If you are in the process of purchasing a piano, you’ve probably heard the term “gray market” and have questions about what exactly that means and, more importantly, what it should mean to you.

Gray market pianos typically refer to new, like new, or used pianos that were originally “seasoned for destination” to a market (like Japan) other than the one in which they are currently being sold (like the United States). Let’s look, for example, at Yamaha. They use different seasoning processes in their production facilities based on where pianos are headed for sale. Pianos made for the U.S. typically come from a much drier line than pianos made for Japan. Why the difference? One reason is the U.S.’s widespread use of air conditioning in the summer and central heating in the winter, both of which dry out the air, as opposed to in Japan where the climate is more tropical and humid and people traditionally subscribe to an open-air model of living.

So if you’re buying a gray market piano that underwent one process over another, should you be concerned? Not necessarily. First of all, there is no one-climate-fits-all here in the U.S. And same for Japan! No piano manufacturer can prepare and compensate for all weather extremes and humidity fluctuations. Also, a piano made for the U.S. and sold in Florida may sound and behave over time quite differently than if it had been sold in, say, Colorado.

When you speak with the experts and people who have purchased gray market pianos, the consensus seems to be that the different seasoning processes are not as great a factor in overall longevity as some dealers might have you believe. Be weary of anyone making vast generalizations. In fact, run a quick online search of the term and you’ll find articles that talk about the gray market “invasion” and how gray market pianos only amount to trouble. That’s simply not the case. Do your own research, make phone calls, ask questions. Also, make sure that the representative you’re speaking with, whether over the phone or in a showroom, does not have some vested interested in your purchase of another, perhaps, more expensive piano. The real experts and the best piano reps are those who want to make sure that you leave with the piano that’s best for you, regardless of price.

Ultimately, when it comes to purchasing a piano that will last you a long time, you need to first play the piano, hear how it sounds, consider how it will fit into your home, and foresee who will be playing it (i.e., beginners, concert pianists, etc.). Then, as the years progress, how well it does through varying climates is largely up to the genuine care you give it.

For more about maintenance and restoration, contact the experts and staff at Frank & Camille’s West, the Tri-State Area’s premier piano store, restoration facility, and wholesale distribution location, with showrooms in Queens and Westchester.

A new piano is an investment that will last you a lifetime, so it’s no wonder that the decision and purchasing process takes time. At Frank & Camille’s West, we urge everyone, no matter the level of experience, to visit our showroom and spend time playing our pianos, listening to how they sound, and envisioning what you want to take home. What you read about a certain brand and style online amounts to very little unless you can also see and hear it in action.

Remember: No piano is like another. The perfect piano for one person may not be right at all for someone else. While your family might prefer a grand, another may be better suited with an upright.

So head to the showroom, but before you go, consider the following:

1) What is the best brand of piano out there?

This is a question we get asked often at Frank & Camille’s West, but there is no answer. It’s like asking: What is the best music? No two pianists will ever agree on the “best” piano on the market. We all perceive sound and touch differently, so the answer really depends on personal preference. Remember that pianos are made from trees. Just how every tree is different, every piano is, too.

2) What style of piano is right for me?

There are many types of pianos, but they can all be broken down into three categories: grands, verticals, and digitals. Grands (baby/parlor/concert) and verticals (uprights/studios/consoles) are acoustic. The sound is produced by a felt hammer striking a string or strings with 24 moving parts per key. Digital pianos, on the other hand, are entirely computerized. When a key is struck, a digital sample (recording of an acoustic piano) is triggered. Some experts feel that acoustic pianos are the only way to really learn the instrument and its capabilities, while others feel that digital pianos are a great alternative for beginners or as a second piano where climate control is impossible.

3) What should I look for in the “sound” and “touch” of a piano?

Pianists are most concerned with the sound (bright/warm) and touch (light/firm) of their pianos. When you are in our showroom trying out pianos, listen for a tonal color (sound) that is most pleasing to your ear. While many may think that all grand pianos sound one way and upright pianos sound another, every piano is uniquely different. Compare a few pianos to pinpoint what you would rather hear in your living room. As for touch, it depends on who will be playing the piano. If it is primarily a child, a medium firm to medium light action (how hard it is to depress the keys) would be ideal. But again, actually sitting down and playing a particular piano is the best way to discover what works for you.

4) What should I know about the size and placement of my piano?

For starters, don’t buy a large instrument for a small room. The sound will be overwhelming and could sound out of tune due to the acoustics of the space. There are three factors to consider when placing your piano in a space: 1. Visual – The piano is almost as much a coveted piece of furniture as it is a beautiful instrument. Some owners like to see the “smile” or keyboard when they enter a room, while others prefer the elegant curve on the side. 2. Acoustic – You want your placement to optimize the sound projection. 3. Aesthetic – This refers to the pianist’s view while playing, perhaps of nature or a skyline.

A piano is often much more than an instrument. It can be the centerpiece of a home, a childhood memory, the purchase of a lifetime, and even a family heirloom. But as much as we love the pianos from our past, and want to pass them down for generations to come, any amount of neglect or lack of upkeep over time can take its toll. And before you know it, the piano you once loved has become the piano you’re not sure what to do about.

