Introduction Thank you for approaching Bernies Music Land for advice on pianos. Since 1977, we have been proud to help thousands of families, institutes and professionals, select the right piano for their needs and budget.

Purchasing a piano should be a joy and this booklet aims to help make your choice an informed one. Whether you are a new player looking for your first piano or an experienced player looking to upgrade, you will encounter a dramatically-altered landscape for piano buyers. This booklet aims to introduce you to the considerations of buying a piano, so that you can feel comfortable in understanding the steps in the piano market. This will enable you to spend your money well.

To begin, let’s first explain that there is no such thing as “a cheap piano for the kids to start on”. Playing piano should engender desire to return to the instrument whenever possible and truly develop the creative art of making music. If your budget simply cannot afford a decent piano, consider a keyboard or digital piano for a short term, with our easy upgrade option for later. Many introductory elements of piano playing can be learnt on these instruments.

This booklet guides you through the considerations of selecting a piano, and especially introduces the most important feature; performance. Getting the right performance level for you and your family ensures enjoyment, skills development and long term value. In addition, technology has greatly benefited the durability and affordability of pianos, which is great news for the buyer.

There are many risks associated with buying an intricate mechanical instrument such as a piano. My advice to you is to purchase a good instrument at a reasonable price from a reputable dealer who will provide many years of good service to you. I really do believe that a new, quality piano is the most economical option for a piano purchaser.

I hope this experience is an enjoyable one. Please make some time to visit the store and explore the options with one of our professional team. We look forward to being of further service to you. Bernie Capicchiano FAMI (Dip) CPM ANZM

Managing Director, Bernies Music Land.

Contents

1. Introduction 2. What is a Piano? 3. A Piano is Constructed of… The Cost of Learning 4. Steps to Buying 5. How Do Pianos Differ? Five Performance Categories 6. Piano Technology 7. Second Hand Pianos Advice from the Australian Piano Tuners & Technicians Association 8. New VS Old Piano Brands

9. Our Selection 10. Tuning & Maintenance

Service & Care for Your Piano

Grand Piano

What is a Piano? © The piano is a very complex musical instrument. It is made up of more than 8000 parts, with more than 300 different types of material. This includes iron, different types of timber and even wool. A piano is constructed over many months and, still today, requires hundreds of hours of manual labor in the assembly process.

A piano makes a sound when you depress the key. This happens because the key mechanism activates a hammer via a series of levers, which hits a string and causes it to vibrate, creating sound waves. The sound waves are transferred to the soundboard via bridges, making them into an audible sound. These sounds can have different volume (soft to loud) and tone variation (warm to brassy), depending on the capacity of the piano and the way it is played.

The practical invention of the “gravicembo col piano e forte” can be attributed to the Italian maker Bartolomeo Cristofori. In 1709 he had the idea of combining the qualities of the harpsichord and clavichord. From the harpsichord he retained the ‘damping’ system whilst from the clavichord he redesigned the striking mechanism and used wooden hammers with leather covers. His design permitted the production of sound power variation by the force with which the key is depressed. It solved the three main problems of;

1. An effective mechanism for the throw of the hammer 2. The ability of the hammer to fall back freely without rebounding on the string, and 3. The dampening of the sound.

Today his design is still the basis for grand pianos.

Pianos today generally have 88 keys. There are two types; “upright” pianos where the frame is placed vertically and “grand” pianos where the frame is horizontal. Pianos differ in tone, volume and touch response. Some have limited sounds, but a good piano should have a warm, smooth sound when you play it gently, and a loud, bright sound when you play it with force. Thus the name “pianoforte” from Italian words soft (piano) and loud (forte).

A Piano Is Constructed Of: Strung back: This is the framework chassie and source of the pianos’ sound. It includes strings, iron frame, soundboard, ribs and back posts.

Pin Block: This is the heart of the piano. It holds the tuning pins and is attached to the frame and gives the piano stability and tuning reliability.

Action and assembly: This is the motor of the piano. It includes black and white keys, hammer heads, hammer butts, wippens and dampers. The piano action alone can comprise of up to 5500 components, including leather, wool, timber and felt.

Pedals: Three pedals and a series of lever controls let the player produce a variety of expressions. The right pedal removes the dampers from the strings for sustain and loudness. The left pedal moves the action to soften the blow. The middle pedal on a grand and some upright pianos is to sustain selected notes (called sostenuto). On uprights it generally activates a felt layer to muffle the sound.

