Hello World......

[kebabselector]

......Just joined up, so thought I'd say hello

Only just started to play, not had any real lessons yet just the lessons on Garageband. Though I reckon real lessons are probably the way to go.

As for 'my piano' it's not real, it's a M-Audio Keystation 49 connected to my Mac Mini using Garageband. And after reading a few posts I might be updating it to something weighted in the near future.

By the way, I'm enjoying it

Regards,

Steve

[kebabselector]

I played with a baby grand* recently, and the difference is shocking! Will have a look at semi-weighted, but not too sure if that's a halfway approach. I do know a friend with an upright piano, so may have a play.

Just playing a few chords at the moment, it doesn't sound too bad. In the 4 weeks or so I've been dabbling it already sounds better than my guitar did.

Anyway, do expect the odd question.

Good to see another brummie feel at home already.


*the grand belonged to a restaurant I was photographing. Was nice though.

[kebabselector]

If I were you Steve, I wouldn't compromise on the issue of weighted keys. After all playing one with weighted keys will help your fingers a lot more.

I was thinking about this.....M-Audio 88 Key semi-weighted

But this might be better.....M-Audio 88-Key Hammer Action Premium Stage Piano

I'm guessing Hammer Action is probably a better weighted option?

Space is an issue for me, so the relatively narrow depth of these keyboards is ideal.

What about reading music, how are you in that department??

I did buy a book - "Learn to Read Music" by Howard Shanet, which arrived from Amazon today. Tomorrow it'll be posted back to Amazon because the print quality is awful. On the music score diagrams the notes are in bold, this makes the unreadable in some sections. So I will search once more for a suitable book, any advice?

Thanks

[kebabselector]

Sorry if I've gone round the Wrekin a bit!!

No problems, I'm open to advice at the moment.

Like many I guess I'm falling into the unknown, do I settle with what I've got and then upgrade and relearn later on a proper keyboard or just buy now. I guess the advice buy cheap buy twice probably is worth considering.

I'm in the city on Monday, so may take a trip down to Fairdeal to have a go.

[kebabselector]

If you could PM those details it would be great.

[kebabselector]

I'm in Yardley, so that's sort of east(ish).

Thanks for the info, by the way.

[kebabselector]

Dave,

I've not noticed that piano shop before (I did visit the Chinese next door once), you taught me something I didn't know!

I do remember Sparkies pianos, odd shop, always looked at it from the bus. He had a sign saying he was a direct descendant of Shakespeare, oh and there was a suit of armour outside!

I did have a look in Fairdeal today, was impressed with the knowledge of the staff. Also had a quick look at weighted keyboards - very nice. Also as a bonus my brother in laws friend works there, so might be able to help me out

[kebabselector]

Not contacted anyone just yet. Still dabbling on the keyboard at the moment. A little indecisive about my next purchase!

[kebabselector]

I'll pay a visit for you. Probably in a few days

[kebabselector]

It's on my way home, but I should finish early tomorrow so will have look. I've not heard of Broadcast before, as they mention Chelmsley Wood I hope they mention Alpine pop.

[kebabselector]

What's Alpine pop? Is it that cheap tasteless stuff that passes for soft drinks that you get five of for a pound in Cheapsave Bargains??

Sort of, it was cheap pop that used to be bought to your door. It probably wasn't much be than tap water with a bit of flavour and fizz.

Epic fail on the piano shop, I forgot about it and went a different way home. Will try tomorrow.

On my piano side I had look at a few digitals today.

I was initially looking at the M-Audio ProKeys 88 (£360), which was a lot of keyboard for the money. I really didn't like the feel of the keyboard though. So that's probably that one off the list.

Next up I tried a Casio CDP200 (£449), which looks nice, plays nice (in my limited capability) and felt right. The Casio PX720 (£549) also looked decent (and again, played and felt good). In between is the Yamaha P85 (£499), which sounds as good and the keyboard again is great, but the silver one in the shop looked too plastic for my liking. Also one thing against the Yamaha was the additional cost for the stand (£80) and the 3 pedals (£50) when compared to the PX720.

I note that Casio also do a PX320 - so may have a look out for that.

/edit Mind you i've read that the casio keyboards are noisy. arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh

[kebabselector]

Here's the Chelmsley Wood song for you, Steve. Incidentally, they're from Kings Heath!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDt0FKg-c4I

Ta, had to laugh at the lyrics. You wouldn't want to wake up for Chelmsley. I hope they've done a song about the number 50 bus!