Frank & Camille’s West is a leader in piano restoration, from personal repair and in-home tuning visits to full-service restorations at our 150-year-old facility. Our experienced technicians will work with you to find the best solution for that special piano in your life, regardless of how long it has gone unused or been in disrepair. Every story is different, and for that reason, we will listen to yours, find out your piano’s history, learn what it means to you, and, based on that, outline a restoration strategy unique to your needs.

No project is too big or small, too old or new. In fact, at Frank & Camille’s, we believe that with the proper care and restoration, a piano can last forever. But it is very important to speak with a qualified restoration technician who can answer your questions and address your concerns. If for whatever reason we conclude that your piano does not need to be restored, but perhaps can benefit from other options, we will also be the first to let you know.

Call us today for more information. Frank & Camille’s West has showrooms in Westchester (914.295.0013) and Queens (718.322.0737). Or email us at info@frankandcamilleswest.com.

Congratulations! You’ve made the decision to purchase an instrument that will delight and positively impact your family, friends, and children for years to come.

Now, you might have an image in your head of exactly what you want. Perhaps it needs to be brown and grand, should sound just like your grandmother’s did, and will go in the living room. Or, just as likely, you might not be sure at all of what you want. All you may very well know going into it is that you want a piano that sounds great, looks good, and fits right in with your décor.

At Frank & Camille’s, we get it. Every piano owner is different. Just like every piano. Whether you’re an eager student or a world-class concert pianist, a family of four living in a house or a young professional with an apartment in the city, there’s a piano out there perfect for you, and we’re here to make sure you find it.

For starters, you want to settle on a price point or range. Our staff prides itself on being able to work with any budget to find options suitable to every customer’s needs. Next, determine where your piano will go. The size, function, and décor of a room all play an important part in choosing the style of piano best for you. Once in our showroom, you can partner with one of our experienced sales associates to discuss the styles and brands we carry. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Grand Piano– There are many piano styles, but none more iconic and recognizable than the grand piano, a large, full-toned piano supported by three legs. The strings, body, and soundboard are arranged horizontally and in line with the keys. There are different types of grand piano, including the concert grand (about 7 – 10 feet long), the parlor or boudoir grand (6 – 7 feet), and the baby grand (about 5 feet). Choosing the right grand piano depends on a number of different factors, like the space you have for it, your budget, and who will be playing it.

Concert Grand Piano– The largest grand piano, a concert grand is roughly 2.75 meters (9 feet) in length and has the volume, tone, and timbre ideal for use in concerts. Its size and shape accounts for its ability to retain harmonic balance, ensuring that close and widespread octaves alike sound brilliantly pure and produce virtually beatless perfect fifths. The result is a striking tonal quality that is best appreciated in concert halls and public venues.

Upright Piano– A type of vertical piano, an upright piano is more compact than a grand piano. The frame and strings in an upright piano are vertical and the hammers move horizontally. They are perfect pianos for many customers with a variety of different needs in mind, including space, budget, and purpose. The standard width of an upright piano is approximately 5 feet, while the depth is about 2 feet. And it measures over 50” tall, making it the largest type of vertical piano. Although upright pianos may not command quite as much attention as grand pianos because of the difference in size and shape, they are fully capable of producing beautiful, unmatched sound quality.

Studio Piano– A studio piano, also known as a professional upright piano, is a type of vertical piano that measures between 45 – 50” tall. Taller than a console, but shorter than an upright, it produces a rich, tonal quality that can be comparable to baby grand pianos. Customers will often come in knowing that they want a vertical piano, but unaware of the different types. Because of its size and excellent sound, a studio piano is likely to be one of their final choices.

Console Piano– With the exception of the spinet piano, the console piano is the smallest of the vertical pianos. It measures approximately 40 – 44” tall and is a popular choice for customers who want mid-range size, furniture-style design, and high-quality tone. From traditional wooden finishes to sleeker, modern styling, our selection of console pianos has something for everyone.

Digital Piano – Today’s digital pianos are more impressive than ever. All of them feature the latest technology, striking sound quality, presets and layering effects, additional instrument options, and an incredible array of features to assist in playing, learning, and recording. Manufactured by top brands, digital pianos produce rich and nuanced sound sampled from their top models. Built-in software and storage capabilities allow users to record and save music, connect to the Internet and download files, and compose arrangements with other instruments. Not to mention: No tuning required!

Player Piano– Player pianos are self-playing pianos reminiscent of the paper-roll player pianos popular in the early 20th century. They are both acoustic, so they can be played regularly, and electronic, so they can play themselves. For those who enjoy live piano music, player pianos come with built-in access to incredible libraries of pre-recorded titles in every genre. The quality produced is stunning and the performance delivered is real. For those who want to play, these pianos can also be used to learn, compose, record, and even interface with other technology.

Remember that purchasing a piano is a decision to be discussed and an investment to be thoughtfully considered, so at Frank & Camille’s, it is our mission to make the process as enjoyable as possible. We invite you to visit our showroom to see, feel, and hear the difference from one piano to the next. Know that there is never any pressure to buy. All we ask is that you come prepared to learn. You will find pianos you may remember from your childhood and discover new ones you never even knew existed. From concert grands to digital pianos, we have them all on display, ready to be purchased and eager to be played. We will give you all the information you need, present you with the best we have to offer, and assist you in choosing the piano just right for you.