Commemorating 70 Years of Pianos on Sale

Posted on May 16, 2012 in HPC Restores 1942 Ford Truck, News & Events, Piano Blog | 1 comment

We are soon celebrating 70 years of pianos in Houston, 1943-2013

Several years ago I was searching for a way to emphasize the long and rich legacy of Houston Piano Company in our promotional efforts. I considered the historic aspects of our facility–the Houston Heights location, the colorful group of lessees sharing our buildings, the close connection to the arts, metal sculptures, acting school, Women in film and Television (a national organization), Photographic Design Lab Studios, etc.–but I wanted something that just focused on our service to the piano lovers of Houston.

As I am a long term lover of Ford trucks and have owned them for many years, I began my search for a 1943 (as we were originally founded in 1943) to restore and feature on our web site and all our other promotional efforts. I was surprised to hear that there were no 1943 models due to the war, but there were a very few 1942 Ford pickup truck models manufactured. Finding one suitable for our needs would be a challenge.

See images from a year and a half ago of the truck we restored and follow the progress from start to finish!

My internet search concluded with our current specimen, rusting away in a farmer’s field in Kansas. It was taken to Indianapolis, Indiana for a year and a half for restoration work. Now it has been welcomed into the Houston Piano Company family that seems to grow each year. It will be visible in car shows, parades as well as (more…)

Piano in Pop Music

Posted on May 16, 2012 in Piano Blog | 0 comments

Pianos: The Transition from Classical to Contemporary

Pianos are seen by many today as instruments used primarily in classical and orchestral settings. The sound of a piano rarely finds its way into popular music today, save for a few performers who use it prominently like Adele and Coldplay, who provide inspiration to many people who are learning to play piano. Even in these cases, the piano typically plays more of a supporting role in the composition of music, taking a back seat to the guitar. One popular band has challenged this rule, often replacing the guitar as the lead instrument entirely. Keane, an alt-rock band formed in the UK, uses electric and acoustic pianos along with different distortion and modulation effects to create a unique and enjoyable sound that aims to make the piano relevant once again in modern, mainstream music.

Everybody’s Changing

Popular music is constantly evolving, but the makeup of the prototypical rock band has remained largely unchanged for the past sixty years or so- a guitarist, a bassist, a drummer, and a singer. Keane has mostly done away with the guitar, and replaced it with a digital piano (a Yamaha, to be precise, but more on that later). While it could be argued that Keane isn’t a traditional rock band, it’s undeniable that pianos, both acoustic or electric, are finding their way into more and more songs these days. Examples of popular songs that prominently feature a piano or keyboard are “Apologize” by OneRepublic, “How to Save a Life” by The Fray, and of course, “Someone Like You” by Adele. All of those songs spent an appreciable length of time on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, lending credence to the sentiment that pianos are finding their way back into mainstream music.

A Method to their Music

Keane’s use of the digital piano has earned them a reputation as “the band with no guitars”. Despite the exclusion of such a major instrument, they’ve found a great deal of success using delay and distortion effects applied to the piano. What you end up with is a unique and unmistakable sound that, when combined with Tom Chaplin’s vocals, give Keane a style of their own. Tim Rice-Oxley, the primary “keyboardist” of the band, often uses a Yamaha CP70B Electric Grand Piano for their performances. The CP70B was quite popular in the 70’s, being used by Stevie Wonder, ELO, Genesis, Journey, Boston, and more. Like many Yamaha acoustic pianos the sound is warm and smooth, which makes it particularly effective for alternative rock. Tom Chaplin, the lead singer, has been known to favor the Hammond XK2 Drawbar Keyboard when playing. Both instruments are fed through a computer that gives them their characteristic sound while still retaining their original “character”.

