PianoSD.com Where music, education, and the arts come togerther.

Viewing the Latest Entries From Ric's Blog

Happy New Year !!!!!!

Posted January 2nd, 2013 by Ric Overton | No Comments »

Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years is behind us and we are looking forward to a new year.   Most of us look at the New Year as a time of new beginnings and fresh starts, new projects and resolutions.  The same goes for Piano Social Directory and for myself as well.

While I am not in a position for full disclosure I will soon be able to make a special announcement about my personal future.  As for Piano Social Directory, we are about to start a few new projects that we have wanted to start for some time.

We are committed to building relationships and helping connect people  that are interested in locating piano professionals from every aspect.  New  strategies will open up Canada, the U.K. and Europe in the coming months and we will begin to grow our business as we make those additions  to these new territories.

Piano Social Directory has now grown to over 13,000 professionals and we have now referred more than 1,00o people to industry professionals nationwide.  We are certainly not the only directory in the piano industry but we are quickly becoming the most visited.

In December we launched PianoSD+ which allows professionals to pay a small fee every month which will allows the individual to advertise at the top of the list of the individual sections.  So far it has been met with a small amount of success and we know that will eventually grow.

This year we will add e-commerce, video blogs and some other products that will take advantage of modern technology.  As we grow we are going to be exploring new opportunities and hopefully add things that will help promote our site as well as the piano industry as a whole.

I pray that you are also looking at opportunities for your business and if we can do anything to help you, please let us know.

Ric Overton

http://pianosd.com

 

Posted in Guides and Information, News, Uncategorized | Tags: , , | No Comments »

Song I played this past Sunday

Posted December 29th, 2012 by Ric Overton | 1 Comment »

I was asked to play a special in church on Sunday so I asked Rosemary Bailey www.RosemaryBaileyMusic.com to play a soundtrack to Good King Wenceslas and Joy To The World.  Hope you like, please remember this is a live recording.

http://podcasts.blog.pianosd.com/2012/12/28/ricks-christmas-special-on-piano-12.23.12.mp3

Merry Christmas

Ric

Posted in Uncategorized | | 1 Comment »

The Piano Was Not The Original Keyboard (Part 3)

Posted December 11th, 2012 by Ric Overton | No Comments »

The Virginal

 

The Virginal

The Virginal

 

The precursor to the harpsichord came in the 1400’s known as the Virginal or Virginals.  The logic behind the first virginals came in 1460 when a writer described it in a letter from Paulus Paulirinus of Praguein relation to the clavichord.  History books can differ in their opinions or ideas of its origin.

Quite a bit of music was written on a virginal because of its size and ease of transport.  This is a larger model of a virginal.  Some were quite decorative like this one while others were quite simple in their design and much smaller.

The tone quality or the virginal as compared to the clavichord was/is quite different.  While the clavichord struck the strings the virginal was closer in tone to the harpsichord.  Later as people began to want more sound we started making the harpsichord with longer strings and a larger soundboard with more depth of sound.

The virginal was identical to the harpsichord in the way it was made with the plucking of the strings rather than the clavichord mechanism which struck the strings like the piano.

A Smaller Virginal

A Smaller Virginal

The virginal was very popular during the early Baroque period although like the clavichord and by a large part the harpsichord the tone was to light to be heard with the other instruments and even more difficult in larger public performances.

If you do a quick search on the virginal you will quickly see many different variations of this cool instrument.  It is difficult to imagine that once this was cutting edge technology and this was a privilege to own.  The tone quality of this instrument was among the best available in a keyboard instrument at this point in the 1400′s.

 

Art in a VirginalArt in a Virginal

However, music for the virginal and the clavichord would be written for many years to come BECAUSE of the tone.  You may also note that many, MANY works of art show a young lady sitting in front of an instrument that most people assume is a harpsichord or clavichord but, as it turns out is actually a virginal.

