Agile Tortoise
Greg Pierce’s blog
Piano
I bought a piano this morning. We’ve wanted to get one for the new house, and already had a place in mind, so I’ve been watching the classified ads on-and-off for a deal. I think I got a good one. On the plus side, it’s a very attractive antique quarter sawn oak upright. It’s very playable, though there’s one dead G that should be easy to fix, and a few loose things inside. The brand is “Woodward”, which I haven’t been able to find any information on, but I’d guess it was built early in the 1900s.
The only major downside is that the finish is somewhat darker than we would really want, and detracts from the otherwise stunning solid oak, and it doesn’t have a matching bench. But, at $99, it’s such a good deal it would be hard to pass up.
July 21st, 2004 at 2:01 pm
Hi Greg,
We just got a Piano recently as well! My aunt gave us the one they’ve
When I do the next round of pictures (once our place is
had for 25 years or so, it’s also an upright. I just paid for the beer
for the guys that moved the piano from my aunt’s house into my Dad’s
van.
finished) I’ll have a picture of the piano.
Xavier only needed 2 minutes alone with it to break one of the keys.
25 years, no problems that I know of, 2 minutes, Xavier breaks it. I
think it’ll be easy to repair, glue should do it.
Xavier is really into music, we’re going to get him into some lessons.
We’re not sure if he’s too young, probably is, he’s only 2.5 years old.
Cyan doesn’t seem as interested, but it’s hard to say at this point.
If you have any recommendations for books or videos or other things for
little kids learning to play the piano, please let me know!
Thanks,
Jim
July 21st, 2004 at 3:01 pm
On Jul 21, 2004, at 3:01 PM, Jim Roepcke wrote:
> Xavier is really into music, we’re going to get him into some lessons.
> We’re not sure if he’s too young, probably is, he’s only 2.5 years old.
probably too early, but having it in the house is the right place to
start. Asher and Keegan are really into music. I got them ukelele’s
(which they consider guitars) for their second birthday, and they have
a drum set — which they broke because they rocked out too darn hard!
they sing with me, and play their instruments. we have musical parades
all through the house. katie has done Kinder-musik classes with them
this summer, and early on ( when they were around 14-15 months? ).
basically, it’s like anything else at that age. don’t try to apply to
much structure to it, just encourage him to explore — and don’t groan
at him when you get sick of hearing him bang on the piano.
g.
July 21st, 2004 at 4:38 pm
On Jul 21, 2004, at 2:01 PM, Greg Pierce wrote:
> On Jul 21, 2004, at 3:01 PM, Jim Roepcke wrote:
I had a drum set when I was 3… it broke because my friend was
>
>> Xavier is really into music, we’re going to get him into some lessons.
>> We’re not sure if he’s too young, probably is, he’s only 2.5 years
>> old.
>
> probably too early, but having it in the house is the right place to
> start. Asher and Keegan are really into music. I got them ukelele’s
> (which they consider guitars) for their second birthday, and they have
> a drum set — which they broke because they rocked out too darn hard!
jealous he didn’t have one and kicked the drums in!
If I could get any instrument for myself, it would be a drum set.
> they sing with me, and play their instruments. we have musical parades
> all through the house. katie has done Kinder-musik classes with them
> this summer, and early on ( when they were around 14-15 months? ).
Cool… I’ll mention that to Cheryl, we probably have something like
that available in our area as well.
> basically, it’s like anything else at that age. don’t try to apply to
Some of
> much structure to it, just encourage him to explore — and don’t groan
> at him when you get sick of hearing him bang on the piano.
Definitely. I don’t mind it at all, as long as he isn’t literally
banging, since the first time he did he took a key off.
his banging almost sounds musical, but that’s probably just dad
talking.
Jim
July 22nd, 2004 at 1:09 pm
Made arrangements to have the piano moved tomorrow. Looking forward to having it in the house!
July 22nd, 2004 at 1:23 pm
On Jul 22, 2004, at 12:15 PM, Greg Pierce wrote:
> Made arrangements to have the piano moved tomorrow. Looking forward
> to having it in the house!
Arrangements… now that would have been nice, having arrangements.
Dad and I had to bring it up about a dozen stairs from his mini-van to
the living room. Without question, the heaviest thing I have ever
lifted and ever plan on lifting. Cheryl and my mom helped keep us
balanced and guided us, and made sure we didn’t hit walls. I was
surprised at the end that I didn’t seriously hurt myself… maybe I’m
stronger than I give myself credit for.
Should have made arrangements.
Enjoy!
Jim
July 22nd, 2004 at 1:31 pm
On Jul 22, 2004, at 2:23 PM, Jim Roepcke wrote:
> Should have made arrangements.
y. i considered the possibility of moving it myself. for about 10
seconds.
i’m actually spending slightly more to move it than i spent on the
piano! it’s a monster full size upright made of solid oak though.
it’s really heavy.
g.
July 23rd, 2004 at 1:55 pm
The piano has arrived. It’s knicked up here and there, but in mostly very good condition, and the grain of the quarter sawn oak is stunning. Here’s an “>closeup of the side, also.
August 12th, 2004 at 12:15 pm
Got some info on our new piano from an expert at The Piano Page. Apparently it dates from 1909…I’ll have to remember to throw it a 100th birthday party in a few years.