuilt and things like bass strings and tuning pins and harp are all sparkling and shiney. One Steinway is maybe 6 ft ish and something I wouldn't mind owning.. But I'm happy with my old Henry F Miller grand ( confusion over whether this piano is actually 5'9" or 5'11" so if you hear me refer to as one or the other that's the reason !). I voiced the hammers yesterday and I reset the hammer heights. Another day I'll pull the action back out and set the let offs. In the summer I had set the rest position of the hammer shanks and twisted the bass strings. So all that will be left is back check settings and maybe a second voicing when this one plays in. I have a busy season with the piano coming up between now and christmas and actually beyond, where I'm aquiring some students and planning a Christmas performance of my own at the same time, plus I still work full time for a demanding large company. The piano it's sounding fine right now. This old piano owes me absolutely nothing, plays well and for thousands of dollars I could duplicate it's sound or slightly exceed it's sound with a nice Steinway..

I'll leave it to anyone else to figure out the moral to my story, as I don't really know what it is myself ! Just babbling. Now I'm going fishing with my son.

My teacher asks me 'why do you like classical music so much, you're so young' (I'm 20), so maybe I'm sounding 'old' (whatever that means) when I say I sort of understand you. If you can play Chopin's Raindrops just as good on your Miller as a Steinway.....Why bother getting the Steinway or getting in debt for it? Sure it would be nice, but it would also be nice to win he lotto.

I'm satisfied fast. That's why I reacted so positively after the tuning of my piano.

David, I like how you think.

Oh, I certainly didn't mean that Ranniks should get a grand now, since he is happy with what he has. But I think he might just one day get to the level where an upright just doesn't fill all his needs anymore

One day there shall most likely be a grand sitting in a living room. Oh and a cat! Maybe 2! No mice ruining my piano, no no!

[outin]

One day there shall most likely be a grand sitting in a living room. Oh and a cat! Maybe 2! No mice ruining my piano, no no!

I'll tell you a secret...I have 8 cats

[hfmadopter]

I'll tell you a secret...I have 8 cats

Outin and Ranniks, I have to tell you something about owning a grand piano and cats. First, they must be very well box trained, no mistakes from any cats you own lest they decide your grand piano is a litter box. Second, they like to sit on top with the top down, kind of boat on there and some will go inside to sleep if you leave the top up. Last, if you leave the top down be careful they don't reach in and pull the felt off your dampers if you leave the music stand area open. Best at night to close the piano right up or don't allow access to the room the piano resides in is even better.

I've seen all of the above happen. We are cat people here too, once we had 13 cats after a litter but it's common to have  four or five adults in our house ( at this time all fixed). I want to weed that down to two as they poop out.

Owning a grand piano is like baby sitting at times. People place things you don't want on it. My wife thought it would be nice to have cut flowers on the grand piano at one point over the 30+ years I've owned it. Fine if there is no water in the vase and a cat doesn't knock it over. Think before you do something dear ? Artificial flowers only please ! And only when we are not using the piano. Silly woman thing anyway, a piano is to make music with !! Young grand children will and do beat on the keys if left un watched and the piano has caught their eye, they have to be watched and trained as each is introduced to the piano.

No, for me ( large family) a satin finished older piano is just fine. Just keep it sounding and playing nice. Look inside people cars and observe how the exterior is kept and you will have an idea how much respect they will have for your grand piano !

Sad but true.

[outin]

Outin and Ranniks, I have to tell you something about owning a grand piano and cats. First, they must be very well box trained, no mistakes from any cats you own lest they decide your grand piano is a litter box. Second, they like to sit on top with the top down, kind of boat on there and some will go inside to sleep if you leave the top up. Last, if you leave the top down be careful they don't reach in and pull the felt off your dampers if you leave the music stand area open. Best at night to close the piano right up or don't allow access to the room the piano resides in is even better.

I've seen all of the above happen. We are cat people here too, once we had 13 cats after a litter but it's common to have  four or five adults in our house ( at this time all fixed). I want to weed that down to two as they poop out.

Owning a grand piano is like baby sitting at times. People place things you don't want on it. My wife thought it would be nice to have cut flowers on the grand piano at one point over the 30+ years I've owned it. Fine if there is no water in the vase and a cat doesn't knock it over. Think before you do something dear ? Artificial flowers only please ! And only when we are not using the piano. Silly woman thing anyway, a piano is to make music with !! Young grand children will and do beat on the keys if left un watched and the piano has caught their eye, they have to be watched and trained as each is introduced to the piano.