Cabinet: This is the main body of the piano and is usually made of timber. It can be decorative to be a feature furniture piece in any room.

A Harpsichord

Cristofori’s Action Design

Upright Piano

The Cost Of Learning The Value of the Right Piano To provide a youngster with an improper piano is like learning to drive a modern manual car in a billy cart. It won’t be long until they don’t want to do it any more. You always want to give your youngster or partner the best; so giving them the right instrument that they will enjoy and can develop with will make your money and time worthwhile. If you are not an experienced piano person, be careful. It really is worth dealing with a reputable piano company and protecting your investment. It is worth noting that a child’s interest in piano playing “comes and goes” for up to five years. Having a good piano will allow your youngster to come back to the piano with new enthusiasm again and again!

The Cost of Learning Piano Over the many years a student plays piano, it’s easy to forget these additions: cost of lessons, cost of books, cost of exams, competitions and other activities, cost of time, transport or petrol in getting to lessons and activities, time, patience and encouragement throughout practicing. These factors add up to significant cost and effort over time. It would then be a shame if the student gave up piano studies because they didn’t have the right piano to support them.

The Real Cost of Your Piano - $1 per day A piano is not something that wears out in a year. Many people keep their piano for a lifetime and even hand them on to future generations. For this reason, it is impractical to compare the cost of a piano with the cost of an everyday item. Here’s an example of investing in a good category 3 piano; the Bernstein Studio at $4995. The investment over 12 years is around $1.10 per day - assuming that the piano has no value at the end of the period; unlikely.

The Future Value of Your Piano At some stage down the track, you may find that you no longer have use for the piano that you have purchased. The good news is that, unlike other consumer durable goods like computers or gadgets, a good piano will hold good value. This means that you will have the option to either sell it privately, or have Bernies Music Land sell it for you (a service provided to our customers). Naturally, the higher performance category, the better the resale and future benefits to you and your family.

Essential Guidelines The Piano Market Today Piano cabinets have remained cosmetically similar over the years, but piano design, mechanisms, and components

have undertaken dramatic changes. Piano manufacturers have spent millions of dollars on research to create pianos that perform better, are stronger and more durable. Wonderful news for the buyer!

In addition, technology has made the manufacturing process more efficient, resulting in a steady drop in the price of new pianos. With benefits like enhanced performance, lower maintenance and colour choice, significantly more new pianos are sold than second hand.

The Right Piano Focus on finding the right performance level in a piano, with the assistance of the “Five Categories of Piano

Performance”. Once you have this right, then consider price options, payment plans and specials. Remember that different pianos are designed for different uses and a professional will guide you through these steps.

Long Term Benefits Consider the long-term benefits of a good piano / and the costs of a bad one. A good piano will engender a desire

to continue and be a delight to play.

Compare Play several different pianos in one showroom so you can compare brands and performance levels. One or two

pianos on their own may seem ok. When you can compare, you will immediately hear the difference and be able to select a piano that gives you all the performance benefits. Consider also that lesser-known brands may give you more benefits.

Seek Advice Step through with a piano professional. You may also like to ask the teacher for their suggestion. Unfortunately,

many teachers don’t have the chance to visit piano factories and stay in touch with the latest in piano technology and value, so they may suggest that you talk to a respected piano specialist like at Bernies.

You Get What You Pay For Despite what salespersons might tell you, an experienced piano person knows that it is very difficult to buy a high

quality piano at a low price. The answer really lies in a quality piano at a fair and sensible price.

Steps to Buying

To make sure you get the best value, consider;

Where the piano will be placed? Think of your piano as a valuable piece of furniture, and imagine the place in your home where this piece of furniture would be best cared for. The best place for a piano in your home is on an inside wall, in a room with moderate temperature. Keep it away from heating, cooling and moisture to assist the tuning stability. In addition, keep direct sunlight off the cabinet to protect the timber from fading or splitting. Be mindful to not place your piano where there are draughts from doors and windows, and never in an outside room or garage.

What volume and power level do you need? It is important to consider how the size of the instrument will acoustically suit the room. A professional size instrument may be too loud or physically large for your lounge room. The type of flooring and furnishing in your room can also impact how the piano will sound. Research the volume range to suit your needs.

