Buying a Piano

Posted on 19.03.202018.02.2021 by Benton d.o.o.

We are glad to hear that you are interested in buying a piano. Having a diversity offer on the market can make the choice to find the right piano, grand piano or an electric piano a real challenge.

We have highlighted a few factors for you to consider when deciding:

For what purpose are you buying?

If you are buying a piano for a beginner, or your longstanding desire is to learn how to play the piano? In this case, we would recommend a low- or mid-range piano. The electric piano is not recommended for beginners, because the feeling is not the same as a classical piano, despite the advanced technologies of electric pianos. And also with the array of additional features they provide, they entice the child to play with different sounds and functions instead of exercise. Instruments in this range are also suitable for first-year high school students, for advanced students you might consider buying a higher-quality instrument. The question often arises here: What if after a few months the child gets tired of a piano lesson? We at Benton offer you the option of renting a NEW Piano, with the possibility of a later purchase. The 9-month rent is already being considered for purchase.

If you need an instrument for accompaniment, it makes sense to buy a smaller piano (preferably on wheels so that it can be moved around the stage / studio) or to buy a slightly better electric piano.

Professional musicians usually have an opinion about what they want, brand preferences and, of course, sound and feel when playing an instrument. In this case, the selection of different manufacturers and models is the most important in the selection process.

Acoustic piano, electric piano or hybrid?

The first step in buying a piano is to decide between two different types – acoustic (classical) and digital piano. In order to make the decision easier, you need to know the main differences and define your needs. The third option, which is a combination of acoustic and digital piano, is a hybrid.

For all classical musicians and beginners, an acoustic piano would be more appropriate. First, acoustic sound is more suited to classical music. Secondly, the key sensitivity of classical piano lets you play more subtle musical expressions and the dynamics required by classical music.

For those who plan to study in Pop, Rock or Funk genres of music, a digital piano might be a better choice. Additional digital piano features – such as other instrument sounds and drum beats – can complement your music experience. The slightly more “digital” color of the piano sound fits well with these musical genres.

The hybrid is a relatively new member of the piano family. It has an acoustic piano mechanism, but can emit sounds when activated. The hybrid piano seems like the best of both worlds – the desired acoustic and digital piano features are all in one piano. But it’s a little more expensive.

Choosing an Acoustic Piano or a Digital Piano? read here for more

Location

To determine the location, you need to know the conditions for your instrument, but we certainly do not recommend placing the piano in a room where temperature and humidity cannot be regulated (e.g. basement, garage…)

room temperature from 18 to 23 ° C (constant),
relative humidity of 40 to 60%,
the minimum distance from the heaters is 1 meter,
the instrument must not be exposed to direct sunlight or draft,
If there is underfloor heating in the room, it is recommended to put an anti-thermal foil under the instrument.

You can read more about the conditions here.

Size

When you determine the location for your instrument, you will also have a better idea of how big the instrument can be purchased. However, it should be noted that with the size (with the grand piano we are talking about the length, and with the piano about the height) the price also increases. The size of the instrument also affects the sound quality of the instrument.

Price

nowadays one of the most important factors in buying anything is price. The price of the instrument is not only about the purchase price, but you also have to consider the cost of delivery and annual maintenance / service. The price of the instrument itself is influenced by several factors: size, color, additional features (e.g., silent) and brand. For the most part, all manufacturers have split models into three price/quality classes, namely: lower, middle and higher price and quality classes.

You can read more about the prices of pianos and grand pianos here.

Brand

Many manufacturers of pianos and pianos have products in their range designed to meet the requirements of pianists at all levels, from beginners to professional pianists. These brands have earned a great reputation and are generally considered to be safer choices.

At Benton d.o.o. we believe that we can offer our customers the best only if we work with reliable suppliers who provide quality products.

Our suppliers are our long-standing business partners. We are proud to be the exclusive sales representative for Slovenia for the brands: Fazioli, Kawai, Petrof, Bosendorfer and Schimmel and a long-term partner of the Yamaha brand.

Based on long-term business partnerships, Benton d.o.o. we guarantee the lowest prices of pianos and grand pianos in Slovenia.

In our store you can try and buy, and also rent some models:

Fazioli Grand piano
Kawai piano, Kawai Grand piano, Kawai Hybrid
Yamaha piano, Yamaha Grand piano, Yamaha hybrid and Yamaha electric piano,
Schimmel piano and Schimmel Grand piano,
Bosendorfer piano and Bosendorfer Grand piano,
Petrof piano and Petrof Grand piano

You can read more about our partners by clicking on the logo of each company.

