Piano Players Only Thread!! - Page 2

Rico · #11 07-14-2008, 08:36 AM

I learned how to play the guitar a few years ago. I'm not really all that good at it, because I can't do all them fancy solos and whatnot. I'm pretty much a strum along with the song type of guitar player. I've thought about learning how to play the piano, but haven't taken any lessons yet. In fact, when I do get ready to buy me a piano, Pianoman will be the first person I call.

ReformedDave · #12 07-14-2008, 08:44 AM

Pianoperson, I know you are owned by the Steinway company, I too worship at that altar, but have you ever heard of the Walter Piano Co.?

Thoughts?

LadyChocolate · #13 07-14-2008, 08:48 AM

I love playing the piano. I have been playing in church since I was 15. I play a couple of other instruments as well but piano and keyboards are my favorite... In fact, I just got my Yamaha Motif in my house and I am going insane because it's not set up

I learned to read music when I was 9 but when it comes to playing in church, I play by ear or by watching my LordChocolate.

I had my first piano teacher when I was 14 or 15... Lisa D... from Ocala, Fl.

She taught me for a short while... And then I had a great piano teacher who graduated from Stetson University in Florida. He also played for my wedding... Anyway....

Music runs on both sides of my family and my boys are already involved in music.....

I would gladly give up my living room and turn it into a music room...Guests can just sit on the floor when they come over!

Whole Hearted · #14 07-14-2008, 08:52 AM

I play mostly by ear or using chord sheets now, but I can play by note.

Took lesson to learn by not for eight years.

Don't play the piano (yes we still have a piano and not a keyboard) in church much my wife does that. I usually play the organ, but on occasion I play the piano.

Many churches that we go to no longer have an organ or piano but keyboards, I hate that, and then I am forced to play the thing.

ReformedDave · #15 07-14-2008, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whole Hearted

I play mostly by ear or using chord sheets now, but I can play by note.

Took lesson to learn by not for eight years.

Don't play the piano (yes we still have a piano and not a keyboard) in church much my wife does that. I usually play the organ, but on occasion I play the piano.

Many churches that we go to no longer have an organ or piano but keyboards, I hate that, and then I am forced to play the thing.

I have both. I don't mind a keyboard if it's 'touch sensitive' with weighted keys but that makes it MUCH heavier to transport.

Whole Hearted · #16 07-14-2008, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReformedDave

I have both. I don't mind a keyboard if it's 'touch sensitive' with weighted keys but that makes it MUCH heavier to transport.

I guess keyboards are alright, I just don't care for them. the church I came out of always had a piano until the storm damaged the church and the piano. So I have mostly played a real piano.

My wife likes keyboards. She likes to cheat and use the transposer. I like to play a lot in A flat and she hates to.
Each to his own I guess.

ReformedDave · #17 07-14-2008, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whole Hearted

I guess keyboards are alright, I just don't care for them. the church I came out of always had a piano until the storm damaged the church and the piano. So I have mostly played a real piano.

My wife likes keyboards. She likes to cheat and use the transposer. I like to play a lot in A flat and she hates to.
Each to his own I guess.

It does have certain 'advantages' but I love a great piano.

LadyChocolate · #18 07-14-2008, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whole Hearted

I guess keyboards are alright, I just don't care for them. the church I came out of always had a piano until the storm damaged the church and the piano. So I have mostly played a real piano.

My wife likes keyboards. She likes to cheat and use the transposer. I like to play a lot in A flat and she hates to.
Each to his own I guess.

That's funny! I have used the transpose but I try to refrain from it because Lordchocolate says real musicians don't transpose! lol

I can play in most of the keys, but sometimes, I admit, that I am lazy and don't want to work at figuring out some songs in certain keys....

There is nothing like a piano... I love keyboards with all their sounds, and yes, they keys need to be weighted.... But nothing compares to a real piano!

U376977 · #19 07-14-2008, 11:26 AM

I have been playing since I was 13. My great aunt showed me the basics of how to chord. She showed me to take a hynm book, at that time, only songs in C, and read the base line. Whenever it would change from C, F or G I would change chords in the right hand. Later I took music theory in HS and the instrutor allowed me to self study, he took me thru 2nd year college theory books. The courses ended with composing. When I got to college I took Sax and got into Jazz. That led me to improvising. It has been so long since I read music that the base clef has just about left me. I play for church, mostly by ear. But if there is a new song and I have music I can read the melody line and chord symbols. If the song does not have chord symbols I go back to by aunts trick and see the chord changes in the base line. I know all the chords for all the keys so I just have to look for the cord changes.
I also read the "nashville number" system, I, IV, V7, ii, iii, vi, etc. Really makes it easy to transpose into any key.

StillStanding · #20 07-14-2008, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReformedDave

Pianoperson, I know you are owned by the Steinway company, I too worship at that altar, but have you ever heard of the Walter Piano Co.?

Thoughts?

Charles Walter pianos are very nice! Many Steinway dealers have sold Walter uprights because Steinway doesn't make home style pianos. I've actually met Mr. Charles Walters and his family at a trade show.

The Walter pianos are hand made just like the Steinway is. I would say they are the best upright home piano you can buy, but they are expensive to own.

They started making a grand piano about ten years ago or so. I haven't had an opportunity to play one of their grands. I have heard that they are very nice.

If they are indeed very nice and cost about the same as a Steinway, which would you rather have? If you (or your ancestors) ever have to sell the piano down the road, the Steinway would bring much more value because of it's world known reputation.

We like to say that the Steinway is the least expensive piano to own, because you usually can sell it for much more than you paid for it! It's actually an investment!