Why I’m Keen on Keane

It’s a well-known fact that music is a very subjective and personal experience. What one person enjoys may not necessarily suit another. I personally enjoy music with meaningful lyrics, which is one of the reasons that Keane is so appealing to me. Music can have a profound effect on one’s mood, and I generally like to keep myself in a good mood. Keane’s music is fantastic when you’re looking to relax or wind down. Their use of piano creates an interesting contemporary/classical hybrid sound that is hard to find in modern music. The song “Somewhere Only We Know” is arguably their most popular song, and has been used in shows such as Glee, The O.C., and Grey’s Anatomy. One of my personal favorites, “Everybody’s Changing”, was used in a scene in “Scrubs”. If you haven’t given Keane a listen yet, look them up! If you enjoy the piano, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy their music.

If Keane or any other band inspires you to learn to play piano, out of all the music schools in Houston the HPC School of Music is sure to be the best environment to learn and have fun at the same time. If you are already learning, you may be wondering where to buy a piano. Our showroom has a wide spectrum of piano models available for you to buy or rent.

More resources:

Information about the setup they use.

Article on the Yamaha CP70 they use. Plenty of pictures and info.

An interview with members of the band.

The obligatory link to their band page on Wikipedia.

Mother’s Day Memories

Posted on May 11, 2012 in Piano Blog | 1 comment

With the arrival of Mother’s Day I am reminded of the influence my Mother has had in my life as it pertains to music, the piano and family.  Mom played the instrument and we had an old (really old!) upright that essentially was the wall of one end of our den…it seemed HUGE at the time.

Ours was a roll-type player and as such, had all kinds of special buttons, brass levers and hidden compartments not normally seen on a piano.  With the flick of one of those levers a “secret panel” slid open to reveal the mounting brackets for the paper rolls which made this marvel come alive with song.  We could sit and pump a set of pedals to make it go or put it on “auto play” with the click of an odd electric switch under the keyboard.  Old songs that lit up my parents’ sentimental side were played over and over again as we followed lyrics to “Ain’t She Sweet” and many others, printed on hole-punched scrolls passing before our eyes.  We had a chest full of these ancient tunes known mostly to the grown-up’s.

When distant relatives came to town, the piano became as much the center of entertainment as TV’s, Xbox’s & wii’s of today.  The house would fill with song and laughter as my aunts & uncles sat around belting out tune after tune.  We didn’t even know how to spell “karaoke”!

At Christmas time the top of our old upright was marvelously transformed with glittering doilies, “angel hair” and nativity scenes into a Holiday wonderland.  It had chipped ivory keys someone had marked with a Bic ballpoint in alphabetic references to note names (who, me?) and was rarely in-tune but enchanted our whole family nonetheless.  Mom loved to play and sing –few things filled her with as much delight.  Grandad was a musician, so the legacy went back a good ways.

On one occasion I had her read some music back to me and show me how it was played – formal instruction for me had flopped.  I sat amazed at her ability to translate my favorite tune’s hieroglyphics!  It was at that piano I learned to “arpeggiate” and pick out familiar melodies – TV themes mostly – such as “M.A.S.H”, “Pink Panther” and the “The Entertainer.”   Over time our piano became my close companion with which countless hours were spent after school as the passion for music grew within me.

Today, my family is equally captivated anytime my daughter, wife or myself sit at the piano in our home to explore the world of music.  It serves as the centerpiece for building lasting memories and expressing the joys of life.

Scott Anderson

KG133 Kingsburg Pianos On Sale (New!)

Posted on May 11, 2012 in Featured Products, News & Events, Piano of the Month | 0 comments

Houston Piano Company is very proud to introduce the amazing line of Kingsburg pianos to the Houston market. These pianos have to be experienced in person to be fully appreciated.  I am a self-professed piano snob with expensive taste, and I love ‘em… I bet you will too!

What makes Kingsburg so different from all the others and such a great investment? Glad you asked! A short answer…”They are fun to play!” Now for a more in depth answer.