What performance level do you need? What performance level is required for the progress of the piano player? Most piano vendors will avoid this most essential element, because it involves uncovering how good a piano actually is. Performance is three things; volume range, tone change and touch response. Many budding musicians do not develop dynamic sensitivity in their playing due to monotone pianos. You can tell this when they attack the piano with too much force. Get this right and your piano will be a wonderful tool for skills development, great enjoyment and lasting value.

Comfort considerations Pianos vary in keyboard height and clearance for your knees. Keyboard weight also varies along with the performance level. Your comfort is important, so please come and explore these considerations with the team at Bernies. If there are many members of the family playing the piano, an adjustable seat is a useful addition to your instrument. Some new pianos also have a ‘soft fall’, which gently closes the lid over the keys to prevent jammed fingers!

Is the piano safe? A pianos’ tuning system is under 18 to 20 tonnes of pressure. Even just a string breaking can create a dangerous backlash. Pianos without front legs can fall forward if children climb onto the keyboards. Ensure the safety of your family and home by buying a reliable piano: a new instrument with good technology, or a reliable pre-loved piano with a warranty from a reputable piano dealer. Which colour will suit your room? A piano is an attractive furniture piece and can be a lovely feature. Pianos aren’t just large and ornate any more - there is a myriad of colour and finish choices, including oak, walnut, mahogany and even white, with gloss or matt finishes. Take some time to consider the beautiful cabinetry of pianos and remember that it is a long-term addition to your home. Consider also that you may change your house and not your piano. What is the real cost of the piano that is right for you? If you add up the cost of lessons, transport, books and time involved over the years of developing enjoyable piano playing then you discover that the cost of a good piano over time is the least expensive part of the equation. It is a wonderful asset! Remember also, a professional piano retailer also shares in the cost as they have to provide good technical and warranty assistance to you on an ongoing basis. When do you need the piano? With such a massive selection at Bernies Music Land, you can select the right piano today and can arrange prompt delivery. If you don’t need it urgently, why not consider the layby option, which lets you select the piano of your dreams and have it delivered in up to three months time without extra cost. As most pianos are imported, you may also need to allow up to six months for a special order of colour or style. Is delivery access easy? It is important to let your piano consultant know if you have steps at home, a small doorway or difficult access to your house. This helps to plan for easy and safe delivery of your new investment. If stairs are involved, please allow time for the carriers to inspect before arranging the delivery. Talk to the Specialists Talk to a trusted piano specialist who will guide you through the options and make your piano purchase a wonderful experience.

How Do Pianos Differ? Pianos have been treasured in family homes for more than 300 years. And it really is true; that there is nothing like playing a real piano! Pianos have looked quite similar over their history. They have operated in a similar manner too. So, why then do pianos range in price from $1000 to $300,000? What really is the difference? Firstly, new technology has done wonders for the piano in terms of performance, durability, reliability and economy. Today’s recognised manufacturers pride themselves on their design, specifications and value for money. So how do you tell the difference between pianos? And how do you choose the right one for you? The answer is

PERFORMANCE. This means looking at what the piano gives you in three areas; volume change, tonal change and touch. These are explored in more detail below. To develop serious performance skills; those of control, precision, expression, and accurate timing, you need a good piano. Please note that we say “good” piano, not a cheapie from the internet. When you or your child practices on an instrument that responds well, skills and confidence will drastically improve, and the teacher’s job will be greatly supported. Here are the guidelines for your piano research and comparison.

Volume Range: The volume range of a piano, from soft to loud is measured in decibels and varies dramatically in pianos of different specifications and ages. This is for a number of reasons. A piano could have a poor volume range because the soundboard has flattened and doesn’t project the sound well. The action may be loose and not give the player good control of the volume. The reasons are many! Volume range is important, firstly because, this is what a “pianoforte” is designed to do – the name literally means “soft loud”. Volume range also gives variation to the sound. It teaches the brain to relate to what the hands are doing, and to adjust accordingly.

Tonal Change: Pianos produce ‘partials’ of sound that can be measured and graphed. On a high-performance piano, this varies from warm, smooth and rich, through to brassy, bright and vibrant. Tonal change is probably the most important, and most ignored, feature of a good piano. This is also the most crucial feature required to develop performance skills. Tonal change allows you to put expression into your playing, to evoke emotion and paint pictures with your music. Many teachers say this is the difference between achieving a “B” and an “A” in exams; when students have the skill to control the dynamics of a piano. Playing piano is more than just getting the notes right. Good expression in playing can only be achieved and developed on a piano with a good range of tone.