Ric Overton

http://PianoSD.com

Posted in Guides and Information, Piano Makers, Ric Overton, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , | No Comments »

The Piano Was Not The Original Keyboard (Part 2)

Posted December 4th, 2012 by Ric Overton | No Comments »

Although keyboard instruments as we commonly know them today has gone through many changes the idea on the whole was originally created in 1361.  In 1361 there were essentially no flats or sharps as we know them today.  Over the period of the next 300 – 400 years (yes, that is an accurate number) we had gone through a number of changes that brought us to the “newest” scale and was finally publicly and famously endorsed by Bach.

Bach The Well Tempered Clavier

Bach The Well Tempered Clavier

In 1722 J.S. Bach penned The Well Tempered Clavier which was arguably one of the most famous works of all time. He repeated this work in 1742 and underscored the original endorsement of the idea of equal temperament in keyboards.

More information on The Well Tempered Clavier can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Well-Tempered_Clavier in the Wikipedia website.

While we have little information of the first pianos to be created the Medici Family indicates that pianos in their pseudo present day form was in existence as early as 1700 and potentially as far back as 1698, however, the only pianos that we have in existence today date back to 1720.

The point is that the whole idea of the modern day piano would date back to the early 1700’s.  In the beginning the present day piano is closest related to the Clavichord.

The Clavichord

The Clavichord

The Clavichord

Most people agree that the clavichord was invented sometime in the early 1400’s.  Then as early as 1502 and later in 1504 there is some mention of the Clavichord being used in public performances in both England and Germany. In 1460 however, in a descriptive letter of the virginal which was also believed to have been invented in the early 1400’s and there is some reference to the clavichord as well as virginal.

The clavichord has various “editions” which differ in sense of temperament and design.  Some clavichords are “fretted” instruments while others were “unfretted” which would help determine the technique used while playing as well as the music that could be used as well.

The Virginal

The differences in the virginal and clavichord will be discussed in later posts as well as the harpsichord and piano.  So you can see some quick pictures of the virginal and clavichord, I posted a couple here.

The Virginal

The Virginal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The differences are not really noticeable at first glance but there are some significant differences between these two instruments.  We will get much more acquainted with these early instruments and how they are finding their way back into music  today.

 

Ric Overton

http://PianoSD.com

Posted in Guides and Information, Piano Makers, Ric Overton | Tags: , , , , | No Comments »

Mozart Piano Returns Home

Posted November 9th, 2012 by Ric Overton | No Comments »

This could not have been better planned.  It is amazing to see and potentially emotional.  This piano was the last piano that Mozart owned.  Of course most people do not realize that one of the most prolific composers of all times actually died at a rather early age but left behind a legacy that few would ever be able to overshadow.

The following clip is from ABC news and it briefly describes the return of Mozart’s last piano to his childhood home.  Click on the link below to see the amazing story which is done in three parts.  The commercials are bothersome but, try to be patient.

http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/mozarts-piano-returns-home-applause/story?id=17674906#.UJ1NguTLTOM

What a fascinating story.

Ric Overton

Posted in Music Videos, News, Piano Makers, Uncategorized | | No Comments »

The Piano Was NOT The First Keyboard (part 1)

Posted October 29th, 2012 by Ric Overton | No Comments »

As most of you know, I am 100% a piano fan.   I love the way they look, feel, sound and maybe even smell ( at least when they are new ).  I thought about the fact, however, that I am never looking past the piano.  I never quite get back to the basics of where it all started at least as far as the lineage of the piano is concerned.

There is a very rich history in piano building that spans back to the late 1300′s into the 1400′s and I thought it would be fun to go back and look at the very beginning and see if we can (at least partially) bring it all full circle.

Although keyboard instruments as we commonly know them today have gone through many changes, the idea of a keyboard instrument  was originally created in 1361.  In 1361 there were essentially no flats or sharps as we know them today.  Although there are physically notes on the keyboard with the 5 incidentals they had different notes in the beginning.  Over the period of the next 300 – 400 years ( yes, that is an accurate number ) we have gone through a number of changes that have brought us to the “newest” scale and was finally publicly and famously endorsed by Bach in the early 1700′s.   Much more about that to come in the next parts.