Sound and keyboard

When buying an acoustic piano or a Grand piano, it is extremely important to try playing it to see if you like the sound. This is subjective since some prefer a lighter / sharp tone and others a softer / rounder tone. In general, good piano sound is round and full.

When buying for a beginner, this is very difficult to determine, because in principle he or she does not know how to play a piano or is in the initial phase of learning. Therefore, we often recommend that you bring along a piano teacher or someone who knows how to play well so you can hear for yourself what sounds better to you. You can also get a piano technician’s opinion.

For instruments with keys it is very important that the keys have a smooth surface, are not damaged and cracked. The keys should run smoothly, without tapping, and should not “rustle” when playing. The keys must be properly weighted and there must be sufficient felt padding under the keys (this must be checked with used instruments where the felt can be completely hard if the instrument was not played and sometimes damaged by moths).

Appearance

Most pianos, Grand pianos and electric pianos are available in different shades and textures. Black, white and mahogany have been the most sold in recent years. Choosing the finishes is a matter for everyone, it is advisable to take into account the interior of the room where it will be located, the sensitivity of some colors and that some colors require an extra charge.

Silent mode

Do you live in a building, multi-family house or just want to practice late hours? In this case, consider the Silent option. about playing in silent mode. Many piano manufacturers already have many models available with this option, but we can also upgrade your classic instrument with a silent function. The piano or piano is so equipped with volume keys and headphone outputs so you can practice smoothly at any time.

New or used

The prices of used pianos and Grand pianos are sometimes very tempting, especially for those who do not have a high budget. However, when buying a used instrument, you have to be very careful, because buying it cheap can be quite expensive.

Always check the instrument serial number before buying it, as it tells you its real age. If the seller tells you that the piano or Grand piano has not been played much – this is actually bad for the instrument, because the felt becomes hard over time, and in all likelihood it has not been serviced regularly. However, when you go to see the instrument, a great deal of information about the preservation of the piano is the place where it is located – whether it was kept in proper conditions.

When buying a used piano, you have to take into account the costs of transport, service and other possible costs. Factory-restored pianos and Grand pianos are not warranted by the manufacturers (since the factory-restored instruments are not restored at the manufacturer’s factories, so replacement parts are not original or certified by the manufacturer).

We strongly recommend that you hire an independent piano technician to check the instrument before purchasing a used instrument.

Before buying a used piano, we recommend reading some of the guidelines on the link.

Generally speaking, buying a used instrument is a good option if it is in good condition. Buying a new piano or piano is still a better long-term investment.

Who is the seller?

If you are buying from a private seller, it is definitely advisable to consult with a piano technician before buying, which will set the instrument at a realistic price and alert you to the drawbacks or disadvantages and any additional costs that may acurre.

If you are buying from an official dealer, ask what kind of warranty it offers and whether it is also covered by the manufacturers, the purchase terms, whether it offers you service and what are the prices of service and delivery.

Benton Piano Salon d.o.o. is a family business with a 30-year tradition in the Slovenian market. For all items in our store we offer a warranty that is consistent with the manufacturer’s warranty. The purchase of new instruments includes delivery and free 1st tuning in the first year. We offer you a discount on immediate payment, purchase on installments without interest…

Buying a piano, Grand piano or electric piano can be difficult to make online. It is also important to consider a number of factors before purchasing an instrument that it will meet all your requirements and needs. Your professor, piano technician and sales staff at our salon can also be a great help in your choice

When you make a purchase, take good care of your instrument with the right conditions and regular service and it will retain its quality. We wish you all the best on your musical journey!

How to clean your Piano

Posted on 09.03.202015.02.2021 by Benton d.o.o.

Maintaining a piano does not just mean a regular tuning and service. It is also very important that you clean your instrument regularly.

Regular cleaning of your piano is not only important for its beautiful appearance, but also for its functionality and your health. Especially the piano keys, as you touch them every time you play the piano. Finger oil is mixed with dust and dirt, causing the keys to be dirty or even stained, also the viruses and bacteria can persist on the surfaces for several days. Improper cleaning can cause the keys to stick or crack over time.

Cleaning the outside of the piano

Wipe the dust off the surface of the piano regularly with a clean soft cloth. You can also use wood surface cleaners, which should not be aggressive. Never apply the cleaner directly to the piano but always to a cloth.

Do not touch the inside of the piano or the piano

Action, strings, sound board and other internal components should be cleaned and serviced by a piano technician. Do not repair by yourself, as this may inadvertently cause more damage (if you touch the strings, they may rust due to the humidity of our hands).

Cleaning the piano keys

Wipe the piano keys with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid any chemical cleaners as they can actually cause more damage to the keys.