Touch: As mentioned, the piano action (the key to hammer assembly) has 5,500 moving parts. The design and quality of this assembly have a number of repercussions for the pianist. Most importantly, in control. Having a good action is like having good power steering in your car. To be able to play with expression and utilise the volume range, the pianist needs to accurately control how the hammer hits the string. A good action, with sufficient key length, leverage and smooth movement, allows the pianist to move the hammers how they desire. In addition, a good piano should have a fast key repetition, so you can play notes quickly. There’s nothing worse than the piano not keeping up with you! Touch is essential to the comfort of the pianist. Professional pianos with more back-pressure are certainly enjoyable for high-level pianists, but may be too heavy and difficult for a youngster to play. A balance of comfort and control ensure playing enjoyment and development.

Five Piano Performance Categories CATEGORY

VOLUME / POWER TONAL RANGE TOUCH

1 HOBBY

No Change No Change Domestic

2 FUNDAMENTAL

Some Change No Change Domestic

3 DEVELOPMENT

Good Change Some Change Domestic

4 ADVANCED

Good Change Good Change Professional

5 PROFESSIONAL

Excellent Change Excellent Change Professional

Testing using a computer based “Piano Analyzer” program allows us to see the category of performance a piano can achieve. Bernies staff can also show you some simple steps for you to test piano performance yourself.

Piano Technology Today’s quality new pianos can perform better and outlast older instruments, thanks to technology. These features are not “standard”, so check to make sure your new instrument gives you the most advantages.

The Multi-Layered Laminated Soundboard One of the 20th century’s greatest improvements in piano construction is the three-layered laminated soundboard. It has given pianos the ability to achieve greater volume and fullness of sound for their size. This is because of the cross-support of the layers, which gives the soundboard more crown (curve). It has also allowed soundboards to be stronger and less likely to split or crack, which is ideal protection for the Australian climate. Charles Frederick Ste nn, a leading scale designer and acoustical engineer, whose scales are found in many pianos being produced today, said, “I ran a series of tests with six pianos, two of which had regular spruce soundboards and four of which had multi-layered laminated boards of various woods. Without being told the difference in construction, a group of experts were asked to play on all six pianos and each to give me his opinion as to which had the best tone. Every man in the group picked the pianos with the multi-layered laminated soundboard. The reason is simple. In any board, the vibrations caused by the blow of the hammer upon the string travel along the grain of wood. In a solid board the grain runs in only one direction, and the vibrations are therefore transmitted along a relatively narrow section of the board. In the multi-layered laminated board however, the plies of the wood carry the grain in different directions and the entire tremendous area of the complete board is vibrated by the hammer-blow on any string. In my opinion, this accounts for the fact that pianos with multi-layered laminated soundboards seem the equivalent of much larger pianos.”

String for Sound Purity Some pianos feature blue grade

strings, which are created at the hottest flame. This gives a long life and prevents rusting. Blue grade strings are pure in composition, which gives you purity in tone production and a better sound.

The Key-To-Hammer Action Mechanism Enhancements include metal action rails and supports to give strength over time, multiple layers of key bed felt (cushioning the keys) to allow even touch as the piano wears, and multiple layers of hammer felt for superior playing control. These enhancements give the pianos enhanced durability over a long lifetime.

Strength & Safety Technology The addition of back posts has given strength and support to new upright pianos. Front legs on upright pianos has also ensured that instruments do not fall forward when people lean on the keyboard. New “soft close” lids over the keys have brought great relief from the sound of slamming lid, and protect little fingers!

Cabinetry Technology has also assisted the appearance and durability of piano cabinets. New pianos like Schimmel and Bernstein models have up to 13 layers of quality lacquer, so they are more scratch resistant, easier to clean, and will look great for many years to come. Please ask the team at Bernies Music Land for articles to read in depth about piano technology and today’s piano factories.