I will be presenting to you in the next few blogs about the history of the piano.  I learned quite a bit myself and hope that you will as well.  It is a little confusing as you move backward to understand the scale designs so, I have tried my best to put the information in my own words and leave out some of the less famous keyboards.

Over the period since the early 1300′s (over 700 years of history) there have been many, many versions of the piano that did not “take” and were unsuccessful for one reason or another.   Some did not stay in tune for long periods of time, some were too awkward to be moved while others simply did not function correctly.

Over the next few posts I will attempt to put the most popular stringed keyboard  instruments in a logical order so you can easily follow the information and pass it along to others.

Please enjoy.

Visit our new affiliate program at http://coolstuffformusicians.com and our gear shop at http://pianosd.spreadshirt.com and of course http://pianosd.com

Ric Overton

Posted in Guides and Information, Piano Makers | Tags: , , , | No Comments »

Chance Meetings – Kindred Spirits

Posted October 13th, 2012 by Ric Overton | No Comments »

I don’t do this very often because it’s too weird when it happens but, occasionally, you meet someone for the very first time and you feel as if you have known them your entire life.  When this happens to me I get caught up in the moment and don’t realize what is unfolding right before  my very eyes.

Yesterday was one of those days.  The first lady that I met was one of those very kind customers that come in from time to time to simply ask a question about digital pianos and perhaps see a model or two to decide if its time to upgrade or not.  After she described the instrument that she presently owns and inquire about some models that she had seen online we both came to the conclusion that I most likely was not going to be able to help her with anything more than personal opinions.  I gave her some suggestions and we had the chance to talk and get to know each other a little and just before she left I asked her if she would play something for me.

PLEASANT SURPRISE

In my mind I had prepared for some simple arrangements of Misty, Ode to Joy or some 1st or 2nd year student recital pieces.  ( Yes, BTW, I know how arrogant that sounded.  It was not intended that way but, that is the norm when you work in a piano store.)  When she sat down and played the very first note I was so taken back by what I heard that I stopped what I was doing and sat down.  By the third measure of the Chopin piece she was playing I realized that this was not your average digital piano customer.

When I complimented her on her playing and how surprised I was I don’t think she realized just how serious I was being with her.  I mentioned that Rachmaninoff was my favorite composer and as you might guess she turned and played (from memory) his Prelude in C sharp minor.  I was absolutely blown away.  I could have listened all day even though we both had work to get back to.

As we were saying goodbye and exchanging business cards I told her that she MUST share her music with the people around her and she told me to visit YouTube and there I would find a few of her songs.  I took her advise and now I am going to share that link with you so you can be as blessed as I was yesterday.  Her name is Jane Fleming and here is her YouTube page.  I know you will enjoy.  Click the image below for Jane’s Music.

Jane Fleming YouTube page

Click here for Janes Music

 

 

 

 

 

 

DOUBLE BLESSING

As I said that this exact same thing happened to me twice yesterday.  The second lady I met was a piano teacher from Orange County.  We had such a delightful conversation and I immediately realized that she was as equally passionate about the piano as I am.    It makes me so happy to meet people from all walks of life that love pianos.

As Piano Social Directory continues to grow I hope some of you will take the time to email me about your experiences and stories that I can use in my blogs and things we can talk about that will be of benefit to others that share our passion.

Take a look at Cool Stuff for Musicians and the PianoSD Gear Shop when you have a chance.  Pull out your credit card and spend some money.  HaHa.

See you soon.

Ric Overton

PianoSocialDirectory

Posted in Music Videos, News, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , | No Comments »

We Have a New Affiliate

Posted September 29th, 2012 by Ric Overton | No Comments »

Piano Social Directory is excited to announce we have a new affiliate.  Cool Stuff For Musicians is a really cool (pardon that I just said that twice) website that has things that most people don’t know are available.  The folks at Estey Piano have pulled it all together now to make some of those things available.  I have no doubt that as the website and the business grows you will see more items available and more stuff that you won’t be able to live without.

