Poll: Una Corda Pedal

[Axtremus]

Just curious how important the "una corda" is to people.

Sorry, this does NOT include the so-called "soft pedal" available on most uprights. We consider here only the "una corda" that shifts the keyboard and the whole action stack.

[tenn]

We consider here only the "una corda" that shifts the keyboard and the whole action stack.

Snob
And I voted anyway.

[quantum]

I use the una corda quite regularly.  So yes it siginificantly influenced my piano buying decision. 

[Axtremus]

Snob
And I voted anyway.

Thank you for your vote.

*bump*

[lostinidlewonder]

A piano without Una Corde is a piano missing some of its voice.

[Axtremus]

For the one and only person so far who voted 'Yes, "una corda" response was actually a tie-breaker between two pianos I otherwise liked equally,' I am very curious which two pianos you were considering (brand/model, and vintage if used) that required the una corda response to tie-break, and I'm also interested in knowing what songs/pieces you play that lead you tie-break two pianos with una corda. If you do not feel comfortable discussing this in public, I will also appreciate a private message.

I put that option in the poll but honestly did not expect that option to garner any vote... so now I am very, very curious.

[rich_galassini]

I rarely, if ever, use the sostenuto pedal, but there are lots of pianos out there made over the past 20 years or so that are marketed to a price point. They are stripped down in structure and tonal response. These pianos, with only some exceptions, don't include a sos. pedal.

Plus, there are lots of musicians who wouldn't get a piano without one.

For these reasons, I recommend getting a sos. pedal on your piano - unless you fall in love with one without one. Then you can have a good rebuilder install one for you - but this is no way to save money. 

[rich_galassini]

^Wait - the above post belongs on the sostenuto pedal thread. ^

(this is so embarrassing)

[CJ Quinn]

una corda is the soul of the piano as far as I'm concerned.

[rich_galassini]

CJ,

Does Rachel J.  teach at Turtle Bay?

[CJ Quinn]

Hey Rich!

No Rachel works exclusively from her studio in Park Slope.  She's a Drury student, a good friend of Elena Hammel who introduced us.

[zlh]

This may sound like a real stupid question from a novice, but how do you use Una Corda Pedal?
- When do you need it
- What effect does it produce
- What are you missing by not using it
- What passages expressively needed it?

Cheers.