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Recent Customer Letter: Hailun Grand Piano
By Jeannette Hughes
7/22/2010 4:13:00 PM  
This is a much belated  thank you to you, Don, Cindy, Chris, Dennis, and now Fred, as well as Hailun Chen and Mrs. Chen for this magnificient piano.

I most humbly thank GOD for this extrodinary "dream come true" and all of the people that brought it to fruition.

Anything, and everything in my association  with PianoWorks has exceeded my expectations in excellence and professionalism.

Piano Works is simply the very finest in the piano spectrum from start to finish.  Period.

I look forward to a long term association with the PianoWorks family... the Hailun Grand is just amazing, Chris delivered it flawlessly, Dennis Nunnelley is simply brilliant and I am grateful for his patient instruction, Fred Brown is a phenomenal piano technician that has the unique gift of matching the "voice" of the pianist to the piano. He has a discerning quality of "sounding", just as you and your family match the prosepctive owner to the piano.

Fred Brown Tuning a Hailun Grand Piano

That is whats sets PianoWorks apart from all the rest in the industry.

So, a fedx box just showed up with a crystal music box? Very special to me. Will send pix when I open it

With much gratitude,
Jeanette L. Hughes

     
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Casio Celebrates Anniversary with Limited Edition Celviano AP-6 Digital Piano
By Sam Bennett
6/28/2010 8:41:00 PM  
Casio has making keyboards for 30 years now, and when the bean-counters reviewed their books, they found that Casio had produced over 70 million keyboards & musical instruments.  70,000,000 ?!?!  Casio has committed to making good quality, always affordable digital pianos and keyboards, and with those numbers, they have changed the world.  Marking their anniversary, in contrast to their usual mass produced efficiency, Casio has created a limited edition (just 2000 worldwide) digital piano with a polished ebony finish befitting a grand piano.  The Casio Celviano AP-6 is beautiful...and our small allotment arrived today!

Casio AP-6 in Polish Ebony Finish
The Celviano AP-6 is based on their flagship AP-620 design.  Like the AP-620, the AP-6 is full of great features you can read all about, but I want to keep this a blog and not just a sales pitch.  Casio also introduced another limited edition stage piano today, the Privia PX-3.  I'm speculating, but if this model is successful, I can see Casio putting some future pressure on the established stage piano brands in the same way their successful Privia & Celviano lines have in the digital piano market.  People like Casio, and with their great instruments of recent years, they can also take them as a serious contenders in the home market for digital pianos.  A digital piano like the AP-6 makes a statement, "Casio makes beautiful contemporary pianos that consumers are proud to display in their homes."  Okay, that's my statement, but it's just as true as their old statement, "We're good...just look at our low price!" 

Casio is an ally to consumers during tough financial times.  Just today, 3 career piano technicians sat around a table in my store after hours and all agreed that they'd rather see their customers buy a good digital piano to start with rather than the terrible hand-me-downs and neglected, unwanted pianos that are financial mistakes.  They went on to share a few recent horror stories where a family would've been better off with something like our Casio & Roland digital pianos.  At the risk of taking a few less calls to tune-up grandma's old clunker, these tuners, like me, would prefer to see customers evolve with us.  Casio's improved products now dominate the market especially $1000 and under.  The AP-6 is now Casio's top of the line product, but has kept a street price of below $2000.  Remarkable.

     
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Tags: Digital Pianos, Casio, Starter Piano
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PianoWorks on YouTube Celebrates a Landmark
By Sam Bennett
6/21/2010 6:20:00 PM  
PianoWorks wishes to celebrate a small landmark for our YouTube Channel.  Two years ago, we created our YouTube Channel, however for the first year, videos were few and far between.  We've ramped up our efforts to bring valueable video content to our customers and the piano community with nearly 50 videos.  This weekend, our humble channel passed 30,000 views!

When I think about 30,000 views, our videos are hardly viral, but they are relevant and helpful.  I have ambitious goals for our future videos, but I want to take this moment to reflect on the success that so many views represents for our little slice of life.  We have many piano demos, some for digital pianos, some customer performances + a few random videos related to our business.

