VIDEO: A Classical Life: Showroom Conversation with Musician and Host Zsolt Bognár
“It was that moment that I said this is what I want to do.”
“Pianist, host, and author Zsolt Bognár holds a meteoric, multi-dimensional career that re-defines what it means to be a musician in the 21st century. Known to many around the globe in musical and cultural circles, Mr. Bognár is host of the award-winning film series Living the Classical Life. As concert pianist, he frequently gives inspiring performances in North America, Europe, and Asia.” Here at Chupp’s Piano Service, we know Zsolt as both a client and as a friend. We are greatly honored to have sat down with him to discuss his start in music, what has inspired him along his journey, and the themes that he has found interwoven between musicians and their art.…
IN THE NEWS: Chupp’s Pianos provides Steinway Concert Grand to the Cornell Arts and Entertainment Complex in Joplin, MO.
The Joplin Globe Highlights the Piano Restoration Work of Chupp’s Piano Service, Inc.
In 1950, the Cheyenne Civic Music Association purchased Steinway & Sons Model D #329504. Serving as the primary concert instrument of the Cheyenne Civic Center, the piano eventually grew to need a full restoration. Due to time-sensitive demands, the association contacted Chupp’s Piano Service and traded in #329504 toward the purchase of another vintage instrument. Our team of piano technicians and restoration experts completed an extensive, painstaking restoration of this New York built concert grand- and this historic piano is now prepared to serve its intended purpose once again – this time at the Cornell Arts and Entertainment Complex in Joplin, MO.…
What’s the Difference Between an Upright or Grand Piano & Other Frequently Asked Questions
Is there really a big difference in performance between the design of an upright or grand piano? The short answer is, yes! When Bartolomeo Cristofori developed the first pianoforte, his design was most similar to the harpsichords of his day. This saw the instrument laid out in a horizontal (or grand) fashion. It could be said that the grand piano is the default design for the instrument. Beyond the differences in aesthetics, there are several key areas in which the vertical and horizontal designs separate.
“I very much appreciated their ‘no pressure’ approach” – Pianist Selects Steinway Model B from Chupp’s Piano Service
Testimonial - "Dennis and Tim are honest, open, and meticulous professionals, and I'll certainly consider them for any future pianos needs."
Working with customers and helping them select the piano that is right for them is always one of the most exciting parts of a workday! We were recently fortunate enough to work with John and help him select a Steinway & Sons Model B for his personal use. We always strive to provide our clients with as much time as they need in our showroom in order for them to make an informed decision on their piano preferences. He was kind enough to send in a testimonial letter about the piano and his experience working with Chupp's Piano Service. We wish him many happy years of musical enjoyment!
When History is Played Personal – A Few Things to Consider When Restoring The Family Piano
Much has changed since Bartolomeo Cristofori's invention, known today as the piano, first rang out its first notes. Well over 300 history-filled years have passed since then. However, one thing has not. The power of music has brought families together over, and over again. The piano has found its way into the center of the musical world, not just professionally, but in the personal lives of countless throughout the world. Eight-eight (on average) keys. An unlimited number of memories. It is no wonder that many have begun to consider what will become of their family's heirloom piano. In this article, we wish to present realistic options regarding the repair/restoration of the family piano.
Producing Music | Chupp’s Pianos supplies Grand Piano for Album Launch Concert at The Goshen Theater
Local musician Abbie Thomas of Goshen required the use of a piano for her debut album launch concert. Held on June 12th at the historic Goshen Theater, this event promoted her album and kicked off her tour schedule. Our logistics team arranged for and executed the delivery of a fine Kawai Grand Piano for use during the concert. Chupp's Piano Service is pleased to partner with and support local artists in the creation of wonderful music! Below are a few photos showing the delivery of the piano to the beautiful venue.
LIVE from the Showroom – “Seven Nation Army” // Live Cover @Chupp’s Piano Service, Inc.// Abbie Thomas // The White Stripes
"I'm beyond thrilled to have partnered with @Chupp's Piano Service, Inc. to kick off my live performance "location series" with a cover of "Seven Nation Army" by @The White Stripes. Two of my favorite musician friends to play with joined in, too! Johnny Smith played the Djembe (and handled our sound recording!), and Cameron Tomasbi on electric guitar.
This is part 1 of a series of 3 that we filmed at Chupp's Showroom. The next two videos will be original songs from my upcoming album, "Who I Am", that debuts on June 11, 2021. Subscribe to my channel if you would like to check out parts 2 & 3. To learn more about the upcoming album, head to my website, www.abbiethomasmusic.com.
Chupp's Piano Service has been taking care of my 5'3" Pramberger for many years. I'm beyond thankful they were excited to be part of this project! They provided a restored 1928 Steinway for this video series, and I've never played a more beautiful instrument (or even feel worthy to play it!)" - Abbie Thomas
“We are enjoying our new piano every day.” – Family Purchases Steinway Model B from Chupp’s Piano Service
Testimonial - "Being able to play such a wide variety of examples (5) of the specific model we preferred to purchase gave us additional confidence in our decision."
Working with customers and helping them select the piano that is right for them is always one of the most exciting parts of a workday! This family was seeking to purchase a Steinway & Sons Model B for their son. Our team worked with the family in selecting a Model B out of a broad selection of instruments that varied in age and characteristics. They were kind enough to send in a testimonial about the piano and their experience working with Chupp's Piano Service. We wish them many happy years of musical enjoyment!
“Everything was just as described – the regulation, the pristine quality of all parts, the finish of the exterior.” – Chupp’s Pianos Testimonial
Testimonial - "I never anticipated that I would actually purchase a grand piano without having played it in person first."
