5 Things to Know to Change a Piano Timber

Most people believe a piano has one sound, but the piano is capable of being bright, mellow, dark or brilliant all in one instrument. The sound quality or tone of an instrument is known as its timbre, and it is what makes two different instruments sound distinctive even when they play the same notes. Musical notes are made up of a fundamental tone, which is the name we give the note, and the overtones, which give color to the sound. Change the timbre of a piano by using different techniques
Step 1

Practice the technique of playing the piano keys with your fingers. The way in which you strike the key affects the overall tone. Gentle strokes usually achieve a softer and mellower sound. Using a sharp flick of the wrist motion makes the keys sound brighter.
Step 2
Try a technique of playing as if you are sinking your fingers into the keys. Rather than striking the key or simply pressing it, this technique allows for more overtones and gives a richer sound to the piano. Look at the pieces you are playing on the piano; you must find the right technique for the sound you want to achieve.
Step 3
Practice pedal technique. The damper or sustain pedal, on the far right, allows the notes to continue even after you are no longer pushing on the keys. When you lift the pedal, the sustained notes stop. The una corda pedal, which is the one to the far left, affects the piano’s tone because it shifts the hammers slightly, so the hammers are striking only two strings instead of the three usually allotted to each note on the piano.
Step 4
Change the environment in which you play. Bare floors and windows allow for higher frequencies, and the piano will sound brighter. Rugs and soft furniture provide for a warmer, darker tone. Open the lid, even for an upright, if you want a louder and brighter tone.
Step 5
Try a prepared piano technique, especially if you are playing 20th-century or modern music. This technique involves placing items like nuts, bolts, rubber or screws in between or on top of the strings inside the piano. Some objects give certain notes a percussive sound, while others create bell-like tones.

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Operating & Durability Benefits of Piano Hinges

Piano hinges are also known as continuous hinges; this is due to its common use on piano lids in the early days. Its attractiveness and strength are some of the attributes that make it a popular choice in construction. Piano hinges come with or without screw holes, heavy duty depending on the construction requirement and individual taste. These hinges are durable, come in different sizes and are a better choice for many customers

Economical
Continuous hinges are economical as they cost relatively the same as the normal hinges, yet they last longer. Once installed, these hinges do not require oiling due to their stable nature, providing stable hinges for a long duration. Continuous hinges are also safe to the user, averting any possibility of accidents from unstable doors, lids and metal fabrications. One hinge is also re-usable for many other installations by just cutting to size and fixing.
Easy to Operate
The easy operation of the hinges adds comfort to the user in metal fabrications or cabinets. The pivoting pin is either made from stainless steel or brass, enabling the multi-knuckles optimal axial rotation room; averting the possibility of creaking or jammed doorways resulting from a shifting door position. Heavy doors often weigh down their mounting hinges, causing frequent repair works or loose entrances. Continuous hinges bind doors and frame in the same position, creating an even distribution of door weight along the aperture. This design makes possible frequent use of the door with less wear.
Durability
Continuous hinges are used in a variety of fabrications in various construction industries due to their durability. Each hinge “knuckle” holds as a load bearing point, supporting the firmness of the product. The many knuckles designed in it give each other strength and support, increasing the hinge's lifespan; the longer the hinge, the more the knuckles and hence its strength. Its application to an object allows the user to consider a wide range of designs, weight and sizes as it supports many functions.
Versatility
Piano hinges come in many styles, since changing the length to fit a particular taste is possible. The lengths make them easy to align to the door’s aperture during installation. The hinges are applicable to doors, chests and cabinets; they also adorn different materials and finishes such as aluminum, brass, iron and stainless steel. Designs without screw holes also come as heavy duty models, either custom or standard.

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3 Ways to Change a Piano Hammer

Changing piano hammers is necessary when the felt on them erodes and the piano loses its soft sound. This requires several tools and a certain degree of expertise to complete the process properly. If you must do more than simply replacing the hammers, such as drilling and creating the hammer on your own, it is better to hire a professional. Otherwise, simply replacing the hammer can be done by most people, with the right tools
Step 1
Remove one of the hammers from the grid, by applying heat to the base of the hammer to loosen the glue. Bring it to your local music store, and ask them to measure it and order a set of replacement hammers. The hammer is measured with calipers, from one end to the other.

