Buying Guides

Digital Piano

Polyphony on Digital Pianos: How Many Voices Do You Need?

A closer look at real-world polyphony numbers across common use cases, beyond the general explanation.

Digital Piano

Speakers and Simulated String Resonance: Why They Matter

Two features that don't show up in a spec-sheet skim but strongly shape how "real" a digital piano actually sounds.

Digital Piano

Common Wear Points on a Used Digital Piano

A digital piano has no soundboard to worry about - but it has its own specific wear points worth checking.

Digital Piano

Using a Digital Piano as a MIDI Controller With VST Plugins

A used digital piano's weighted keybed can also drive software piano sounds on a computer - here's what's needed.

Digital Piano

Stage Piano vs. Home Digital Piano: What's the Difference?

Two categories that look similar in photos but are built for very different situations.

Upright Piano

Silent Piano Systems Explained

A silent system lets an acoustic piano be practiced silently through headphones - here's how it actually works.

Upright Piano

Is a "Free Piano" From Classifieds Actually Worth It?

"Free to a good home" pianos are everywhere in classifieds - the real cost almost never comes from the piano itself.

Upright Piano

Determining a Piano's Age From Its Serial Number

How to actually find out how old a used upright piano is, instead of taking a seller's word for it.

Upright Piano

Piano Regulation vs. Voicing: What's the Difference?

Two services piano technicians offer that are easy to confuse but affect completely different things.

Grand Piano

Is a Free Grand Piano Actually a Good Deal?

Free or near-free pianos show up constantly in classifieds - the real cost is almost never the piano itself.

Acoustic Guitar

12-String vs. 6-String Acoustic Guitar: Sound, String Tension, Nut Width, Prices and Buying Risks

A 12-string is not just a 6-string with extra strings: octave pairs, a wider neck, roughly 250 lbs of string pull against about 160 lbs and a fussier tuning routine change how it sounds, plays and ages. Includes restringing, relief and action checks and care tips.

Acoustic Guitar

Humidity and Acoustic Guitars: Target Values, Damage, Storage and Used-Buyer Checks

Aim for roughly 45-55 % relative humidity at room temperature (40-60 % is still tolerable). This guide covers the damage on both sides, measuring and calibrating a hygrometer (salt test), using humidifiers, winter and travel, storage and what to ask when buying used.