What A Complex Instrument! There are more than 59 parts for each of the 88 notes on a piano, total 5192

Second Hand Pianos Bernies Music Land’s pre-loved pianos are individually serviced and checked, and are only offered for sale if they are overstrung with underdamper mechanism and can hold A-440 standard pitch. Each comes with appropriate warranty to give you reassurance of continued enjoyment. Concerts may vary in pitch depending on the instruments that are performing. So, an educated piano person will tell you that “Standard Pitch” of A-440 (440 cycles of sound per second on the “A” note) is what a piano should be able to achieve and hold for a reasonable amount of time, in order to be playable. To protect your investment, buy only from a reputed second hand dealer who will give you a warranty and backup service, or have a registered technician inspect any second hand piano that you consider (see www.appta.org.au). Below is a list of some concerning areas that a tuner will inspect. Dangers Encountered when a non-expert buys a piano privately:

1. Iron Frame Plate: may be cracked or broken, which cripples the piano musically and makes it useless. 2. Strings: bass strings may be tired and tubby and totally devoid of tone. 3. Soundboard: may be cracked or worse, may have lost its crown and become tonally deficient. 4. Ribs: may be broken or pulled away from the soundboard, causing buzzing and loss of power. 5. Bridges: May have lost proper bearing, be broken, split or cracked and need extensive repairing. 6. Tuning Pins: may be loose causing unstable tuning, or may have been previously ‘doped’ or pounded in to tighten them. This means oversize pins may be required or a new pin block. Avoid pianos with ‘suspect pins’. 7. Pin Block: may be split and is very costly to repair. Since pin block is a concealed component, expert judgement is required. 8. Action: may be literally worn out, rendering the piano useless. If refurbishing is required, it can be costly. A complete regulation requires much time from an expert. 9. Hammers: may be worn out or improperly filed and need costly replacement. 10. Trapwork: the internal leverage controls of the pedals may need complete overhaul. 11. Refinishing: repairing or refinishing a piano cabinet is not a ‘do-it-yourself’ project. It requires expert skills that only an experienced craftsman has. Good refinishing work is expensive. 12. Serial numbers: to misrepresent the age of a piano, sometimes digits are added to serial numbers and this makes the piano seem much younger that it actually is.

Advice from The Australasian Pianoforte Tuners

and Technicians Association Inc. (APTTA) “Pianos vary so drastically that it is impossible to write down a format which you can use to assure you of a quality instrument when choosing a second hand piano. Too much space would be needed to cover all the points to scrutinise in a used piano, and even then it would not be of much use to the lay man. Be on your guard when buying a used instrument. The only sure advice we can give is to consult a qualified technician. It must be pointed out that there is no such thing as a ‘beginners piano’. If the price of the instrument is cheap, there is usually a reason why the owner cannot ask more for it and, while a worn action and keyboard cannot teach a student the correct touch, neither can a piano which is inferior in tone and tune teach a student’s ears the correct sound. You are going to spend a lot of money on lessons and the student will put considerable effort into learning to play. Don’t cut corners by buying a “cheapie”. If a piano is badly out of tune then it probably has been neglected, and in that condition would necessitate spending a lot of money to put it in a reasonable condition. Look for wear and tear on the face of the hammers. Look at the pedals – if the right pedal has been worn down, that could be an indication of excessive use. Strings that are rusty cause poor sound and are likely to break. If the piano you are looking at has one or two new strings fitted, then this is an indication the strings are old and quite possibly are beginning to break. There are many things to have checked before you make that final decision. For instance, bridges could be split, wrest plank weak, iron frame cracked and the soundboard might be split. All of these items should be checked for you by a qualified technician.”

New VS Old NEW PIANOS SECOND HAND PIANOS

Advantages Disadvantages Advantages Disadvantages Generally offer superior performance

Initially can cost more

Ornate cabinet options Can lack performance quality

Superior dynamic & tonal range Can be cheaper initially Can have massive maintenance costs

Responsive actions for accurate performance

Can sometimes have a nice tone

Can be unreliable

Ensures lasting reliability & value Large sizes Can be in poor condition Gives you access to latest world-wide technology, research & design

Recent second hand quality pianos can be a good find if they are in excellent condition with good design & quality components

Can have hidden faults (but can still look good from the outside) May not hold tune Can be large and cumbersome

Good value for money May not have a matching stool No hidden faults or past owner wear