Step 2
Apply yellow carpenter's glue to the top of the old shank. Then place the new hammer on top of the old shank. Align the hammer so it hits the string evenly, then allow the hammer to sit overnight until the glue dries.
Step 3
Shape the hammer head, so the felt is flat and hits the strings evenly. You can shape the felt, and cut the edges to make this possible.
Tips & Warnings
When changing piano hammer heads, replace all the connected parts as well, such as the shanks and flanges. This process requires special tools and training. Hire a professional piano tuner, or take an instrument repair class to learn how to do this properly.
Generally, replacing hammer heads should be done by a qualified professional. This process can cost up to several thousand dollars and is more art than science.

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8 Things to Know Before Selecting a Piano

New piano is an expensive purchase, making it essential to select the right one. If you're unsure of what piano is right for you, don't rush into buying one and risk wasting thousands of dollars. Research your options and take personal factors such as your playing ability, the sound you want, and the size of your space into consideration. Once you've educated yourself and know what you're looking for, you should be able to find a piano that suits yo

Instructions
Step 1
Measure the space in your house. Your house may not be suited to a full-sized grand piano. If you live in an apartment building or smaller space, it may be better to buy a miniature piano.
Step 2
Look for a piano that suits the skill level of the player. If you're purchasing a piano for a child or a beginner, it makes sense to buy an inexpensive used model or a miniature piano. If you're an advanced player, you'll need a full-sized piano that will last a long time.
Step 3
Set a monetary limit. Pianos are expensive and you shouldn't spend more money than you're comfortable with. Explain your limit to the salesperson at the piano shop and ask to see only the pianos in your price range.
Step 4
Try several pianos in the showroom. Try playing the same piece on each piano and listening to which one sounds best. If you're not able to play the piano yourself, bring along a friend who knows about pianos.
Step 5
Visit several stores. This will help you compare prices and pianos. Only consult with one salesperson at each store to maintain consistency in your negotiations.
Step 6
Tell the salesperson what you're looking for. Even if you're not sure of the exact technical specifications of different pianos, telling the salesperson about basic considerations such as size and sound will help you select the right one.
Step 7
Take note of common problems, such as squeaky pedals, harsh tones or strange noises. This is particularly relevant when purchasing a used piano.
Step 8
Take your time. Don't buy a piano on your first visit. Collect information about several pianos and evaluate it at home. Check consumer reviews of each piano online and make your decision after weighing the pros and cons of each piano.

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4 Things to Know About Stride Piano Playing

Stride piano emerged in Harlem in the 1920s, blending ragtime and jazz and blues into a new way of playing. Today, stride piano players keep the style alive, and many have broken the style down from its infectious feel to actual techniques new players can master. Once you understand the basics, you can expand the style by playing familiar melodies and by spicing up your playing with your own improvisations

1. Left-hand Octaves

   • The left hand technique for stride piano involves playing two parts at the same time. The little finger plays a bass note, then you move your hand up an octave and play a chord that goes with that bass note. This technique seems awkward at first, but with practice it feels automatic. Most beginning stride piano players drill with left-hand exercises that break up chords into bass-and-chord patterns.

   Right-Hand Chords

   • In stride piano, the right hand plays chords between the beats the left hand is playing. In music terminology, this is often called a "push." The right hand pushes the chord a little ahead of the left hand. In actual playing, this sounds like the right hand plays the chord just before the notes of the left hand, creating a "stride" feeling.

   Right-Hand Gaps

   • After you have some proficiency at playing right hand chords between the left-hand beats, you can start leaving gaps. Skip some of the right hand chords. This surprises the listener and maintains interest with a choppier rhythm.

   Right-Hand Melody

   • You want to progress to the point where the right hand plays melodies. You can break out of the chord rhythm and start playing melodic phrases with the right hand. The left hand maintains the steady stride of the octave-chord pattern, while the right hand is free to play single-note melodies.

   Improvisations

   • When you get used to divorcing what the right hand is doing from what the left hand is doing by playing melodies, you can advance to improvisation. The right hand can begin to explore new melodies that fit in with the chords, yet offer new melodic and rhythmic inventions. These improvisations cannot be studied, they have to come from your taste and personality.

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How is Piano Accordion Lubricated?

An accordion equipped with a keyboard is known as a piano accordion. The keyboard layout is similar to that of a piano and it needs to be maintained in a similar fashion as well. The keys are lubricated to prevent them from sticking as you play. Lubricate the keys after each session to keep them in working order.