We educate customers as a fundamental element of our business approach.  An educated customer is, in fact, more likely to be a PianoWorks customer.  YouTube has offered us a platform, not to sell pianos, but instead to share information and experiences (and hopefully some entertainment) in the true spirit of the YouTube community.  Music is a satisfying, enriching, and hopefully fun pursuit; we hope by being responsible members of the piano community to lead customers away from poor, unsatisfying sales experience.  Instead, you can spend some time in our world, learning, spending time with family, and sharing our passion for music.
YouTube Button

     
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PianoWorks in the Community: Spring 2010
By Sam Bennett
5/3/2010 2:07:00 PM  
We do many things to help support the piano community, and I think we make an impact.  We recently joined Facebook to better share our business because we really do have a lot going on.  We support community events like Gwinnett Piano Ensemble, we host meetings for the Piano Technicians Guild, but I also notice as I spend time with our friends on Facebook just how many have pictures in our store, at our pianos, and at our events as moments important to their lives.

Last weekend was the Gwinnett Piano Ensemble Concert held at Lawrenceville Church of God...Full Article with Video

Not long ago, I got an interesting phone call.  A local teacher had booked a photographer for her and her fiance.  They wanted to have part of that session here at PianoWorks because the piano is so central to who she is.  The photos, taken in our performance hall, turned out wonderful. 
Touching Photo on Schimmel Piano

As I make more friends on Facebook with our customers and area teachers, I see so many photos from the hundreds of recitals we host every year.  I'm proud of our role in creating positive memories for so many people.

It is not uncommon for a piano store to host a local chapter meeting of the Piano Technicians Guild; we usually host a couple each year.  We often host these meetings in our Restoration facility which provides interesting opportunities for technical programs at these meetings.
PTG Atlanta Chapter Meeting

Much of our impact on our community is hard to measure.  Not long ago I captured a video of one of our customers visiting our store and just playing pianos for his pleasure.  We're always flattered when our customers remember us and stop by to visit.  Not all of them are as talented as Dr. Sarzen, but they are working at it!


One of our customers found us on YouTube and I see his progress in his performances over time.  We had a small part in that and he wanted to share.

Thank you to our friends and customers.  We will keep working to support you, just as we really appreciate your continued support.

     
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PianoWorks Sponsors Gwinnett Ensemble Piano Concert...for 5 Years Straight
By Sam Bennett
5/3/2010 10:48:00 AM  
Last weekend was the Gwinnett Piano Ensemble Concert held at Lawrenceville Church of God.  We brought in 4 grand pianos and a professional upright to all be placed on stage for this concert.  Most songs had 2 players on each piano (and one song had 3!) and a conductor leading the keyboard orchestra.  This is our 5th year supporting this endeavor which brings so many students and teachers together.  Ensemble performance is a unique challenge for an instrument that is usually solo.  But before the performance, we also provided rehearsal spaces and instruments for weeks of practice leading up to the concert.  The concert has great attendence as you will see in the video.

     
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PianoWorks delivers 6 pianos to Florida State University
By Sam Bennett
4/2/2010 8:56:00 PM  
Today, the PianoWorks delivery truck and custom trailer were all loaded up to deliver 6 pianos to Florida State University.  FSU has many aging practice room instruments in their prestigious music school and they selected 6 of our PianoWorks certified pre-owned pianos for both their performance and value.  We appreciate their business as well as their confidence that our pre-owned pianos meet their high standards.

The instruments they selected were a variety of late-model professional studio uprights made by Yamaha and Kawai.  The technicians at FSU appreciate the durability and serviceability of these established piano designs.  We work hard to find the best examples of the top series models from these and other brands and then preparing them for their new owners.  This isn't the first time FSU has selected our instruments.  Last year, they purchased even more similar instruments for the same purpose.  FSU also has used our restoration services for many of the larger Steinway pianos in their music department.  We look forward to our continued relationship with this fine institution in developing the next generation of professional musicians and teachers.

