Grotrian Piano

The Grotrian Piano company has been renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, and exquisite tonal quality for over 180 years. Grotrian offers a unique combination of tradition, and innovation, that sets them apart in the world of fine European pianos.

What makes Grotrian pianos stand out?

One of the key factors that makes Grotrian pianos exceptional is their unparalleled craftsmanship and design. Each piano is meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans, ensuring that every detail is perfected to achieve the highest level of quality. This dedication to craftsmanship results in pianos that are beautiful to look at but also a joy to play.

Furthermore, Grotrian pianos are celebrated for their exquisite tonal quality. The company’s commitment to producing the finest sound has earned them a reputation for creating pianos that deliver a rich musical experience.

In addition to their craftsmanship and tonal quality, Grotrian pianos also stand out for their innovative technology integration. The company continuously explores advancements in piano design and cutting-edge technology to enhance the overall performance of their instruments.

Where can I purchase a Grotrian piano?

If you are considering purchasing a Grotrian piano, there are several options available to you. Authorized dealers and showrooms such as R. Kassman Piano in Berkeley, CA are ideal places to explore and experience the range of Grotrian pianos in person. Here, you can receive expert guidance from Ric Overton who can assist you in finding the perfect piano for you.

Are Grotrian pianos worth the investment?

Investing in a Grotrian piano offers long-term value. These pianos are built to last for generations, making them a cherished heirloom that can be passed down. Their enduring quality and timeless appeal ensure that they hold their value over time.

When considering the value of Grotrian pianos, it is essential to compare them with other fine European pianos. Grotrian stands out as a premier choice among connoisseurs and musicians alike. With a reputation for excellence that is upheld by numerous testimonials and reviews from satisfied customers and renowned artists.

What are the unique features of Grotrian pianos?

Grotrian pianos offer a range of unique features that set them apart from other instruments. One of these features is the ability for customization. Customers have the opportunity to tailor certain aspects of the piano to their preferences, allowing for a bespoke musical experience.

Moreover, Grotrian pianos are crafted using premium materials, ensuring that each instrument meets the highest standards of quality and durability. This meticulous attention to materials results in pianos that not only look stunning but also perform at the highest level for years to come.

Additionally, Grotrian pianos boast exclusive design elements that contribute to their distinctive aesthetic appeal and innovative functionality, further enhancing the overall musical experience for players and listeners alike.

How does the Grotrian piano compare to other high-end pianos?

When comparing Grotrian pianos to other high-end instruments, it’s important to consider other renowned brands such as Estonia and Steingraeber along with Wilh. Steinberg. While these manufacturers produce exceptional pianos in their own right, Grotrian offers unique advantages and benefits that set them apart.

Comparison with other Fine European Pianos underscores Grotrian’s commitment to innovation, precision, and artistry, qualities that contribute to their exceptional reputation and desirability among discerning musicians and collectors. The advantages of choosing a Grotrian piano extend beyond its superior craftsmanship and tonal quality, offering an unmatched musical experience that resonates with the most seasoned performers and aficionados of fine pianos.

R. Kassman Piano

R. Kassman Piano has been happy to provide Grotrian Piano for many years. Ric Overton is more confident than ever in the Grotrian brand. This is one of the reasons that some people consider R. Kassman Piano to be the best piano store in the bay area.

Ric Overton

This article is about finding a piano in San Francisco. I recently wrote a blog at R. Kassman Piano about how to find a piano on sale. It is a simple little article about how simple it is to find a piano that is on sale.

In the article I explain my long career in the piano industry and how R. Kassman Piano is my latest destination. I hope that this article will explain to you how I feel this is the best piano store in the bay area and how dealing with Ric Overton will be simple and easy.

It is paramount that you find the piano that is right for you and I hope to be part of your journey. Finding a piano in San Francisco is not difficult if you deal with us. Feel free to drop in at R. Kassman Piano and say hello. I want to show you why we feel this is the best piano store in the bay area. I will be happy to meet you.

R. Kassman has always had a reputation of selling the very best piano for the very best price. 40 years later that tradition continues. This is whole idea behind what we do. I strive to find really good pianos at the very best possible price and that is what we sell.

Even though we are known for fine European pianos, we also have many more affordable pianos available that are fully serviced, covered by a warranty and ready for you to enjoy in your home.

Feel free to click on our link and look around and you will see some of our offerings. I know you can find the piano of your dreams. I will be happy to help you.

Thank you for reading

Ric Overton

Finding A Piano On Sale

Finding a piano on sale is not difficult. Trying to Find the right piano for YOU might be a different thing.