Check it out here:

Cool Stuff For Musicians

Click Here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Find some things that you MUST have and order today.  Remember the holidays are coming.

Thanks for your support.

Ric Overton

 

Posted in Guides and Information, News, Partners, Ric Overton | Tags: , | No Comments »

Special Announcement from Pearl River Piano Company

Posted September 21st, 2012 by Ric Overton | No Comments »

Several years ago when I worked for Baldwin Piano Company I learned a lot about the various ways that other companies used to market their pianos and how they used their leverages to sell their products.  That’s when I first began to compete with Pearl River Pianos.  At that time, which was about 8 or 10 years ago, I began to see their products on the floor of dealerships more and more and I realized that they really were a force to be reckoned with.

Pearl River Piano and Rittmuller Piano

Pearl River Piano and Rittmuller Piano

Of course, we would use the fact that our pianos were made in America and try to encourage people to look at Baldwin Pianos rather than Pearl River Pianos, obviously because we wanted to make the sale rather than our competitor.  It wasn’t until the NAMM show of 2007 that I learned first hand that this is truly a piano to pay attention to.

As a Baldwin only dealership at the time, I hired two professional piano technicians to review the  Pearl River Piano for me.  I wanted an unbiased opinion on this product before I agreed to carry it in my store in San Diego.  They both independent of each other came back to me with almost exactly the same results.  In every category Pearl River Pianos outperformed  our expectations.  The deal was sealed and I became a Pearl River Piano dealer even to the point of selling out Baldwin and replacing them with Pearl River.

 

Pearl River and Ritmuller Pianos

In 2009 I had the opportunity to review their Rittmuller Piano which is a hybrid of European parts and Chinese manufacturing.  What I learned from this experience changed my opinion permanently.  The Rittmuller piano is an incredible  piano and again outperforms my expectations as well.

Music Trades magazine

Music Trades magazine

 

With all of that being said, this morning I received a note that really sealed my belief in Pear River Pianos.  In todays Music Trades magazine there was an a news brief outlining Pearl River’s  IPO in China.  Unlike Facebook, the stocks on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange sold over 48 million shares which raised more than $103,000,000.00 (yes that’s 103 Million with an M).  Quite impressive and another statement that underlines my belief in Pearl River.  I think that in the coming months we will see many great things from Pearl River and I for one am looking forward to it.

If  you have the opportunity to play, demonstrate or review a Pearl River Piano or Rittmuller Piano, trust me and take the time to do it.  Sure the name on the front does not start with a “Y” or and “S” but, I have no doubt that you will like the tone, texture and touch of this piano.

 

Ritmuller Piano

Ritmuller Piano

My hat is off to Pearl River Piano Group for a successful IPO and my best wishes to their continued success.

When you have a chance drop by http://PianoSD.com and see what’s new.  Also, check out the Gear Shop and find something for yourself.

Ric Overton

 

Posted in News, Piano Makers, Ric Overton | Tags: , , , , | No Comments »

Wolfgang Forster of August Forster Pianos 5/6/33 – 6/30/12

Posted July 28th, 2012 by Ric Overton | No Comments »

Today, I want to celebrate the company and heritage of one of the most famous names in the world of fine pianos.  Wolfgang Forster.  Wolfgang passed away on June 30, 2012.

May 6, 1933 Wolfgang Forster was born into a very famous and important family inLobau,Germany which is located in East Germany moments away from Poland to the East and Czech Republic to the South.  The piano company that he owned and operated with his daughter Annekatrin, this fourth generation piano company is among the most prestigious names in the piano industry today.

Before you read the story below you might find interesting:

August Forster Story

History of August Forster Pianos

 

Friedrich August Forster  was Continue reading “Wolfgang Forster of August Forster Pianos 5/6/33 — 6/30/12” »

Posted in News, Piano Makers, Ric Overton | Tags: , , , , , , | No Comments »

« Older Entries

Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.

Get Adobe Flash player