     
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Music China 2009: Hailun "Dreams of the East" grand piano draws a crowd.
By Hailun USA
3/6/2010 12:36:00 PM  
On the Saturday before the opening of the Music China Fair in Shanghai, a multinational team of piano designers is crowded around a hand-carved piano at the Hailun Piano factory in Ningbo, 175 miles to the south. The special edition concert grand with its images of Chinese landscapes carved in rosewood will be the centerpiece of Hailun’s exhibit at the show. Voicing specialist Sibin Zlatkovic is making his final adjustments to its exposed strings while the rest of the team looks on.

View of Hailun "Dreams of the East" Grand Piano

“We did this kind of work at Bösendorfer,” says Basilios Strmec, an Austrian who is now president Hailun USA. “This is a gorgeous piano, all hand-carved. It took 19 months to build.”

The showpiece piano represents a first step into the luxury piano market for Hailun, whose mid-priced instruments have taken hold throughout North America and Europe as well in as the domestic Chinese market. Last year the brand received worldwide exposure in the form of a red lacquered grand piano built for ceremonies in the run-up to the Beijing Olympic Games.

After the Music China Fair, Hailun’s hand-carved concert grand, called Dreams of the East, sold to a Chinese businessman for  $347,000

Mr. & Mrs. Chen in front of "Dreams of the East" Piano

Hailun’s goal is to build into a global brand that is recognized for its quality and its acceptance among serious musicians in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. We intend to focus on continually improving the quality of our instruments both in production and musicality-  and remain an innovative company. An important part of our brand goal is to extend open arms to musicians and develop a visible artist program. Ultimately, Hailun wants to reach out and be able to serve the stages of concert halls and recording studios with instruments that stun musicians and music connoisseurs of every musical persuasion.

     
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Winter NAMM 2010: wrap up
By Sam Bennett
1/18/2010 9:29:00 PM  
Saturday night I caught the redeye flight out of LAX and meandered my way back to Atlanta.  Low on sleep, my father and I prepared our showroom for a visit by an area church considering a new instrument for their sanctuary.  No rest for the weary traveler, but then NAMM was worth it.  I even have a few pictures to share.

Between my laptop, camera, video camera and cellphone, I found it difficult to weild the right media weapon.  No, I don't have a smartphone yet, but perhaps next year.  The bigger picture is that what I really needed was my own crew of photographers and cameramen, because everywhere I looked was something I wanted to share later.  I don't know what notions you may have about the music industry, but the NAMM Show encourages all kinds, all ages.

Mixed among the Suits (I wore a sportscoat) are crowds of blue jeans, leather and even some spandex.  I admit that some outfits really got my attention, but I loved that people could relax or dress for full effect.  This young lady dressed for full effect.
NAMM costume
And I continue to walk around the main floor of the showroom and I look to my right and see "Weird" Al Yankovic and think to myself, "No, she was weirder."
Weird Al Yankovic signing autographs
Okay, so besides the people watching, there was some great music.  I spent a few hours at the Estonia Piano booth to conduct business as well as help develop content for their new YouTube Channel.  Dr. Indrek Laul is both the owner and a very accomplished pianist.
Dr. Indrek Laul at Estonia Concert Grand Piano
Some other great musicians stopped by, so check the Estonia Piano Channel for videos to come.

There is also a stage in the lobby near the main entrance, and throughout the day, performers rev up the crowd.  NAMM organizers do a great job of inviting a good variety of performers.  PRS Guitars presented Orianthi and I snapped a few pictures.
Orianthi onstage at NAMM 2010
Orianthi onstage at NAMM 2010, closer
On another day, Wicked Tinkers started our day.  They brought their kilts and drums and put on a great show.
Wicked Tinkers on stage, NAMM 2010
Wicked Tinkers off stage, NAMM 2010
NAMM attracts musicians at every turn who just enjoy performing like these two guys who brought a battery-powered setup to play on the sidewalk outside the Anaheim Convention Center.
Street performers outside NAMM
You can also checkout PianoWorks Channel on YouTube for related videos.

     
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"Green" Piano Lamps: California's Title 20 Update
By Sam Bennett
1/12/2010 7:17:00 PM  
Normally, an update like this doesn't merit commentary.  More of our piano lamps are now considered "Green" in California.  This is good for our customers and vendors alike.  We are pleased because it seems, for now, logic is gaining ground in legislation.  Three cheers!