Kingsburg Pianos

The single most important factor in creating a great piano that will stand out from all the rest is the integrity of the piano design. All Kingsburg piano scales were created by one of the all-time world’s most prized scale designers and artisans, Klaus Fenner. He is the brains behind the design of some of the top instruments in the world from prestigious German piano companies like Seiler, as well as Yamaha, Baldwin and many others. Very few designers today possess the knowledge and skill  Mr. Fenner does for fashioning powerful pianos that sing and sustain like others costing three or four (more…)

Grand Pianos for Sale

Posted on May 10, 2012 in Featured Products, Piano Blog | 0 comments

At Houston Piano Company, our selection of pianos is no joke. We understand that the piano price is very important to our customers, and we strive to be the best piano dealer in Houston. You can be assured that you are buying from the best in Texas.

The grand pianos for sale in our showroom can provide you the quality you need along with the stark beauty of the design. If you are looking for Perzina piano dealers or Ritmuller piano dealers, stop by to check out some of the great deals we have in stock. Our knowledgeable staff can help you compare between different models to make sure you are buying “the one” for you. For more information about the different types of new pianos, check out the piano section.

Though we do offer a great selection of new pianos, our inventory of used pianos is just as great. Piano prices can vary somewhat based on the condition of the piano. Thus, the value and savings from the used piano market can be very beneficial to you. We carry many brands including used Steinway pianos.

What kind of piano have you been thinking about purchasing? Remember, we are dedicated to making sure the piano you purchase or rent will be the one you need. Our extensive inventory combined with our rich knowledge will help in just that.

Piano Camps Houston – Kids Camps

Posted on May 3, 2012 in Academic & Health Benefits, News & Events, Piano Blog | 0 comments

As the ‘muggy months’ arrive, Houston parents are faced with lazy long days to fill with Summer activities for kids. For many parents, it is preferable to utilize their child’s free time constructively, at least as much as possible, rather than allowing their kids to simply be lazy. Summer programs for kids in Houston can also provide a badly needed couple hours time away from kids to run errands and chance to recharge. We believe, “there is truth to the saying that a happy parent makes for a happy kid.”(1)

We also believe that every life needs music! So what better answer to the question of how to fill the long Summer months than the ‘Way Cool’ Piano for Kids Houston Piano Co. School of Music summer programs? During the months of June and July we are running one-week kids camps that teach beginner piano in a fun, group environment. We have found that the excitement by both kids and parents alike attests to the wonderful environment for learning to play piano Houston!

Download Piano Summer Camps in Houston Flyer

For your kid summer camp is an amazing opportunity to discover new friends and new musical ability! There is no talent or previous experience required for the ‘Way Cool’ Piano Summer Camp. The misconception that playing piano is only for ‘talented’ children has (more…)

How Frank Lloyd Wright Included Piano in His Life Blueprint

Posted on May 2, 2012 in Piano Blog | 0 comments

Frank Lloyd Wright's note to Steinway & Sons

Source: www.steinerag.com

Imagine writing that to the world-renowned Steinway & Sons company! Imagine how crazy they would think of the person who wrote the letter – and how unconventional was that man, Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright had no issue requesting this when a client, Lowell Walter, purchased a piano from them shortly after the house Wright designed for them was finished with construction. The houses that Wright designed often incorporated shorter ceilings and furniture that the average, which is why Walter worried the grand piano might look disproportionate in his house. The request was never completely properly; however, the casters were removed, which barely helped the height issue.

In addition to the unique request above, Wright did have a passion for piano. It was so much that he was always equipped with a fancy piano, whether or not he had enough in his budget. His personality can be illustrated in his life motto:

“Take care of the luxuries and the necessities will take care of themselves.”

His love for piano most likely came from his experience as a young kid. His father, who was a preacher for Unitarian church, would often play Bach on the church’s organ and would ask young Wright to pump the pedals. Unfortunately, Bach did not get along so well with his father growing up. Nevertheless, this fueled his need for learning piano, and he would often seek refuge in the music of Beethoven.

Frank Lloyd Wright is an icon in the architecture world, but it is really interesting to examine the beautiful intertwining of home design and piano. His work is evidence that pianos are beautiful staples of fine furniture that can be incorporated into interior design.