[kebabselector]

I stopped at the Piano Studio, it still seems to be open. But only on Saturdays between 9-5. Looks to be a small shop with a grand (or baby) and some uprights. Maybe they do lessons from the shop?

[kebabselector]

Saturday you mean?

I should be able to pop down, I don't think she's got anything planned for me yet.

Had another play with Digital Pianos again today. I'll try and checkout a few other music stores (there's a few over by Snowhill station), but I think most of the brum stores concentrate on Guitars. Understandable, afterall we are the home of Black Sabbath.

I've wanted to have a look at the Casio PX-120 or 320 range, but sadly FairDeal nor PMT had them in. The PX-720 seems to have less features than the 320.

I decided that the keyboard noise wasn't a huge issue for me - and the Yamaha P85 keyboard thumped a little too - besides I'll be wearing headphones so I don't wake the kids up.

[kebabselector]

Tried a few around Snowhill, not much luck as they (as I thought) are more Guitar based. Reverb have plenty of Roland pianos (as did PMT), but alas no cheapy stuff for me.

I might just order the one I think is the best (PX-320) as i've found it for 499 including the stand at Gear4music.com. Chances are the keyboard is the same as the PX-720 anyway.

Not for the first time Birmingham disappoints with regards to retail (well the midlands in general).

/edit. checked, the keyboard is the same so I've ordered it

Should be here in April (having to wait for the pedals), time the sell the M-Audio keyboard. I think the RRP has gone up since I bought it. Looking at Ebay prices I should get near enough what I paid for it back.

[kebabselector]

I did have a look at Ebay, as the new one looks a good deal I've ended up getting it. I like the look of Broughton, If I had the room maybe I would get something bigger.

I went for the narrow keyboard as it's going up here......





..... along with a desk, 4 computers, a fair few camera bits and me!

[kebabselector]

Your right, it's an attic. Newish baby boy means I have to vacate bedroom 3, move into the loft and do a fair bit of DIY involving a bathroom suite and a wall.

I'm not a builder, just someone who works in IT who's too tight to spend money on builders/electricians/plumbers. Though I may get a plumber to move the toilet - I don't fancy that job. As for the loft, the framework is all mine but I got my local builder/roofer to stick in the velux and loft ladder.

[kebabselector]

So at least you'll be able to get your new digital piano up there. You may want to take lessons and pass on what you've learnt to Louise or maybe Rachel (I've found your blogspot!)

Not forgetting Callum, I not blogged with his name. He was cooper clone ver2 for a few days until we eventually decided in Callum.

Did you manage to nipp into the piano studio in South Yardley?

I drove in the opposite direct and there was movement, when I came back it was closed. Possibly for lunch?

So it does look like something happens in there.

[kebabselector]

Does Louise play any musical instruments?

None, we both started to learn the guitar together. But in the end she gave up. Rachel has a toy keyboard round my mom and dads which she loves to make noise on. I'll get her started when she's around 6. At 4 she's not got the patience for it (or anything else). I wish I had started 30 years ago Still better late than never.

[markymark]

I was thinking about this.....M-Audio 88 Key semi-weighted

But this might be better.....M-Audio 88-Key Hammer Action Premium Stage Piano

I'm guessing Hammer Action is probably a better weighted option?

Space is an issue for me, so the relatively narrow depth of these keyboards is ideal.

Hi kebabselector and nice to see yet another new member on the forum!

I don't really want to start a discussion on digital pianos on this forum but have you not looked at Yamaha's? M-Audios are basic and right down in the economy range. Fine but only fine for what they are! Some of the Yamaha 'P' range should be alright for space. Again it depends on your budget. If you want some more advice or have any other questions about digital pianos, start a new thread in the Digital Pianos forum and we can discuss it there.

[kebabselector]

I don't really want to start a discussion on digital pianos on this forum but have you not looked at Yamaha's?

I did, I liked the P85. But preferred the Casio in the end. I discounted the Pro Keys 88 after trying the keyboard. It just didn't feel right. Both the Yamaha and Casio felt right and sounded right (to my limited knowledge), but in the end went for cost and availability. The Casio I went for (PX-320) was available with the stand and pedals(3) for £555. Whereas the Yamaha P85 seemed to be out of stock in most places (which probably means it's a good seller) and the accessories seemed harder to find.