Many House of Troy LED lamps were briefly listed as non-compliant with the new California Title 20.  Now, apparently, they are okay again.  At the root of this problem must have been failed communication between scientists and legislators or legislators and manufacturers.  We commend them for arriving at a solution.  Basic science tells us that LED lights are much more energy efficient than old technology and should be included in energy-saving mandates.  We don't know how the problem was solved.  We don't know if the lamps were re-tested, the restrictions were improved or if it was simply a clerical error.  And sometimes this is how things seem to work, for better or worse.

So the great Oz said, "LED is not good enough," but just 11 days later he commanded "Send LED piano lamps to earnest customers everywhere!"   

That only leaves first generation CFL lamps like House of Troy P10-191-61C on our restricted in California list.  Sorry Californians; it is a lovely style.  Back to the drawing board.

     
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Going To Anaheim: NAMM 2010
By Sam Bennett
1/9/2010 9:57:00 PM  
Next Thursday, my father and I will forgo necessary sleep and catch a painfully early flight out of Atlanta for a good cause, Winter NAMM 2010.  I feel it is for a good cause, though not charitable in the usual sense.  NAMM is a music trade show, THE music trade show, the biggest in the world.  But this trade show has a musical soul.

Okay, so NAMM is actually a fantastic organization with cool members and a social conscience; NAMM works year-round (over 100 years worth of work) to bring together the world's music makers, innovators and business leaders.  NAMM, the organization, hosts Winter NAMM 2010, the event that I'm giving up so many precious Zzzz's for.

I've been a few times now, but it is hardly routine.  We hustle across the huge grounds with more distractions than the Las Vegas Strip to make our appointments.  Imagine all instrument manufacturers, from trombones to drums to drum machines to sitars to synthesizers...and pianos in one place.  They can fit a ton of guitars in a booth but pianos are big!  Let's talk pianos:  Bosendorfer and Bechstein and Estonia and Mason & Hamlin and Schimmel, Sauter, Seiler, Steingraeber, Samick, Sohmer, (maybe I'll just hang out in the letter "S" pianos?) Story & Clark, Steinway is nearby....  Now multiply that by every other instrument.  Oh, and don't forget all the sheet music publishers, the stage lighting and effects, recording studio outfitters, software, and anything else you might need a treble clef for.  Take a breath and then fill those booths, hallways and hotels with passionate musicians of all levels. 

Nearly everyone there plays...so jam sessions spontaneously erupt all around you.  The famous and the rest of us get together, and we believe in music.

On a previous trip, I spent an hour shuttle ride from the airport getting to know the drummer from Matisyahu.  I enjoyed that.  At the same show, I went back to Bosendorfer's booth at the end of the day to find a bench and rest my feet.  Valentina Lisitsa stopped by, we closed the doors and enjoyed a private concert for about 15 of us.  She played for over 20 minutes, so cautious and curious passersby were drawn to her, and the crowd slowly grew.  That was special for us.

There is much trade at the trade show, but a bigger accomplishment for the industry is how NAMM serves to energize our people.  NAMM focuses the passion that brought us to the business of helping others make music.  That is special for us.

     
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Bechstein Bosendorfer Casio Charles Walter Digital Pianos Estonia Green piano lamps Hailun House of Troy how to buy a piano Knabe Mason & Hamlin music educators NAMM piano lamps piano moving piano restoration Piano Videos player pianos QRS Samick Schimmel Social Media Starter Piano Starter pianos Steinway Story & Clark Used Kawai Pianos Used Yamaha Pianos Yamaha YouTube
 
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Recent Customer Letter: Hailun Grand Piano
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Casio Celebrates Anniversary with Limited Edition Celviano AP-6 Digital Piano
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PianoWorks on YouTube Celebrates a Landmark
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PianoWorks Sponsors Gwinnett Ensemble Piano Concert...for 5 Years Straight
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Winter NAMM 2010: wrap up
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"Green" Piano Lamps: California's Title 20 Update
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Going To Anaheim: NAMM 2010
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