If the keyboard is very dirty, wipe it with a cloth moistened with a mild solution of non-aggressive soap and filtered water, and drain it well before cleaning. The same cloth should not be used to clean the surface of the piano! Do not use paper towels for cleaning – they are cheap, but they are too coarse and most of the time, they leave filaments / dust.

Usually we do not recommend alcohol- based cleaners but to disinfect the piano keys, the best solution is to use pure alcohol-based cleansers – they should be liquid (not gel) and with no oils added. You can also use wipes to disinfect the surfaces or liquid hand sanitizer (not gel!). Make sure you use only a little cleaner and ventilate the room well during cleaning. Never apply cleaners directly to keys, but always to a cloth! And be careful! You can only use this method for instruments new to 1960 because the black keys does not have polish.

Wipe the keys down towards you – like brushing, never from one key to the other, or up and down. This will avoid moisture between the keys.

Always keep the cloth moist and never soaked so that liquid does not leak between the keys as you do not want moisture to accumulate between the keys. It is recommended that you replace the cloth with the black and white keys. At the end wipe the keys with a dry cloth.

Wipe one key at a time and dry it before proceeding to the next.

It is recommended that the cloth that you use is white or washed repeatedly so that it does not leak the color. When cleaning, be careful not to get too abrasive (like exfoliation), which can lead to damage.

* Always try a new detergent on a small spot before using it. Use cleaners according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Preventive measures

Do not play the piano with dirty hands.
If the piano is placed in a place where several people pass by daily, it is advisable to close / lock the keyboard
When not using the instrument, it is recommended that the piano cover and the keyboard cover is closed. This prevents dust from collecting between the keys and strings and prevents exposure to other contaminants such as pet hair.
You can also cover the entire piano with a cover. This will also protect the exterior of the instrument not only from dust but also from shock.

Instructions from individual manufacturers regarding cleaning your piano

Careful maintenance of the piano will significantly prolong its life while also taking care of your health. If you would like to know more about how to take care of your piano, give us a call or write to us.

Piano price

Posted on 19.02.202015.02.2021 by Benton d.o.o.

The most frequently asked question and also one of the factors that influence our decision to buy is: What are the prices of the pianos? or How much does a piano cost?

Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question, as the price range is very large. The size of the instrument and the brand has the most impact on the price. We can roughly say that the prices of our NEW instruments are:

– Piano prices from € 3,000 to € 30,000

– Grand piano prices from 10,000 € to 150,000 €

– Price of a digital piano from 450 € to 10,000 €.

How much will you pay for the piano? How do you find a piano that is right for you and your family?

In order to answer this question, you need to know the purpose of buying a piano. Are you buying for a beginner, for high school or music academy, or you are playing/learning for a hobby.

You really do not need to buy the most expensive piano for a beginner, but you need to make sure that it is of a good quality! Having a problem with an instrument from the beginning may discourage the child from playing and practicing the piano. Most of you are probably familiar with the saying, “I’m not rich enough to buy cheap!” That doesn’t mean you can’t buy an affordable piano. The affordable piano is of good quality at a moderate price. When buying a piano, you need to be aware that buying a piano is a long time investment, as you probably won’t change it in 2 years. Piano does not lose its value as fast as a car, which, on average, lose almost a third of their value in the first year.

Most of the piano manufacturers has a large selection of different models to meet the needs of all types of pianists, from beginners to professionals.

We currently have the best-selling pianos from the renowned Kawai and Yamaha brands, which are also the most affordable pianos, as well as they are constantly developing and researching for new technologies.

Why are there no published prices on our site?

Because you just can’t buy a piano online. When purchasing or choosing a piano you need to know a lot more factors that you might not even have thought of, rather than just a price (Learn more about factors that should influence on your decision Here ). We strive for personal selling because only in this way we can advise you to get the most you can for your money and that the instrument will meet your needs and justify your invested money.

What if you didn’t find the right piano in your price range?

However, if your budget is lower than the quotes you have, please contact us. Our goal is to help you find the piano you are looking for. We have a number of solutions to help you get it. We offer you a purchase on installments, discount on immediate payment, the possibility of renting a piano, the possibility of renting with a later purchase and in addition to new pianos, we also offer used pianos

What are the prices of used pianos?

There are a large number of used instruments on the market, but we are quite demanding in our selection. We clean every used piano in our workshop, perform a thorough inspection and service and tune it. We deliver the piano to your room and give you a guarantee.

We do our best to regularly update our stock of used pianos on our site, but many pianos are booked / sold before we publish them. So please call us and let us know your wishes and we will inform you if anything appropriate for you will be in our offer.