Anyway, happy to be here and I hope to learn. Just need to sort out a decent playing area, but as you can see if on it's way!

[kebabselector]

You will be measuring your lounge up and thinking 'is it big enough for a small upright' soon!

If I lived in a detached house maybe. Mind you there's always room at mom and dads.

[markymark]

Hiya Marky, was only thinking about you last night as it's been ages since you've been on. Have you been away?

This week, I just had our local music festival. We had three choirs and three soloists compete in various categories. One choir came first and the other two came second. We also had one second and two joined fourths. It was an okay year but not delighted. Was exhausted by the end of the week.

[kebabselector]

That's pianos for you Steve - they're so addictive!

I'm starting to notice that, I do tend to stay up a little later than I should attempting to play.

I am however no expert when it comes to connecting my piano to this PC, which is a sourse of frustration as I want to upload some of my playing onto the Performance section of this site.

My M-Audio only works with my computer, handy if I wanted to record. Also I can print a music score of what i've played. Handy to compare what I played compared to what I think I played.

I was thinking of selling it once the new Casio comes. But I might keep it. You never know when a spare keyboard might come in handy.

[kebabselector]

Dave,

Possible bad news about The Piano Studio. I noticed a To Let sign above the shop today, letting the ground floor retail unit. So possibly one less store for the great City.

[kebabselector]

It is sad not having a decent Piano shop, though I guess we've probably got a few in the surrounding area.

As for the blues, I've done my 12 year sentence as a season ticket holder. Got bored last year and gave it up. Found other things I can spend £1200 on (£600 season ticket £600 associated pub and transport costs). My mate at work still goes down, despite us being 2nd it's still depressing football.

Talking of the blues, he's me and the legend Martin O'Conner in a charity game last year......


....I'm 5'7" and eat pies

Other legends can be found here

[kebabselector]

Sorry it's taken a while to get back to you

No problems, I guess your a little busy at the moment.

I rather like John Lewis for bathroom equipment, but marriage is about being democratic.

I have no choice when it comes to such stuff, talking of John Lewis it seems most of our house bits tends to come from there. No surprise as Louise works for them (and I tend to buy my Apple Macs from JL as I like the 2 year warranty and the staff discount comes in handy).

[kebabselector]

Found your post, I hope she has recovered.

On the subject of ex piano stores, I remember Beatties in Solihull used to have a musical instrument section. Now they are House of Fraser everything has changed (unless it's moved)

[kebabselector]

I'm sure a compromise can be worked out.

Anyway, my new keyboard should be here on monday. I noticed it's now available for £499 inc stand and pedal board now! I paid £549. Gearformusic have given me a refund for the pedals (£49), which is nice.

I'm on the look out for a stood now, I doubt my office chair is up to the task. Mind I might wait until I've moved into the loft. Starting it on Monday.

[kebabselector]

Is there a direct bus to Shirley?, I know the short way if I'm driving (past the blues training ground).

I need to get round to contacting a teacher, will wait until after the holidays though.

[kebabselector]

Glad it looks easy to get to. The one I may use is a few streets away. So will probably walk it.

[kebabselector]

Who have you found then? Is it Shane?

Initially looked at a lady called Joanne, but it seems Shane's postcode is at the end of my garden.

That may be too close! I could have piano lessons and still access my wireless network if needed.

[Barrie Heaton]

Shame it's Joanne not Joanna! That would be a great name for a teacher of pianoforte, wouldn't it

There's got to be piano teachers all over Birmingham who don't advertise on musicteachers.co.uk, instead they use their local newsagents' window or church magazine even, possibly even word of cakehole.

Or on the UK Piano Page

Barrie

[kebabselector]

Or on the UK Piano Page

Barrie

Noticed the listing here as well, nothing as close as Shane at present. Not too sure which house he's in, I'll investigate (I could call, but that would be too easy).

[kebabselector]

we had our Queen's Jubilee street party down back in 1977

Ah, reminiscing! I am now officially old.

Same here, I pass the location of the Jubilee party most days as my Mom and Dad are still in the same house. Also remember what a fix the fancy dress competition was. The girl that dressed up as the Queen won!

As for the location of the piano teacher, according the pointer on Google Maps (Street view not available on our roads) it's one of these houses.......



I have my suspicions it's either house numbered 1 or 2

(excuse the snowy picture it was all I had in my library)