The Piano Book: Buying & Owning a New or Used Piano by Larry Fine Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Piano Book: Buying & Owning a New or Used Piano
Book Review: I'm a pianist and I love it!
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm a graduate piano student in the market for a piano. As I was doing some research into what I need to look out for, a piano tech at my school told me I should look into this book. I purchased it and am so glad I did. As a serious pianist, I know what I'm looking for in an action and the sound I like, but hadn't the slightest idea how to find an appropriate piano for me. The book has the most helpful information, and now I understand the industry better and feel like I can shop as a knowledgeable consumer. If you're looking to buy a new or used piano, this book along with its current supplement is definitely a must-have. As a pianist, I know this book will always have an important spot on my shelf as a useful reference.Book Review: Arm yourself with the 2007-08 Piano Book & Supplement!
Summary: 5 Stars
I read this book before my very first piano purchase, and the information Mr. Fine shared in the chapters "Buying a New/Used Piano" was invaluable. I entered the retailer's floor thinking that I would buy a brand new piano but was most impressed by the sound, tone, feel of a 98-year-old vintage German piano. I took The Piano Book with me and read the history of the European manufacturer while trying out many pianos on the floor. I made the purchase after comparing many pianos and saved thousands of dollars because I was prepared to negotiate a fair price based on the 2007-2008 Supplement and The Piano Book. The combination of both books helped me differentiate facts from the retailer's selling points, which is essential when committing to large investments. Being informed also led to more respectful negotiations between the customer and the shop owner. My experience when purchasing pianos, cars, or other big-ticket items is that retailers appreciate it when they perceive a knowledgeable customer, and they do not attempt to take advantage of you as forthrightly.
Book Review: Required reading
Summary: 5 Stars
If you're buying a piano, you have to read this thoroughly first. This applies to acoustic pianos, both vertical and grand, new and used. This book taught me how a piano works and how to tell what's wrong with it (in general). Didn't make me an expert, but I now feel qualified to buy a piano and not get ripped and get one that will suit my needs.
You also have to get the bi-annual(?) supplement that includes pricing.
Book Review: Very good except for ratings which are useless
Summary: 3 Stars
This is a very good book for people with little knowledge of pianos. The sections on construction, things to look out for, sales gimmicks and techniques etc. It is a very good source for most things related to pianos purchasing except his ratings. The historical information about the companies is interesting if not particularly helpful but the ratings which are based on biased opinions are essentially useless. It has created a tier system which basically just feeds people egos. the pricing secions are a little more helpful but not greatly.
I recommend using the informations sections and ignoring the rating sections.
Book Review: BUYER BEWARE!
Summary: 3 Stars
I agree that this book is a compendium of very valuable information, especially for the novice buyer. But despite a lifetime playing the piano and a career as a piano teacher, I made a terrible mistake following his recommendation. He raves about the Schimmel piano, a German-made instrument. I bought one about twelve years ago and have hated it ever since. The store owner even replaced it with another identical model, which was no better. The dampers don't work properly and the strings continue to vibrate after the key is released so it sounds as if you always have a half pedal in use. Both pianos did the same thing. I am now shopping for a replacement...without the book.