The Piano Book. Buying & Owning a New or Used Piano

Customer Reviews

Great, great, great!!

2008-01-25
Just a few words: This guy loves pianos as much as I do. Buy this book. You won't regret it. I use it with my customers and my piano store, I use it for my own piano. It covers so many details that it will be a big mistake not to buy it. I has very well documented info, so you are very well prepared to buy, sell, rent, move, determine value of a piano. And the author keeps you updated each year.

Congratulations to the author...

Excellent, As Touted

2008-01-10
The previous positive reviews are true; this is an indepensable book for anyone in the market for a piano.

Great book

2007-12-06
This supplement and the original book helped me a lot on choosing my first piano in terms of brand, model, and price range. I finally bought a Yamaha U1. Thank you Larry Fine. And Amazon's shipping is very fast.

I'm a pianist and I love it!

2007-11-16
I'm a graduate piano student in the market for a piano. As I was doing some research into what I need to look out for, a piano tech at my school told me I should look into this book. I purchased it and am so glad I did. As a serious pianist, I know what I'm looking for in an action and the sound I like, but hadn't the slightest idea how to find an appropriate piano for me. The book has the most helpful information, and now I understand the industry better and feel like I can shop as a knowledgeable consumer. If you're looking to buy a new or used piano, this book along with its current supplement is definitely a must-have. As a pianist, I know this book will always have an important spot on my shelf as a useful reference.

Arm yourself with the 2007-08 Piano Book & Supplement!

2007-11-13
I read this book before my very first piano purchase, and the information Mr. Fine shared in the chapters "Buying a New/Used Piano" was invaluable. I entered the retailer's floor thinking that I would buy a brand new piano but was most impressed by the sound, tone, feel of a 98-year-old vintage German piano. I took The Piano Book with me and read the history of the European manufacturer while trying out many pianos on the floor. I made the purchase after comparing many pianos and saved thousands of dollars because I was prepared to negotiate a fair price based on the 2007-2008 Supplement and The Piano Book. The combination of both books helped me differentiate facts from the retailer's selling points, which is essential when committing to large investments. Being informed also led to more respectful negotiations between the customer and the shop owner. My experience when purchasing pianos, cars, or other big-ticket items is that retailers appreciate it when they perceive a knowledgeable customer, and they do not attempt to take advantage of you as forthrightly.

Best book out there on the subject

2008-07-18
Larry Fine's book is invaluable for those who plan to purchase a piano. This book has loads of information regarding the manufacturers, the quality of the brands and the history of the pianos. Save yourself some money by purchasing this book before you shop for a piano and you could save yourself a few thousand or more. Buying a piano is like buying a car, you have to "test drive" them first, and then negotiate. Read this book and walk into the showroom knowing you are getting the best deal and finest piano you can afford.

Great, as far as it goes

2008-05-15
...which is pretty far. Fine's book is legendary and important, and if you are thinking of buying even a relatively expensive piano, you should read it. It should come as no surprise that the standard "grand old names" are rated at the top, and things stair-step down from there until you arrive at the bottom of the Asian barrel. No surprises there. And many feel that Fine is too hard on some very fine pianos, giving a skewed impression of the many very good Chinese pianos that are coming on the market. What is instructive is that you will learn what is made where, which can be a very hard thing to find out on your own. If you're walking into a store and don't know Young Chang from Hailun, and perhaps think that a Boston might have been made in Boston, and that a Steinlager is made in Germany, you really need to do your homework first. If you're seriously shopping for a Bosendorfer or Bechstein or Steinway new off the floor, then you don't need this book. But if you want to get a good piano for a fair price and need to learn your way around this odd landscape, start here. IMPORTANT - get the updated supplements! A lot has changed in even the last 5 years, and advice on certain models no longer holds true. Some names have dropped in quality, others have risen considerably. You won't learn this in the piano showroom!

piano book

2008-05-08
Essential resource if you're buying a piano or just want to know more about this wonderful instrument

Best Piano Research Ever!

2008-04-15
I bought this prior to buying my piano and it was a lifesaver. I'd read about it and had to try it myself. I highlighted many passages and re-read many sections while making my selection. I have not only told many others to buy it, but have also "loaned" out my copy many times. A great investment, whether looking to purchase a used or new piano. Good tips for maintaining piano as well.

highly informative

2008-04-06
When beginning to look for a piano, we read Larry Fine's The Piano Book at the recommendation of our local piano technician. It is superbly written and highly informative. It covers everything from the mechanics of pianos in general to the relative features and qualities of various makes of pianos. In the end, it was well worth the effort and helped us make a well informed decision on the type and make of piano we purchased.