No, for me ( large family) a satin finished older piano is just fine. Just keep it sounding and playing nice. Look inside people cars and observe how the exterior is kept and you will have an idea how much respect they will have for your grand piano !

Sad but true.

Thank you for the advice, David! I actually have thought quite a lot about the arrangement, but my cats have promised to behave. And they are well litter trained, no problem about that. Can't let them inside the piano though, since cats have a tendency to throw up occasinally

My cats are also used to closed doors since I've had to keep the boys separated from the girls anyway. So in case they misbehave I can always restrict their access to the piano...

Were you also breeding cats or did they just spontaniously reproduce? I have stopped breeding for now and couple of mine are really old so I now have the oppurtunity to take care of my new black baby

[chopin2015]

Outin and Ranniks, I have to tell you something about owning a grand piano and cats. First, they must be very well box trained, no mistakes from any cats you own lest they decide your grand piano is a litter box. Second, they like to sit on top with the top down, kind of boat on there and some will go inside to sleep if you leave the top up. Last, if you leave the top down be careful they don't reach in and pull the felt off your dampers if you leave the music stand area open. Best at night to close the piano right up or don't allow access to the room the piano resides in is even better.

I've seen all of the above happen. We are cat people here too, once we had 13 cats after a litter but it's common to have  four or five adults in our house ( at this time all fixed). I want to weed that down to two as they poop out.

Owning a grand piano is like baby sitting at times. People place things you don't want on it. My wife thought it would be nice to have cut flowers on the grand piano at one point over the 30+ years I've owned it. Fine if there is no water in the vase and a cat doesn't knock it over. Think before you do something dear ? Artificial flowers only please ! And only when we are not using the piano. Silly woman thing anyway, a piano is to make music with !! Young grand children will and do beat on the keys if left un watched and the piano has caught their eye, they have to be watched and trained as each is introduced to the piano.

No, for me ( large family) a satin finished older piano is just fine. Just keep it sounding and playing nice. Look inside people cars and observe how the exterior is kept and you will have an idea how much respect they will have for your grand piano !

Sad but true.

I keep a huge thick blanket over the piano. The cats love laying on her. Even when I am playing! I rarely put the lid up anyways, I can't handle loud piano. My only fear is piano legs turning into scratching posts, god forbid. My parents have 3 lab adult dogs, I love them. I really doubt my restored antique baby grand could handle that. Think post 1920s thin legs holding that bodice...

[hfmadopter]

Were you also breeding cats or did they just spontaneously reproduce? I have stopped breeding for now and couple of mine are really old so I now have the opportunity to take care of my new black baby

We bred Maine Coon cats for a short time and we had a smoosh nosed Himalayan male. One adult Maine Coon and that Himalayan loved the piano. We have a Blue ( i won't call him a Russian Blue because he is not pure bred but he looks just like one) right now that will get in the piano and go to sleep if unwatched ( actually I had the top up yesterday and left it while we went out to lunch, no sign of him going in there, so maybe he's broken the habit).

But also , the thing about a grand piano is any form of dust and debre gets below the strings and on the sound board where it a pain to get back out of there.

Just a heads up, no reason to back off the idea of a grand for sure, just good cat awareness will do !

[outin]

But also , the thing about a grand piano is any form of dust and debre gets below the strings and on the sound board where it a pain to get back out of there.

Just a heads up, no reason to back off the idea of a grand for sure, just good cat awareness will do !

Luckily my cats (Korats) don't shed much... I would be more concerned about the cat litter that goes everywhere... Need to teach them to wipe their feet well after going to the loo

[hfmadopter]

Luckily my cats (Korats) don't shed much... I would be more concerned about the cat litter that goes everywhere... Need to teach them to wipe their feet well after going to the loo

All cats are cool ! Some people can't stand cats but that's their problem. You can always tell a cat person, if there is a cat around it ends up near by, if not on the persons lap !

However, even me as a cat owner for more than 50 years ( I think I was 5 or 6 when I received my first cat) will admit there is a limit. They don't belong inside my grand piano. Maybe on the bed next to me at night but not in the piano.

Korats are nice looking animals. I loved that Himalayan though. As much as I love our cats now that cat had a personality and an a half but he died of heart trouble at only 10. That was a very sad day. When these cats are all gone I'd get another one of those in a heart beat and another Henry F Miller grand piano if need be as well ( it's been a great piano, taken some knocks after five kids and 13 grand kids and a bunch of cats around it) !

[ranniks]

All cats are cool ! Some people can't stand cats but that's their problem. You can always tell a cat person, if there is a cat around it ends up near by, if not on the persons lap !

