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: 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.Book Review: A Must Have
Summary: 5 Stars
Unfortunately, I purchased a piano before reading this book. Fortunately, based on the information in this book, I made the right decision. I just happened to be lucky. But I wish I had bought the book earlier.
For the person wanting to buy a new or used piano, this book is a must have. Most people want to know what the best piano is for the money. Using the information in this book, you will be able to figure that out. And without this book, you could spend years spinning your wheels.
The bottom line is - quality costs money. Buy the best piano you can afford up front. Don't buy a spinet or mini-grand. Just by reading this book I found out they are a waste of money. I wouldn't have know that otherwise. Read this book. You will save yourself time, headaches, and money. I bought a Yamaha U1 in case you were wondering.
Book Review: THE book for Piano Consumers
Summary: 5 Stars
If you are considering the purchase of an acoustic piano now or in the future, this book must be on your short reading list. Fine tells you about how a piano functions and what potential pitfalls to be aware of in the purchase of a new or used instrument.Book Review: Fine's book is fine
Summary: 5 Stars
I don't think there is another book like this in the market. It gives all sorts of valuable information about how pianos are made and what the different brands are like. It's basically everything you need to know about how to buy and own an piano. It's perfect for someone like me who is planning on buying a piano in the next several months but is in no rush at all to do so, so would like to get as much information as possible over the next few months before starting to really shop.
But really the most fascinating thing about this book is that it actually makes riveting reading. I read it from cover to cover like one would a good novel and was disappointed when I got to the end. How many reference works can you say that about? This is because it is written well and clearly, and the author brings in just enough of his own personal experiences and anecdotes to make it seem real and human. Fortunately I get to indulge a little bit more because there is the annual supplement to work my way through also (I'm not going to read the price lists like a novel, but the intro section I'm sure will be good).
Another thing I like is that the advice is practical, mostly. He says to have a technician look over a piano you want to buy but acknowledges that you can't have one follow you around everywhere you go, so you first have to narrow down your choices to three or so pianos, then have the technician look those over. The point is that he is always concerned with the practicalities and feasibilities of following his advice, and doesn't just throw out random tips without thinking about how easy it is for most people to implement them.
The only exception is when he says to call local technicians to get their views about the different piano stores in their area. I find it hard to believe that piano technicians are going to give candid opinions about stores to a random voice on the phone that calls them out of the blue.
I have no idea what Larry Fine looks like, but because of the name, I can't help but picture him as being bald with hair that sticks way out on the sides.
Book Review: Fantastic Resourc
Summary: 5 Stars
This is an invaluable resource if you are in the market to buy a piano. I highly recommend it whether or not you know anything about the piano. I wish there was a resource as helpful as this to buying new or used cars, or furniture.....or anything, really.