Keyboards & Pianos

Here's some information if you are looking into pianos or keyboards.  Nowadays, the "key action" of higher-end keyboards is weighted and very similar to "real" pianos.  We like the "clean look" of the Yamaha P-series.  Casio also has highly-rated keyboards (or digital pianos).  Here are full-sized (88-keys) keyboards:







Smaller keyboards are less expensive -- and may interest some people.  However, the key action won't be the same, and there are fewer keys than an actual piano:




Of course, many prefer an actual "real" piano -- if they can afford one (or have the space for one).  Note, however, that the prices vary, as follows:

• Good quality keyboards - $499+
• Upright Pianos - $2,500+ 
• Baby Grand Pianos - $8,000 - $15,000+

If you get a keyboard, you will also need a stand like this:

Here's a good bundle of one of the best Yamaha keyboards -- that has a lot of things (stand, bench) you'd need:

Humidity for Musical Instruments (and Humans!)

Winter is here -- and the air is getting dryer -- particularly when the heat is on. This is especially true in the northern areas of the country.  Below is some info on humidity levels; please run your humidifiers to protect your musical instruments, your skin -- and prevent static shocks!

• Piano:  one of our friends, a piano tuner -- says that 42% humidity is ideal for a piano.
• Instruments such as fine violins like humidity in that range as well.  
• Less than 30% humidity is dangerous for valuable wooden instruments. 
• 35% is on the low side; 40% or more is safe.  

You can run humidifiers and use hygrometers to monitor the humidity in your home.  Increasing the humidity in your home during the dry winter months will make your musical instruments happier -- as well as your skin!