Comments for Cy Shuster Piano Technician

Comment on Winter NAMM 2012 by Piodel

Piodel — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 08:08:47 +0000

As a piano teacher, I have to tell you, DO NOT get just a cheap litlte keyboard to begin to learn piano if you can afford more. You can rent pianos, buy used pianos (make sure you get it tuned by a professional), or there are nice digital pianos. A nice digital piano should include weighted keys and a sustain pedal. Also- make sure it has a full size keyboard (88 keys). If you can’t afford to invest that kind of money right now, then go ahead and get the inexpensive keyboard. Just realize that as your skills increase, you will soon outgrow the keyboard (usually within the first year or two)- and in order to continue your education, you must have access to an accoustic piano or a digital piano. I’ve heard of some piano students working out an arrangement w/ local churches or community colleges that have pianos so that they may practice the piano. I always encourage anyone with a desire to learn piano- or music in general- go for it! It is well worth it. As for websites, I’m not really sure. I personally don’t like websites that teach you how to play- nothing compares to the one-on-one with a person. Not only do you have someone there to show you everything step-by-step, use different teaching approaches if need be, there’s also a special friendship that usually develops between teacher and student. I still keep in touch and look up to my former piano teacher. I took from her from age 6 to age 17. Check your local colleges/music schools/music stores- some of them may have student teachers that offer discount tuition rates for piano lessons. Good luck!!!!

Comment on Yamaha C7 2003 For Sale by Cy

Cy — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:38:49 +0000

Take a look at this website: http://www.pianobuyer.com. It gives a good review of the different pianos over the last century, and the new pianos currently sold.

Pianos start to need major service after about 25 years (depending on use). So imagine how worn out a 110-year-old one is! There are 4,000 moving parts in a piano. Replacing them gets expensive in a hurry. Wood (and brass) get brittle over time; glue joints break as wood shrinks. Almost always you’re taking a big risk that expensive repairs will be needed, and the value of the piano will just continue to drop over time.

Please try to find something newer than about 1975. I say that as someone who earns a lot from repairing 110-year-old pianos!

–Cy–

Comment on Yamaha C7 2003 For Sale by Ali Niehaus

Ali Niehaus — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 23:00:22 +0000

Dear Cy:

I decided “no” on the Yamaha studio but now I find this 1902 Chickering & Sons 48″ upright on Craigslist for $500. Here’s the URL
http://albuquerque.craigslist.org/msg/2959699290.html.

Of course, it would need tuning; but I do remember your saying that an old piano is an old piano. So is $500 +++ too much for 110 years old?

Thanks, Ali/Allene

Comment on Yamaha C7 2003 For Sale by Cy

Cy — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:24:16 +0000

Ian, please contact Leonard directly. He’s had several recent inquiries on this piano. As far as I know, it’s still available.

–Cy–

Comment on Yamaha C7 2003 For Sale by Ian

Ian — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 01:06:06 +0000

Hi ,I am shopping for a C7 , what is the best price they willing to let the piano go for?

Comment on Dealer prep by Cy

Cy — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 20:32:11 +0000

Yes – it’s a partnership. Ideally, they support us if warranty issues come up, and everyone’s happy!

–Cy–

Comment on Dealer prep by Bojan Babic

Bojan Babic — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 17:35:08 +0000

I know exactly what are you talking about. I also do the preparation job for our piano dealers here, and I have a lot of things to do on a brand new pianos that arrive here over the sea. Sometimes I feel like I should get a medal from the manufacturers for saving their reputation.

Comment on Holiday appointments still available by Cy

Cy — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 14:11:42 +0000

Wow — thanks for all the calls! I’ve taken care of as many pianos as possible (six yesterday!). That’s it for Christmas!

I will be making the rounds to Las Cruces soon, and I’ll be making several trips to Santa Fe in January.

–Cy–