Interestingly, When you look around on the internet you find all types of sales. Some offer you savings by using “a year free financing”, “up to 70% off, and the list goes on. These sales are misleading or simply false.

Let’s go about sales in a different way. Find the piano that is right for you. Find the right price for you that makes you (the customer) feel comfortable with it. Of course, this is not the norm for the way it’s supposed to work, BUT, it seems to work just fine for me.

Consequently, In the past 40 years, R. Kassman has never been noted to be the “low price leader”. What has always been the norm for R. Kassman is finding the right piano for each customer and then the price comes next. However, Who cares how much it is if you don’t like it? It matters that you are happy with the right piano for you.

Ric Overton has been the catalyst for much of what we are talking about here. I believe that the most important person is the customer and then the piano and next the price. Not visa versa.

For over 40 years R. Kassman has been known as a Fine European Piano Store and that legacy remains the same.

I look forward to serving you at the best piano store in the bay area.

Ric Overton

Ric Overton

Happening Now In The Piano Business? It has been some time since I last posted here but I am planning new things so hopefully, I will see you again soon.

R. Kassman Piano

First let me start with the biggest change. In August of 2019 I purchased

R. Kassman Piano in Berkeley, CA. It was a major change for me that I would go back into the piano business as an owner but we found a way to make it happen and moved to the Bay Area in 2019.

Obviously, the pandemic happened not long after we arrived here. It has been challenging to stay afloat but we have managed to stay in business and doing okay.

Fine European Pianos

The cool thing about the change was that R. Kassman Piano has been known as the best piano store in the bay area for many years. A lot of that has been because R. Kassman Piano has always carried more luxury pianos along with Baldwin Piano and Ritmuller Piano which are a little more affordable.

The biggest names in the industry are Steingraeber, Estonia, Grotrian along with Schulze Pollman and Wilh Steinberg are among the names I carry in the store (more about them later). I also have more affordable lines like Baldwin, Ritmuller and some others from time to time.

Happening Now In The Piano Business

The world of pianos has stayed the same, while everything has changes. What I mean is that the business is basically the same, the pianos are basically the same BUT, the business itself has made a dramatic shift. Distribution has changed dramatically and the situation surrounding the industry has begun to retract in some ways.

China has made some drastic changes in the way they handle music education and this has slowed our availability some. We are watching carefully some of the policy changes that have been made and some initiatives that are altering the way the country is viewing extracurricular activities.

I will keep you updated as we move through these difficult times.

Thank you for your patience and we look forward to new things coming down the pike.

Merry Christmas to you all and let’s see what the New Year brings.

Ric Overton

Ric Overton

Here is a blog that I wrote more than 4 years ago and apparently, I have never changed my thoughts about How To Buy Your New Piano.

Take a look at the similarities of something that I wrote more than 4 years ago and what my thoughts are today.

The question is: What piano do I buy? How much should I spend? Which piano is right for me? What is the most important feature? Grand or Upright, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, U.S., European, OMG !!!! There is so much to know.

There Is An Answer

New or Used

The answer is: Yes! Buy a piano! Now let’s figure out which one is the best one for you. Now the next question is: What’s the right piano for you? The answer to that question is a “little” more complicated.

Of course, There are so many name brands in every price range imaginable. You can buy new or used. The biggest question starts with: What can I afford? Once you get to this point you can begin the next steps.

If you are like most people you have no idea how much pianos even are. You have no idea how much a new piano might be. The answer is very simple. You can find them free on some websites and you can mortgage your home to buy one.

Alright Already – How Much is buying your new piano going to be

A decent used upright piano might be as low as $1,500.00. From that price range you begin to add value for things like, the condition of the piano, the age of the piano, the brand name will have an effect as well.

To give you an example: I live in Los Angeles, CA. The market here is very competitive which is good for the consumer. So, a local piano dealer presently has a nice spinet for $795.00. And, from $795.00 the next step is $1,495.00 which is for an older American Case Style piano but is a console. But, the prices then go to $2,495.00 which is for a nice shiny mahogany piano from the mid 1980s.

However, Any of these pianos would make a nice piano for a beginner. However, if the player is a little more advanced, it may not be the best solution.

The more you are able to devote the more features and benefits you will be able to enjoy. So this is where I would start.

This is How To Buy Your New Piano

Test Out Your Local Dealers. Ask in Person. How to buy your new piano.

I put very little value in Social Media posts from people as a whole. I find that often times the “reviews of XYZ company” are misleading. The best way to investigate a dealer is to visit them. You will know usually within a few moments what type of people you are dealing with.