We are always excited to assist our customers in finding the piano that fits their wants and needs the best. Often, this includes the selection of a piano by a client who lives well outside of our local region. The team here at Chupp's Pianos was recently fortunate enough to be able to provide a beautiful Steinway & Sons Grand Piano to one of these national customers. We worked with them via email, phone, and video call to ensure they received an instrument that met their expectations. Our network of expert piano delivery specialists allows us to deliver across the entire country - and even overseas! They were kind enough to send in a testimonial about the piano and their experience working with Chupp's Piano Service. We wish them many years of musical enjoyment!
Testimonial: “It is my dream piano come true.”
"The fit and finish of the case makes the 80 year old piano look like it was freshly minted from the factory..."
In the business of restoring and selling pianos, recommendations and reviews from our friends and clients is always a great encouragement. One of the things that we assist with quite often, is the selection of a piano by a client who lives well outside of our local Northern Indiana region. The team here at Chupp's Piano Service was recently able to provide a beautiful Steinway & Sons Grand Piano to one of these customers. We worked with Randall via email and phone to ensure they received an instrument that met their expectations. Our network of expert piano delivery specialists allows us to deliver across the entire country - and even overseas! Randall was kind enough to send in a letter about the piano and his experience working with Chupp's Pianos.Set A Virtual Piano Selection Appointment! – Chupp’s Piano Service Showroom
FIND YOUR DREAM PIANO – FROM YOUR COUCH!
During this unprecedented time, we are still able to assist you in your search for your dream piano! Via phone, Facetime, Skype or email, a member of the Chupp’s Pianos team can take you on a virtual journey through our showroom selection of premium rebuilt Steinway & Sons and new Kawai pianos. Interested? Call us at 888-831-5820 or connect with us via our contact form below.…
“Chupp’s (Pianos) offers a winning value proposition that few can match.” – Testimonial
Testimonial - Long-Distance Client Finds Their Dream Steinway
One of the things that we assist with quite often, is the selection of a piano by a client who lives well outside of our local region. The team here at Chupp's Pianos was recently fortunate enough to be able to provide a beautiful Steinway & Sons Model B Grand Piano to one of these customers. We worked with them via email and phone to ensure they received an instrument that met their expectations. Our network of expert piano delivery specialists allows us to deliver across the entire country - and even overseas! They were kind enough to send in a testimonial about the piano and their experience working with Chupp's Piano Service.
North Carolina Family Purchases Grand Piano from Chupp’s Piano Service – Testimonial
North Carolina Family on their Chupp's Pianos Kawai Grand
We were recently fortunate enough to be able to provide a beautiful Kawai Grand Piano to a family in North Carolina. They were kind enough to send in a testimonial about the piano and their experience working with Chupp's Piano Service. It is always a joy to be able to help pair up a 'perfect piano' to a new home!If you haven’t watched Chupp’s video, “The Garage Piano,” I encourage you to do so. This video showed me Mr. Chupp’s integrity and the heart of this family business, and I immediately knew that I wanted them to rebuild my circa 1891 grand piano. I contacted them right away via their website. Tim Chupp called me back, and we discussed the rebuilding process and the costs involved.
A Political Note… Steinway Pianos in the White House
White House Steinways - Since 1903
1600 Pennsylvania Ave in Washington, D.C. The home of the President of the United States... and multiple pianos? Like other countries, music is rooted in American history, so it is no wonder that pianos of various makers have found their way into one of the world's most well known political residences. Since 1903, the showpiece grand piano in the White House has been a Steinway Model D. Read on for more!The Current Piano - Steinway #300000
Steinway & Sons recognized the honor, prestige, and yes, marketing value that came with having their instrument reside in the home of the President of the United States. The most well-known piano in the White House is a 1938 Steinway & Sons Art Case Model D Concert Grand #300000 veneered in mahogany. Resting on legs resembling American Bald Eagles, this piano features motifs depicting traditional American music.
Why Are My Piano Keys Sticking & Other Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my piano keys sticking? Can I move my piano myself? Why is refinishing my piano so expensive? In today’s blog post, we cover a few of the piano-related questions we receive here at Chupp’s Piano Service.
Why Are My Piano Keys Sticking?
Behind each ivory, ebony or plastic topped key stick resides almost every moving part in a piano. All of these moving parts creates the potential for annoying sticking and binding, causing notes not to function. There are a number of reasons this may occur and can usually be quickly diagnosed by a qualified piano technician. Here are a few of the most common reasons.
- Debris. The gaps between the keysticks allow for small debris to fall between them. Over time, this can cause keys to bind together. Each key pivots on metal pins. If the rail pins become dirty or filled with debris, this can cause keys to feel sluggish. With a grand piano, pencils and similar items can often fall between strings and into the piano's action. (This author has dealt with that a time or two on his personal piano...) The fix for this usually involves removing the action stack or keys to get to the issue, removing any junk and thoroughly cleaning the action. If possible, keep small items stored away from where they could accidentally fall into the piano's action cavity or between the key sticks.
- Humidity swings can cause wooden key sticks and action parts to expand and shrink, causing parts to bind. We highly recommend that you take steps to control the humidity levels within and around your piano. The best way to do so is to invest in either a whole room or whole house humidification control system. As a nice side benefit, this will also greatly increase the comfort level of your home. We also recommend the consideration of a Dampp Chaser Piano Life Saver System installed directly onto the piano. The combination of these steps will ensure that you receive the longest service and most enjoyment out of your musical instrument.
- Broken parts. There is a chance there may be broken action parts which are keeping your piano from functioning. Lost screws, flattened knuckles, broken wippens. These are just a few of the issues that may be causing your piano keys to jam or not return properly. Again, this would be an issue for your piano technician to diagnose and repair.