If you have found a used piano that you think would be suitable for you, we can also evaluate it before buying it. Would you buy a used car without getting the opinion of a mechanic or at least know about the cars yourself? Probably not. The same principle applies to pianos. Without expert judgment, a cheap piano can cost you much more than a new instrument.

There is a big market of used pianos, which will require a large input in order to achieve functionality and a big market of cheap so called factory restored pianos – it should be noted here that these instruments are not restored at Yamaha and Kawai factories and are not warranted by the manufacturer. Also, spare parts for these pianos are not available from the manufacturer, as these instruments have been in a humid climate for over 20 years and when placed in our “dry” room, problems occur (keys dry and are rattling, pianos do not hold tuning, the tuning pins loosen, it is also common that resonance bottom cracks…).

You can read some guidelines on what to look for when buying a used piano HERE. In any case, we recommend that you consult an independent piano technician before purchasing such a piano or ask for a second opinion.

Purchase of a piano or a grand piano is a real challenge whether you are looking for a new or used instrument. It is extremely important that you know and talk to someone you trust and are well acquainted with what you are looking for before buying. Let the price not be the deciding factor, you should also look for the service. A good salesperson will also advise you later and provide you with the best service.

Choosing a Piano or a Digital Piano

Posted on 08.10.201915.02.2021 by Benton d.o.o.

The first step in buying a piano is to decide between two different types – acoustic (classical) and digital piano. To make the decision easier, you need to know the main differences and define your needs.

We have summarized the facts below to help you decide.

Acoustic piano
The piano emits sound at the touch of a key, striking the hammer and the strings. The vibrations generated by the strikes of the strings are transmitted to the sound board and diffuse, which greatly increases the sound. When these vibrations combine with the resonances of the strings that have not been struck, it creates a unique sound.
There are two types of acoustic pianos: the grand piano and the upright piano. The grand piano has a frame and strings that are extended horizontally. It has a longer body and thus takes up more space. After pressing the keys and releasing the fingers, gravity resets the keys and returns them to the starting position.
The piano has strings that act vertically. It is much more compact than a grand piano and often fits into houses or apartments and is therefore a more convenient choice.

Digital piano / piano
The digital piano is a customized, more modern version of its acoustic counterpart. Sounds digital (as the name implies): When you press a key, electronic piano speakers will play back quality recordings previously recorded from acoustic pianos.
In contrast, a digital piano has no strings. Each key is a switch for creating a specific sound. The electronic tone generator emits sounds amplified by the loudspeaker.
Yamaha digital pianos come with “hammers”. These are not intended to strike strings, as in an acoustic piano, but are used to capture the dynamics the key is playing, giving a dynamic touch response that brings the playing experience more akin to an acoustic piano.
There are three types of digital pianos: clavinova GP, clavinova and a portable piano.
The main difference between a piano (standard acoustic piano) and a digital piano is therefore the mechanism that produces the sound.

Acoustic versus digital piano – what’s better?

Now that we understand how digital and clasical pianos work, we can compare them.

Sound
One of the most important factors to consider is the sound of the instrument. Surprisingly, the sound of a classical piano gives a better sound. An acoustic piano, as mentioned above, emits sound when a hammer strikes a string. It gives you an authentic, acoustic sound that has a warmer and more resonant tone. You also have better control over the articulation and expression of musical notes.
A digital piano, on the other hand, can only record the sound of an acoustic piano.
What the digital piano may lack in audio is complemented by some additional features. Extra sounds, recording, volume control …

Tuning
To keep your piano in tune, you need to tune it approximately 1-2 times each year.
Vulnerability to humidity and temperature fluctuations. Wood and felt are very sensitive to large changes in temperature or humidity. Failure to store it in a suitable environment could result in significant acoustic loss. (Ideally, your sound piano should be stored in a humidity environment of between 40% and 60% and a constant temperature of about 20 ° C or at room temperature.)

A digital piano does not need as much maintenance as an acoustic piano, but it still needs to be maintained in the way that all electronic devices do. You definitely want to make sure it stays in excellent condition and lasts as long as possible. We advise you not to expose to sunlight, dust, or extreme temperatures. Moisture and drastic temperatures can damage the outside surface as well as the electrical components. . As all other electronic devices, a digital piano should also be unplugged during a storm.

Touch sensitivity
The touch and feel of playing a digital piano and an acoustic piano can be very different. One of the reasons is the weight of the keys. Some power is required when you press the acoustic piano keys. Power and finger movement determine the tone of the sound, and you can emit different colours of sound on the same key.
As for digital pianos, the gentle touch of their keys could trigger sound. Many manufacturers compensate for this by weighing the keys to mimic the volume of the keys. But on a digital piano, because sounds are digital, a finite amount of tone can be created. In other words, although you played the key differently, the sound may be the same. This limitation can have an effect on the expressiveness of your music.

