Piano Dilemma

[AeolianHarp]

Today is a sad day. The tuner came and was unable to tune my old early 1900s piano ( which I got free on freecycle 4 years ago)- he is honest and I could see the struggle. The tuning pins won't stay when tuning.

I am unwaged and haven't the money to get another piano, even a digital one. And even if I had paid work I haven't the space for 2 pianos. I just haven't the heart to dump my old piano who I call Cecil. (If I had the space and money I would have shelves put in old Cecil and display my music books there- I know some handy man guys! And then get another piano)

But...even if I get paid work and can afford to get another piano..how could I dump Cecil?

Maybe I should just give up on piano altogether, make Cecil into a bookcase ( means removing the fallboard and action and putting a shelf in; the keys would be kept of course).

I've got a melody harp, which is a small kind of psaltery, though it only has 15 strings, so you can't play a wide range of music on it.

Maybe this is a sign to try anther smaller, cheaper instrument.

I have a guitar, but didn't get on with that.

I always loved piano the best.

[Chris]

Is repairing this piano not possible?

[AeolianHarp]

Is repairing this piano not possible?

No.

[Chris]

What exactly is the problem? Is it the tuning pins themselves? Tuning pins can be replaced.

[Megan]

When was the last time you had old Cecil tuned, Aeolianharp?

[AeolianHarp]

What exactly is the problem? Is it the tuning pins themselves? Tuning pins can be replaced.

No these cannot- as they are very small an an unusual shape- the maker was Dutch.

Cecil is an over damped, straight strung 1900s piano. In other words, unrepairable and worth nothing.

[AeolianHarp]

When was the last time you had old Cecil tuned, Aeolianharp?

2 years ago.
Sorry, I am not in permanent paid work so not had the money.

As soon as my fortunes change I shall dump the old bureau in my bedroom and make space for a digital there. I've already cleared some stuff out!

Pianoteq programme allows one to play historical piano sounds on digitals also.

https://www.pianoteq.com/kremsegg1

Cecil will become a bookcase.

[Megan]

That's good you can find use for Cecil. I've been in a similar situation.
Once upon a time, many years ago, my father-in-law gave me his old piano, I think it must have around the same age as Cecil, maybe older. He kept the piano out in his work shed, which was kept heated at a low temp in the winter months. I was keen then to take piano lessons, but having got the piano tuner out to have a look at it , he said it was no longer tunable, plus the piano had woodworm. I can't remember the reason he wrote it off, but my heart and my hopes sank and had to leave off any ideas taking up piano lessons then, I now wish I had pursued it more and found some other piano. But years went on like it does with no more opportunity as work and bringing up a family kept me occupied.
Now I am retired, and more time on my hands, I am pleased to invest my time learning a new skill which to that end I have taken up learning the piano. I am pleased with what I have learned so far, though I'll never reach concert level, but it is a wonderful thing to play for pleasure.
My piano tutor has encouraged me to carry on and take exams, it will be next year when I feel ready.
Grade 1 is quite involved. The Syllabus includes, To play,Three pieces chosen from the exam book. Sight reading. Aural test. Scales and broken chords. Contrary motion scales.
To sing as 'echoes' three phrases played by the examiner.
To Indentify where a change in pitch occurs during a phrase played by the examiner.
To answer questions about two features of a piece played by the examiner.
To clap a pulse of a piece and identify whether it is in two time or three time.

[AeolianHarp]

That's sad about your Grandad's piano.

Have you seen these?

http://www.architectureartdesigns.co...se-old-pianos/

It could have been made into a bookcase too. I know what you mean about wishing you had done this earlier. I wish I'd got a digital piano years ago, when my finances were a bit better. I'd rather have a grand fortepiano of course, but that would mean winning the lotto ha!
Are you doing the grade 1 exam then Megan?

[Megan]

I like the uses for old pianos, the drinks cabinet and garden floral and water displays are lovely.
As for the exams next year, I feel I would like to have a goal to aim for. I've got the exam book and working on the pieces.

[AeolianHarp]

I like the uses for old pianos, the drinks cabinet and garden floral and water displays are lovely.
As for the exams next year, I feel I would like to have a goal to aim for. I've got the exam book and working on the pieces.

Yes, so much better than dumping them on the tip.

I wish you well in your exams Megan!

What make of piano have you got?

[Megan]

Yes, so much better than dumping them on the tip.

I wish you well in your exams Megan!

What make of piano have you got?

My piano is this model in the Video, it is a Yamaha Clavinona CLP-470.

The chap in the video is German, but you get to hear what the piano sounds like.

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_p00PtzK-M[/YOUTUBE]

[grace65]

AeolianHarp, have you considerd buying a scondhand piano? The good thing about secondhand pianos is that they have hardly been used and you can pick them up cheap. I have a Yamaha portable grand DGX-640 (electronic) which are the bottom of the range pianos but sound okay. I bought my 1979 Yamah G1 baby grand second hand (on ebay) and she's a real gem. You just have to shop around and you'll eventually find the right one like me.

Don't give up playing the piano....that's a big mistake!!!!

Hang in there.

[Decrepit Poster]

A shame about Cecil. I hope you are able to find a suitable replacement! Alas I am of no help here, never having been a pianist or owned a keyboard instrument of any sort beyond one of those super cheap "kiddie" organs my parents bought me one Christmas.

As for other instruments, I'm at a loss there too. All that comes to mind, and this is a long shot since you say guitar isn't for you, is violin. At least with violin you have a decent library of classical works to choose from. Plus, beginner instruments can be had super cheap. You get what you pay for, and would outgrow such an instrument within a few years should you stick with it. But there are a goodly number of student-quality violin reviews at YouTube that'll give you an idea of what you can expect at different price points. But it ain't piano.

[AeolianHarp]

AeolianHarp, have you considerd buying a scondhand piano? The good thing about secondhand pianos is that they have hardly been used and you can pick them up cheap. I have a Yamaha portable grand DGX-640 (electronic) which are the bottom of the range pianos but sound okay. I bought my 1979 Yamah G1 baby grand second hand (on ebay) and she's a real gem. You just have to shop around and you'll eventually find the right one like me.

Don't give up playing the piano....that's a big mistake!!!!

Hang in there.

Do you mean the 1979 is acoustic?

Second hand acoustic pianos are risky getting off ebay- ebay is full of Old Cecils!

To get a decent condition second hand piano would cost more than a digital, and anyway:

1- I have no room for an acoustic- my house only has 3 tiny rooms and one walk in cubicle sized kitchen.

2- I am unemployed and broke ( is why I got Cecil from freecycle 4 years ago!)

I shall play poor Cecil until I have an income again and can get a digital, like I said, and dump the bureau in my bedroom and it can go there.