What are some ways you have intertwined music and piano into your Houston home design? We have a huge selection of pianos that are sure to match any interior design your are planning or already have for your home. A piano is an exquisite touch that can make the design of your Houston home unforgettable and unique.

Sources:
franklloydwrightsites.com, wosu.org, custommade.com, gowright.org

Adult Piano Classes Yield Unexpected Benefits

Posted on Apr 30, 2012 in Academic & Health Benefits, Piano Blog | 0 comments

Many people make the false assumption that learning piano as an adult is going to be too hard — they fall into the ‘you can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ mentality. The truth is, nothing could further from the truth!

New evidence shows that old age, “once considered a period of decline and difficulty, is actually a period of creativity and new potential in the human lifespan.”(1)  Not only are adult piano classes a rewarding artistic, and possibly social outlet, as is the case with our group piano lessons, but it can have a lasting positive impact on mental, and even physical health.

The mature mind craves fulfilling, stimulating brain activities. “Any activity that optimally uses both the right and left hemispheres is like chocolate to the brain”(2), says Dr. Gene Cohen, director of the (more…)

Unique German Upright at a Desirable Price (April 2012)

Posted on Apr 16, 2012 in Featured Products, Piano Blog, Piano of the Month | 0 comments

Perzina GP-122 (48-Inch) Professional Upright

Beauty in tone and cabinetry meets moderate pricing in this offering from Germany’s Perzina Brothers. Originally founded in 1871 the company recently celebrated 140 years in fine piano making. This 48-inch model is adorned in exotic African Bubinga wood combined with traditional Polished Ebony.

Superior grade hammers give it a rich, mellow tone which performs at any dynamic level without distortion. A unique “floating soundboard” design yields surprising power in the bass register by increasing the flexibility (flux) of the board’s movement near the bass bridge – similar to a large speaker cone which floats freely in a suspended coil. The resulting tone makes the Perzina a delight to play!

Other impressive features include all-wood pedal works (eliminates potential for unwanted rattling), slow-close key cover, hand-made European action, deluxe artist bench and world-class Austrian White Spruce soundboard.

Bechstein: Fit for a King (and Queen)

Posted on Apr 5, 2012 in Featured Products, Piano Blog | 0 comments

What kind of sound does european royalty prefer? History tells us that Bechstein was the impeccable sound Queen Victoria requested (a gilded grand piano to be exact). If you are looking for extraordinary, look no further than European piano brands. However, Bechstein pianos have caught the eyes (and ears) of many people to be one of the world’s best.

Carl Bechstein started his journey of piano-making in the year 1853. The builder’s company has come a long way since then. Bechstein began realizing that there was a strong need for flexibility in pianos, especially for the vigor of the virtuoso coupled with a delicate sound. Thus, the pianoforte that was built, C. Bechstein, became superior throughout many concert halls and estates. In addition, the C. Bechstein won gold medals in a few different categories at the London International Exhibition in 1862. Around this decade, a couple of other piano builders were consistently becoming ranked the best with C. Bechstein including Blüthner, and Steinway & Sons. Queen Victoria even took note of the impressive piano that was C. Bechstein by requesting a grand piano in 1881, which allowed them to earn a Royal Warrant.

Production of C. Bechstein’s increased dramatically in the years between 1870 and 1914 as factories were prospering in Germany. Unfortunately, it was in the year 1900 when Carl Bechstein, the mastermind behind the brand, passed away. However, his sons then took reign of the company expanding it even further.

Though Bechstein was still synonymous with excellent quality, World War I and World War II immensely influenced the production of the pianos. WWI was the period when Royal Warrants were cancelled and german music as a whole was risking being completely boycotted. Production during WWII was significantly decreased due to bombing attacks on the factory and the craftsmen who were fighting in the war.

After the wars passed, C. Bechstein pianos would eventually return to full-time production and also climb up to the top spot of piano builders in the world. The success was a bumpy path; however, present times still show the success of C. Bechstein and the strong tradition it possesses.

Sources and more information:
http://www.bechstein-pianos.co.uk/tradition.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C._Bechstein_Pianofortefabrik