Price
Generally speaking, an acoustic piano costs more than a digital piano. A low- to mid-range piano can cost from € 3,000 to € 5,000, while digital ones cost from € 800 to € 5,000.
Resale value of the digital piano is much lower than the value of the classical piano. It is difficult to measure the resale value, which largely depends on the model and condition of the piano. But the price of a digital piano drops much faster than a classic piano, with many new, more advanced models of digital pianos coming out each year. Although a classic piano is more expensive, it is a better investment in the long run because its value is declining very slowly.

How would your personal preferences affect your decision?

For all classical musicians, an acoustic piano would be more appropriate. First, acoustic sound is more suited to classical music. Secondly, the key sensitivity of classical piano allows you to play more subtle musical expressions and the dynamics required by classical music.
For those who plan to study in Pop, Rock or Funk, a digital piano might be a better option. Additional digital piano features – such as other instrument sounds and drum beats – can complement your playing experience. The slightly more “digital” color of the piano sound would also fit well in these genres.

We enrolled our child in music school, what to choose to start when we do not yet know whether he will persist or if the initial excitement will pass after 2 months?
From a professional point of view, and according to many professors, the choice of classical piano is definitely more appropriate for a beginner. Despite the advanced development of digital pianos and heavy keys, the feel of playing is not the same as that of a classical piano.
When practicing on a digital piano, a child with very little effort and finger strength produces the sound, when playing music at a classical piano with the same amount of effort – does not produce the same effect or wanted sound. In the early years of music school, the emphasis is on the correct playing technique that a child can learn and refine only when practicing on a classical piano with classical mechanics.
Buying a classic piano / piano is more expensive. For beginners, we also offer the possibility of a favorable rental for a beginner with the option of later redemption ((when you see that the child is happy to play the piano).
Buying a used piano is also more affordable – be careful when buying this one, as buying an “inexpensive” instrument will cost you a lot.
When buying a used piano, we can advise you and also evaluate / review your chosen instrument before buying.

My longstanding wish is to learn how to play the piano
A digital piano might be a better choice for self-taught pianists. Connecting a digital piano to your computer will open up many learning opportunities. You can use different learning software available on your computer by simply synchronizing it with your digital piano. Some digital pianos even come with built-in learning apps.
For those who would not insist into the hobby, choose a digital piano.

Practice in the late hours or living in a building where you do not want to disturb your neighbors.
If you practice late at night or practice at home where family members are always busy or you don’t want to disturb your neighbors, then choose a digital piano or a classic piano with Silent mode. Digital pianos come with volume keys and headphone outputs so you can practice smoothly and be the only audience in your workouts. With the Silent option, you can pair the classic piano with your headphones and can practice at any time.

Third option – a hybrid piano
A hybrid piano is a relatively new member of the piano family. It is basically a combination of classic and digital piano. It has a classic piano mechanism, but can emit sounds when activated. The Hybrid Piano seems like the best of both worlds – the desired acoustic and digital piano features are all in one piano. Some examples of hybrid pianos are the Yamaha NU1 Piano and the Kawai AnyTime Piano.
But a hybrid piano is not always the number one choice, as it’s a little more expensive than an acoustic piano.

→ Why buy a digital piano?
If you need to save money and don’t want to put a heavy burden on your budget with the cost of a piano, a digital piano is a good option.
For students, the digital piano is more portable and you can take it with you.
The digital piano is suitable for pop lovers and has features that match perfectly with pop songs.
If you exercise late at night, you do not want to disturb family members who are already sleeping. Take advantage of digital piano features and play with your headphones on.
For those who would not be into the hobby for a longer time, choose a digital piano.

→ Why buy a classic piano?
Classic pianos are a better long-term investment.
If you practice on the weekends or evenings, you don’t have to worry about disturbing others, so you don’t need to get a digital piano for quieter workouts. Many models of classical pianos also have the option of incorporating Silent mode.
Choose classic piano when the cost is not a main concern. An average digital piano would not be suitable for advanced musicians.
If you spend most of your time at home, carrying and weight of the piano is not a problem
Some music institutions do not allow digital piano to be played for exams, and they do not recommend practicing on digital pianos so be sure to consult your professor before purchasing.

Conclusion
We have compared the key differences between an acoustic and a digital piano, before buying, consider how your personal preferences and habits would affect your choice of piano.
You are now ready to make the final decision. It’s okay to think. But try not to let that decision keep you from your musical path for too long.