Selecting a new piano is a decision that comes with much financial and emotional investment. Players should always thoroughly test the instrument to make an informed choice. However, a comprehensive piano evaluation depends on the repertoire you use during the process.
The pieces you choose for testing allow you to explore the piano’s mechanics, tonal quality, and responsiveness effectively. Keep reading to learn how to choose the right test pieces to evaluate a new piano. Explore why test pieces matter and which qualities to examine while evaluating the piano.
Testing a piano before purchase goes beyond simply determining how it sounds. A piano is a complex instrument with countless factors that contribute to its overall performance. The mechanics, tonal range, action (key responsiveness), and sustain combine to create the playing experience.
Each piano has nuanced differences that you might miss if you evaluate it casually. Playing a variety of test pieces that cover these components allows you to fully understand whether a piano will meet your needs.
A thorough evaluation is particularly important for students, performers, and teachers. The piano you select should perform well in practice and inspire confidence and creativity. Proper testing ensures you find the right match.
While testing a piano, the pieces you play act as tools for assessment. Using unsuitable or overly simple test pieces may cause you to overlook the instrument’s essential qualities. Conversely, overcomplicated or excessively challenging pieces may lead to inconsistent playing, which can cloud your judgment of the piano’s true capabilities.
A well-chosen test piece provides valuable insights into the piano’s response, tonal color, sustain, and overall build quality. By engaging different components of the piano through diverse musical passages, you can determine its compatibility with your playing style and objectives.
Selecting the right test pieces requires careful consideration. They should strike a balance between showcasing the piano’s full range and allowing you to play with confidence. Here are some guidelines to follow when choosing a piece.
Playing at different tempos helps you evaluate how a piano performs under varied conditions. Use slower passages to assess sustain and tonal warmth. Then, incorporate more up-tempo test pieces to focus on the keys’ responsiveness and evenness. This dynamic comparison helps you understand whether the piano supports delicate and high-energy performance styles.
Ensure your test pieces explore all five octaves and involve the full range of dynamics, from pianissimo to fortissimo. Select passages that emphasize single-note runs and chordal structures. This approach tests the capability of the hammers, strings, and soundboard to deliver clarity and power consistently across the register.
While it can be tempting to showcase your skills on a high-quality piano, it’s best to choose test pieces you’re comfortable with. This familiarity ensures your focus remains on the instrument rather than performance imperfections. Confidence in your playability highlights the piano’s strengths or weaknesses without unnecessary distraction.
Single test pieces may not allow you to get a full picture of the piano’s quality. Instead, choose excerpts from various styles and music compositions. Exploring diverse genres highlights the piano’s ability to adapt to different musical languages, which is particularly valuable if you play or teach a wide repertoire.
Once you’ve selected appropriate test pieces, the next step is identifying the specific qualities to evaluate. Observing these elements can help you uncover any hidden strengths or issues in the piano, aiding your buying decision.
Sustained notes reveal the quality of a piano’s strings and how effectively the soundboard amplifies vibrations. Long notes, chords, or melodies held with the sustain pedal can expose either clear resonance or dampened, short-term sounds.
The weight and resistance of the piano keys make up its touch. Pianos with well-balanced key action respond naturally to the player’s touch, whether it’s light and soft or heavy and bold. Test a variety of finger pressures to determine consistency across the keys and if it works with your playing style.
A high-quality piano delivers uniform sound and response across its registers. Make sure none of the piano’s ranges overpower the others when testing. Playing scales, arpeggios, and repeated passages can help you assess whether all octaves blend harmoniously or reveal unevenness.
Listening carefully to tonal production differentiates pianos with bright tones from those with mellow, rich sounds. The tonal quality should align with your preferences and the musical genre you prefer. Pieces with strong melodic aspects are particularly useful for assessing tonal color.
Pianos must transition naturally between various volumes to support expressive playing. Test passages with subtle, quiet notes and powerful chords to determine the instrument’s dynamic range. A responsive piano will feel controllable throughout the volume spectrum.
It’s best to test pianos in environments that mimic your usual practice space. Many music stores or piano showrooms provide areas for testing multiple models. If possible, spend at least 15-20 minutes testing each piano to gain a comprehensive impression.
Testing pianos in a showroom or authorized dealer location allows you to experience various models from leading brands. M. Steinert & Sons is a great example of one such professional setting.
Founded in 1860, M. Steinert & Sons is one of the oldest piano stores in the United States. Our Boston, Newton, and Waltham showrooms offer a carefully curated selection of pianos, including Steinway & Sons, Boston, and Essex models. Visitors can test a variety of instruments in a professional setting with guidance from knowledgeable staff by scheduling an appointment or visiting during our showroom hours. Visit today to browse our Essex Steinway pianos and experience the above qualities for yourself.
Choosing a new piano is an exciting but complex process. You can confidently evaluate your options and make an informed purchase by selecting the right test pieces and knowing which qualities to assess. Choosing the right test pieces to evaluate a new piano increases the likelihood of finding one that matches your unique musical requirements.
Consult an experienced pianist or teacher to verify your observations when in doubt. Visit M. Steinert & Sons if you’re ready to explore a range of exceptional pianos. Our experienced team will support you in finding the piano that brings your music to life.