Can be a hazard if strings (or other parts) break

Will hold tune longer & require less servicing

May not be suited to Australian weather conditions and humidity

Can achieve good performance level from a smaller instrument

Purchasing privately can be a trap

Excellent warranty Pianos are made for Australian weather conditions and humidity

Various colour and cabinet options Various styles of matching stools

Piano Brands In today’s day and age, you can go to the shops and buy shoes from Italy, groceries from India and clothes from Nepal. The world is our oyster; great for shoppers! The same applies with pianos. The trend with quality piano brands is harnessing the world’s best available technology and machinery, sourcing parts from various countries, and manufacturing in Asia where cost is the lowest. As a shopper, this trend now gives you access to quality pianos at a very reasonable price. Carefully consider design, specifications and quality control of the manufacturer to find good value. The number of piano manufacturers around the world numbers in the thousands. As you can imagine, there is a huge difference in quality standards. A piano store spends a great deal of money to stock their showrooms and, in most cases, does this because they believe the pianos are good quality. The idea is to find the right piano to match your needs at a fair price.

You can still purchase full-German (or other European) pianos, which offer world-class quality at a higher price. This is because of the extensive technology and refinement in their design, the costs of labour and components, and the hand-crafted quality of the manufacturing. These instruments offer performance and a ‘luxury’ quality that only this attention to detail can offer. They are truly an experience to play and are worth every cent. Beware of pseudo-German pianos. Many brochures and websites are misleading and suggest that a piano is make in Germany or Europe, when really it is made in Asia or elsewhere. In addition, many famous old piano names ceased manufacturing either before, during, or soon after World War II, and do not have a parent company manufacturing them today. Some distributors even use composer names to try to establish credibility. Find out where a piano is made, the company history, the specifications, quality control and long-term support for your warranty. If you can’t get all the information, ask why not?

Our Selection Since 1977, Bernies Music Land has been considered to be trusted Piano and Organ experts. Our range of

pianos today reflects what we believe is the best value in the premium, mid and budget ranges. We have scoured the world to find brands that offer such great value and we are proud to present them to you.

Pre-loved instruments at Bernies Music Land are sourced mainly through trade-ins and selling on behalf of our previous customers. They are checked, tuned and serviced and come with an appropriate warranty of up to 5 years. After the warranty expires, Bernies Music Land will gladly provide service and advice to ensure your musical enjoyment.

® “Affordable Excellence” Bernstein pianos are the choice of students and teachers who require excellent performance at a reasonable price. They offer reliability for demanding practice and are comfortable to play. Bernstein pianos are also an ideal selection for home enjoyment, offering superb tone and response in compact sizes. Since 1981, Bernstein Pianos have offered Australians high performance instruments at affordable prices. The quality design and European parts of a Bernstein piano ensure great playing enjoyment for pianists of all levels. In 2005, Bernstein announced the launch of its new Bernstein ‘Hailun’ series of exceptional grand and upright pianos, manufactured at Ningbo in China. Since the 1950s this factory has been producing frames and parts for piano manufacturers worldwide. In 1986, Mr. Hailun Chen purchased this factory and, with his extensive engineering experience, Mr. Chen’s unique parts became highly demanded worldwide. Mr. Chen developed his factory to complete the full stages of piano assembly, which was a natural transition with his efficient workforce of 750 people. He invested significant money into state-of-the-art machinery not just to replicate designs but also to refine designs to an even higher standard. The pianos from this factory have experienced great success in Europe and are now available to the American and Australian markets. On August 16, 2005 the first Chinese-made concert grand piano was featured in the Viennese Golden Concert Hall for a German peace celebration. This piano was a Hailun grand piano. This year, Hailun is placed amongst the world’s largest piano manufacturers. Bernstein is a Registered Trademark in Australia at the highest level and has passed necessary credentials to be such. If you desire high performance and quality specifications at a reasonable price, then compare Bernstein pianos today.

Germanys Most Awarded Piano Manufacturer

In 1885 the first Schimmel piano was built by Wilhelm Schimmel. Inspired by a pioneer spirit and single-minded perseverance, his goal was always to exceed the expectations of his customers.

From that year on, the Schimmel name has delighted the world with instruments of distinction and beauty. They have produced some of the most provocative designs in the world, including the transparent ‘Plexiglass’ grand piano (pictured below), the Pegasus Edition and the Art Edition, designed by Otmar Alt. In their history, the Schimmel family have overcome the odds to become the first among the resident German piano manufacturers still owned and operated by the original founding family.

