Commemorating 70 Years of Pianos on Sale

Posted on May 16, 2012 in HPC Restores 1942 Ford Truck, News & Events, Piano Blog | 2 comments

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…)

Still Truckin’ Along, and So Close!

Posted on Nov 10, 2011 in HPC Restores 1942 Ford Truck, Image Gallery, Piano Blog | 0 comments

Because we feel bad it has been a number of months since our last update on the progress of Houston Piano Co.’s restoration project of a 1942 Ford Pickup Truck, we thought it best to include a whole bunch of great photos of the truck as it nears completion!

Let us know what you think in the comments down below. We can’t wait to see this thing around the store.

Click the thumbnails to enlarge the pictures below (more…)

Keep The Keyboard Clean: Piano Care Tip #12

Posted on Jun 14, 2011 in Piano Care Tips | 0 comments

The keyboard should be wiped periodically with a soft, dry cloth. Never use cleaners containing alcohol as the keys will become cracked. If the keyboard is very dirty, wipe it with a cloth moistened in a solution of soap and water. The same cloth should not be used for cleaning the surface of the piano, however. A good habit to cultivate is never to play the piano with dirty hands. That way the keyboard will stay clean for a long time.

Make sure to visit HoustonPianoCompany.com

How to Protect Against Excessive Moisture: Piano Care Tip #6

Posted on May 11, 2011 in Piano Care Tips | 0 comments

Here are a few general tips for proper care:

On cloudy or rainy days, close all windows in the piano room. Also, be sure to close the top board each time after playing. The piano’s thick cloth cover absorbs moisture in damp or rainy weather and should be taken off and dried on clear days. Be especially careful about excessive moisture if you live in one of the following places:

• Along the coast or in a rainy or humid region.
• In a valley, in a house facing hills, or in an area with poor drainage.
• In a concrete building not more than one or two years old
• In an area where air exhaust are directed into a room or in a dark, dank room facing north.

Don’t forget to get your piano fix at the HoustonPianoCo YouTube Channel, and visit HoustonPianoCompany.com for everything else piano you need!

How Humidity Affects A Piano: Piano Care Tip #5

Posted on May 10, 2011 in Piano Care Tips | 0 comments

Felt, cloth, leather, and the precision wood parts – some of them machined to tolerances as fine as 1/100mm – used in such critical parts of the piano as the action, are extremely sensitive to humidity. Too much humidity will result in dull hammer action, unclean tones, rusting of internal parts, and sticking keys. Before this happens the piano should be repaired.

Don’t forget to visit HoustonPianoCompany.com for more fun piano information –See why we were voted Top Piano Company in Texas 2010!

The Pieces of a 1942 Ford Pickup Restore

Posted on Mar 28, 2011 in HPC Restores 1942 Ford Truck | 0 comments

Alright folks, it has been too long for an update on our 1942 Ford Pickup Truck restoration project.  Here are some pictures of some of the final pieces of the puzzle!

We are super excited to see Houston Piano Company’s truck restoration coming together.  Please share your thoughts on our progress by posting your comments below!! (more…)

Steady as she goes!

Posted on Dec 22, 2010 in HPC Restores 1942 Ford Truck | 0 comments

Apologies for taking so long to post these, but well worth the wait!  Here are plenty of new pics to show the progress on Steve’s rebuild of a 1942 Ford Pickup Truck.