1. • 1
     Insert an aerosol spray can straw into the nozzle of a silicone lubricant spray can. The straw gives you more control over the direction of the spray.
   • 2
     Insert the tip of the straw into the gap between the bottom of the key and the spring. The spring is made of metal and is the part you need to lubricate.
   • 3
     Pull the trigger on the can and spray the spring with lubricant. Apply a small amount of lubricant — a little goes a long way. Don’t spray the wood or leather components with the lubricant.
   • 4
     Wipe away excess lubricant with a clean cloth.
   • 5
     Repeat for each key that sticks.

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7 Practices Before a Piano Concert

Stage fright is common among musicians and actors. This can be heightened for a pianist, who as a soloist, usually must step onto the stage alone. This pressure can sometimes help produce an outstanding piano performance as being too relaxed can lead to complacency. However, too much anxiety can spoil a performance. Playing the piano in front of a live audience at a concert is particularly stressful, especially if the performance is solo. Breathing correctly, relaxation techniques and visualization can all help calm the nerves. Knowing the piano pieces thoroughly will also help reassure the pianist.

1. • 1
     Practice the music again and again until you can perform it to the best of your ability. If you are worried about certain sections focus on these in the run-up to the concert.
   • 2
     Tape your practice sessions and listen to them critically to improve your playing. Perform pieces in front of different groups of people so that you get used to performing in front of a live audience.
   • 3
     Sit at the piano at the concert before the audience arrives and play it a little to get familiar with the particular instrument, the seating and the layout of the stage. That way there will be no surprises, which can help reduce the anxiety about stepping onto the stage.
   • 4
     Find a quiet corner before the performance begins to steady your nerves. You may find that breathing techniques and meditation can help calm you. Alternatively, do some exercise, such as fast jumping or stretches, to fire yourself up, get your heart rate going, and reduce performance anxiety.
   • 5
     Avoid other performers who are displaying overt nervousness as this can rattle you. Mix with the confident, laid-back musicians. For some pianists, getting to know the other performers might help them feel relaxed about the performance.
   • 6
     Count to 10 just before going on stage and take regular, deep breaths. Close your eyes to block out everything around you.
   • 7
     Focus on the excitement at performing the piano of the live event. Tell yourself that it will be a great performance. Smile as you walk onto the stage.

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5 Things to Know About a Piano Shawl

A traditional piano shawl, with its thin, silky fabric and ornate weave, often features rich colors and a long fringe along the edges. Piano shawls have served as a traditional decoration for grand pianos, draped artfully over the expanse of the instruments with casual elegance. If you appreciate the stunning effect of fabric on wood, drape a shawl on a piano to create a beautiful focal point in your room.

1. • 1
     Remove all items from the top of the piano to enable you to drape the shawl effectively.
   • 2
     Place the shawl so the expanse of fabric lies over the expanse of the piano. If you have a grand piano, arrange the shawl so the fabric covers it at an angle across the widest part of the piano. If you have an upright, you will have less piano surface to cover. Place the shawl so it covers the top portion of the piano at an angle with most of the shawl extending down the back of the piano.
   • 3
     Arrange the fringe of the piano shawl so it sits along the front edge of the piano. Depending on the shawl, it may have fringe on two edges or four edges. If the shawl has fringe on four edges, arrange the fringe neatly along the edge of the shawl that crosses the surface of the piano.
   • 4
     Stand back and assess the effect of the draped shawl. Look at it from every angle and adjust the position of the shawl on the piano if you want more or less fabric along each edge.
   • 5
     Place other items back on the piano to complement the shawl. You might place a vase of silk flowers at one corner of the piano to offset the fabric of the shawl.

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3 Ways to Match Your Voice Pitch to the Piano

Learning to match pitch to the piano while singing can cause problems for singers who have limited experience singing with pianos. A piano accompanist often doesn't play the same notes as the vocalist. The vocalist must know his part extremely well before attempting to play with an accompanist. Ironically, a vocalist will first double-check and learn his pitches by checking them with the piano before attempting to sing the song in performance. This solo practice will ensure that the vocalist has memorized the music and is ready to sing with piano.

1. • 1
     Learn to sing the song without piano first. Play each pitch on the piano, or locate a recording if you do not have piano skills. Sing along with the recording until you have learned all the pitches in the song.
   • 2
     Memorize the song. Take it one phrase at-a-time and avoid trying to memorize the whole thing at once. Once you have memorized one phrase, move on to the next and then add both phrases together. Do this for the entire piece.
   • 3
     Match your voice to the piano by listening to the pianist's accompaniment and singing your part along with it. If you still have trouble matching pitch, have the pianist play the first chord as well as your pitch. Once you get the first pitch, the rest of the piece will be easier to sing.

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