Today Schimmel celebrates its fourth generation of family management. Their instruments continue to present the finest hand-crafted quality with the latest in piano technology. With the assistance of CAPE technology (Computer Assisted Piano Engineering) Schimmel produce some of the finest performance instruments in the world. These sensational pianos have proven the best in many tests that they have undergone in Europe. New models are now on display at Bernies Music Land, so come in and “Test the Best” for yourself.

Tuning & Maintenance Your piano tuner is invaluable for advice, so ensure a recommended tuner is contacted for all

enquiries. In its first year, your piano will be tuned twice; once at the showroom before delivery, and once

in your home. To look after your piano and to ensure your warranty is effective, it is recommended recommended that it be tuned twice yearly or at least once yearly, in your home by our recommended tuner. Please ensure that your tuner completes the Service Record in your Caring For Your Piano booklet. Your tuner will be happy to advise you on servicing and multiple tunings for pianos used for teaching, stringent practice or highly frequent use. Advising your tuner thoroughly of any concerns means that they can attend to items and be sure to attain your satisfaction and keep your piano playing beautifully. In addition to tuning, thorough maintenance includes;

Regulation The inner playing mechanism, or "piano action", is an amazingly complex and sensitive machine. Like any other

machine, it needs to be kept in adjustment so that it works the way it was meant to work when it was built. Each key on your piano has over 25 points of adjustment that need to work together to produce the sound you hear when you play just one note.

In order to compensate for wear, compacting of cloth and felt, and changes in wooden parts due to humidity, periodic adjustments must be made. Keeping the correct relationship between every part will prevent unnecessary wear, and will make the action "feel right" - that is, each key will function smoothly and evenly throughout the whole keyboard. Bernies Music Land recommends that regulation be conducted as part of your piano’s service plan at least every three to five years.

Voicing Each piano has its own distinct sound or "voice". That is how it was built and that is its personality. Over many

years, whilst the piano is played, the hammer felt strikes the strings thus compacting and wearing down the felt. This hardening can cause the tone to become too harsh or bright, and it's difficult to produce a wide or even range of tone, no matter how much you try to play using dynamics.

Either way, a technician can treat the hammers in various ways: by aligning, shaping, careful needling or hardening the hammers, in order to change the tone production. Voicing is a personal choice. Your tuner can discuss voicing with you, taking into consideration the age and potential of your instrument.

Adjustments Maintenance including adjustments to fixing sticky or sluggish keys, adjusting or lubricating pedal mechanism

and replacement of broken strings, are part of your maintenance and can be attended to by your tuner.

Servicing & Care For Your Piano As with any major investment, care must be taken to ensure enduring value. Bernies Music Land has selected a

team of Qualified Tuners and Technicians to support your family’s purchase. Bernies Music Land provides you with a complimentary “Caring For Your Piano” booklet with valuable hints and

advice for long-term care. It also includes a tuning log book to guide you through regular servicing of your instrument. This book is also valuable for monitoring warranty requirements.

General Piano Care Tips � Ensure your piano is always dust free, using a soft cloth or professional chamois (available at Bernies Music) � Keep the top of the piano clear – to prevent articles falling into the piano, scratching to the surface, and potential water damage from vases and cups. � Keep the fall (key lid) open for air flow, which helps the piano. If you are renovating or spring cleaning, close the piano and cover with a cotton sheet. Otherwise, keep the lids open at most times. � Your piano tuner is a valuable source of information and service to protect your piano for the future. Ensure you discuss a service plan with your tuner (similar to car servicing) and plan for tuning and maintenance at least once a year. Regular maintenance should also include checkups of the regulation, voicing, hammers, keyboard and other moving parts. It is recommended that you undertake these checks with each annual service. This is all part of your piano’s maintenance and will ensure many years of enjoyment. � Certain insects love the fibrous materials of pianos; felt and wood. Generally they make themselves at home in older pianos, however all pianos may be vulnerable. Contact your tuner immediately for advice. Moving Your Piano

Have your piano moved only by professional carriers, even if it is just from room to room. Your safety and the safety of your piano is worth the charge. We recommendNetwork Piano Carriers (phone 9580 7788) and Classic Piano Carriers 0404 087 082.