Most dealers will have a decent amount of inventory in all price ranges. Most of the them will have both new and used. If you have no starting point or reference point I would suggest starting there.

Start Here

Start by looking at the selection of inventory and asking questions. Notice how much the sales person is trying to help you by asking questions about you and what your application is. Be very detailed about what you have in mind (if you do) and if you have someone who is playing or starting to learn.

Additionally, Be sure to discuss where you are planning to place your instrument, who is going to play it, what there experience level is, where in the room will the piano be placed, delivery instructions (stairs, steps, turns,etc). Additionally I would take the time to decide what your dollar will buy.

Often times when looking at pianos people will forget everything and get caught up in the moment. You will be surprised at how affordable you can make a piano purchase by using financing and other terms that may be available through a piano dealer.

Going To A Small Piano Dealer

Don’t discount the small dealer. How to buy your new piano can be simple. You can often find really good pianos at very good values at small dealers. Listen carefully to their guarantees and what they are offering to you besides a nice piano. For example, do they tune your piano after delivery, do they provide additional warranties, do they offer money back guarantees or price matches, etc.

However, The best advise I can give you is to seriously stop and consider your personal application and then start the next questions. Here’s an example of some of the questions I think you should be asking yourself.

Good Questions To Ask

1. Who is playing the piano? If its your 6 yr. old that has never played before then you might consider a digital piano that is less expensive and can be traded in for a nicer instrument in the future (depending, of course, on the dealer you are doing business with). Check on the trade in policy of your dealer. If you are not buying from a piano dealer – reconsider your decision – consider a local dealer first.
2. Where is it going? If you don’t have room for a grand piano you will have to consider an upright. Is it going under a window, if so, how low does the window go? Are there any special needs in that particular area? Is there a door in the way? What type of floor is the piano going to sit on? Carpet will deaden the sound a little while tile and wood will carry the sound. Is it going in front of a glass wall? If so, you should stay away from wood tones because the light will fade the wood of any furniture. Is there direct sunlight? Direct sunlight will not only fade out wood but could also dry out the soundboard and cause it to crack. Is it going in front of a window or vent where the humidity will constantly affect the tuning and possibly the wood.

Additional Questions You may Consider

1. What are your expectations? Do you want a musical instrument or do you want a pretty piece of furniture?
2. How long do you expect to own the piano? Are you investing in something that you intend to be a fixture in your home? Do you just need something to fill up a space? Are you trying to find a certain “look” in your home or are you going to use it on a regular basis?
3. How about a player system? Player pianos are really nice. You push the “PLAY” button and it plays. You can watch the keys go up and down and listen. There is also ALWAYS that one person who wants to pretend they are playing or pretend its a ghost.
4. What can you afford? Now you know that prices for a decent USED upright will start around $2,000.00 and go up from there. New upright pianos will start around $3,000 and go up from there. Used grands will start around $5,000 and new grands will start around $8,000. The level of quality and age will determine the price.

I Understand How Difficult It Can Be

Obviously, I know its hard to know exactly what to buy when you have no idea what you are doing. My biggest suggestion is ” You should find a dealer that you feel comfortable with”. Trust your dealer and listen closely to the things they tell you. Verify with a technician that you trust.

If you feel as if you just can’t afford or do not want to visit a local dealer (a decision that I personally disagree with) then you really need to find a qualified technician or tuner that will help you.

How to buy your new piano. Here is more information that will help you.

Generally speaking, the tuner/tech is going to charge you a fee. That fee can range from free to a couple of hundred dollars. If you are spending several thousand dollars then a couple of hundred wont hurt additionally, the comfort in knowing that you have made a good purchase is worth the additional fee.

Technicians

The tuner/tech should be a certified technician from the Piano Technicians Guild. You can find a piano tech at http://www.pianosd.com or www.PTG.org The tech will already know what to look for. They will spend time looking at the strings, soundboard, plate and action.

Consequently, The strings should appear new and shiny. The soundboard should not show any signs of stress, no compression ridges or splits or separation. The plate should not show any cracks and finally, the action should be playable and smooth. All of the keys should play comfortably.

One of the most important if not THE most important is that you need to feel good about your purchase, feel good about the piano, feel good about the people you are buying your piano from. If at anytime during the sales process you don’t feel good OR you feel pressured, make up your mind to simply walk away.

Visit R. Kassman Piano in Berkeley. We feel it is the best piano store in the bay area.

Ric Overton