However, even me as a cat owner for more than 50 years ( I think I was 5 or 6 when I received my first cat) will admit there is a limit. They don't belong inside my grand piano. Maybe on the bed next to me at night but not in the piano.

Korats are nice looking animals. I loved that Himalayan though. As much as I love our cats now that cat had a personality and an a half but he died of heart trouble at only 10. That was a very sad day. When these cats are all gone I'd get another one of those in a heart beat and another Henry F Miller grand piano if need be as well ( it's been a great piano, taken some knocks after five kids and 13 grand kids and a bunch of cats around it) !

Awwwwww.

I definitely want a siamese cat when I get a cat. Not the thin ones, the thicker ones with nice fur. A friend of my sister brought one over and I wanted to pet it over and over!

The lady next door is TERRIFIED by cats. I mean TERRIFIED! She even tried some repelling product to keep them from their garden. We have other neighbours further down the street that own a few cats though.

[nystul]

Wow, what a saga!  I guess it's a moot point now, but if you wanted to take responsibility and find ways to pay for an instrument you should have discussed it up front with your parents instead of trying to get it done before they could disapprove. Also having straight discussion instead of playing one parent against the other.  If you want to be treated like an adult act like one and all that.

Glad it worked out in the end though!

[slyfox2625]

i have a 81 keyboard thats collecting dust in its case, i barely use it, il send it 2 you for free if you're serious.

[atinm]

But I'm happy with my old Henry F Miller grand ( confusion over whether this piano is actually 5'9" or 5'11" so if you hear me refer to as one or the other that's the reason !). I voiced the hammers yesterday and I reset the hammer heights. Another day I'll pull the action back out and set the let offs. In the summer I had set the rest position of the hammer shanks and twisted the bass strings. So all that will be left is back check settings and maybe a second voicing when this one plays in.

I got my Henry F Miller upright for free off craigslist. And turns out my piano tuner thought it is good, holds its tune, he did the hammers already and now it just needs regulation (appt for a couple of weeks from today). I've been messing with the insides too - maybe it is something used Henry Miller piano owners do - I fixed some stuck keys, replaced the nameplate felt that was moth-eaten (it just looked bad, I know it doesn't really make it sound better ). When technician comes in a couple of weeks, he's going to show me how to regulate it so I can do it myself too. I intend to eventually replace all the hammers, felts and dampers so am going to get the technician to show me how to dismantle the action and put it back together. He figures I'm not going to be competition as I'm just working on my own piano and he sort of enjoyed showing me how to tune the thing last time so I can keep it in tune "between annual tunings" by listening to beats (or just using my android phone's piano tuner app!). I basically love my piano - though I know I will want a grand someday. I am hoping my 5 year old is going to get into piano, and I'll be able to justify getting a grand for both of us!

[hfmadopter]

I got my Henry F Miller upright for free off craigslist. And turns out my piano tuner thought it is good, holds its tune, he did the hammers already and now it just needs regulation (appt for a couple of weeks from today). I've been messing with the insides too - maybe it is something used Henry Miller piano owners do - I fixed some stuck keys, replaced the nameplate felt that was moth-eaten (it just looked bad, I know it doesn't really make it sound better ). When technician comes in a couple of weeks, he's going to show me how to regulate it so I can do it myself too. I intend to eventually replace all the hammers, felts and dampers so am going to get the technician to show me how to dismantle the action and put it back together. He figures I'm not going to be competition as I'm just working on my own piano and he sort of enjoyed showing me how to tune the thing last time so I can keep it in tune "between annual tunings" by listening to beats (or just using my android phone's piano tuner app!). I basically love my piano - though I know I will want a grand someday. I am hoping my 5 year old is going to get into piano, and I'll be able to justify getting a grand for both of us!

Best of luck with your Henry F Miller !! Let us know how it all turns out.

[lostinarea51]

Hi everyone, OP here.
Have been meaning to get back on here, but have been busy

Bit of delay with techincian/tuner, he'll be here tomorrow.
Would just like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who has posted here! Your support and advice has been amazing. Really appreciate it.

I'll be back with a final update in about a week just so I can put a happy ending to this story and thread

[hfmadopter]

Hi everyone, OP here.
Have been meaning to get back on here, but have been busy

Bit of delay with techincian/tuner, he'll be here tomorrow.
Would just like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who has posted here! Your support and advice has been amazing. Really appreciate it.

I'll be back with a final update in about a week just so I can put a happy ending to this story and thread

That's great, nice to hear from you !