10 of the Best Yamaha Acoustics for 2017

For decades, the brand Yamaha has been synonymous with music. Yamaha was founded in 1887 in Japan by Torakusu Yamaha. A watchmaker by profession, Yamaha stumbled into the music equipment business after repairing a reed organ in a Japanese hospital. From a company that started out manufacturing reed organs and pianos, Yamaha diversified into other musical instruments including the guitar. Since then, Yamaha has been widely regarded as one of the finest manufacturers of high-quality guitars. Considering its craftsmanship and detail, Yamaha guitar prices are very reasonable.
Yamaha guitars are frequently mentioned among the top acoustic guitars in the market along with Martin, Taylor, Takamine, Fender and Gibson. An acoustic guitar sounds better with age. Its tone, playability, and durability are products of the materials used, the level of engineering and quality assurance procedures. So to be recognized as the best means Yamaha has consistently manufactured high-quality acoustic guitars throughout the years.
Yamaha guitar prices are based on its series. Each guitar series carry unique features from a choice of materials, design and engineering. Here are a few of their popular acoustic and classical models pegged at current Yamaha guitar prices:
1. FG730S

FG730S guitar
It has a dreadnought shaped body with a solid Sitka spruce top. Its back, sides, and fretboard are made of mahogany. Unlike the Gibson Hummingbird, the 730S has a shallower body which lessens the lows but offers warmer mids and highs. Acoustic players find the action on the 730S better than most electrics; there is no buzz from fret #1 to #14 and it is easy to barre chords. The FG730S retails for $475.
2. APX500III

APX500III guitar
This is a single cutaway guitar with a solid Sitka spruce top. Its back, sides, and neck are made of Nato, the fretboard and bridge use mahogany. The APX series features Yamaha’s specially designed X-type bracing to maximize resonance and generate full natural tone. The APX soundhole was designed to favor lower-mid response and an open low end. The APX500III retails for $479.
3. F310

yamaha-acoustic-guitar-f310
The F310 is popularly recommended to beginner guitarists for its playability and affordable price. It is made with a laminated Spruce top and its back and sides use Meranti wood. The neck is made of Nato while the rosewood remains the material of choice for the fretboard. The combination of these exotic woods creates a balanced tone which can be best described as bright. The F310 retails for $229.
4. FG750S

This guitar features a solid Sitka spruce top with Sycamore back and sides. Sycamore is a type of wood that is commonly found in Alaska. Its tone is popularly described as mid-high with a sharp response. It is highly playable with many users amazed at the ease of doing hammer-ons and pull-offs. FG750S players also claim it sounds great for classical music. The FG750S retails for $649.
5. A3R A-Series

A high end and a top quality guitar made of solid Sitka spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides and a mahogany neck. The fretboard and bridge are made of ebony. The body follows the dreadnought design but with a cutaway. Players describe its tone as having deep, rich lows, a warm middle, and a crisp top. The action is set lower than most acoustic guitars which could be a problem when aggressively strumming low chords. The A3R A- Series retails for $1,299.
6. LJ16

LJ16 guitar
Players of the LJ16 love its powerful tone. It is made of solid Engleman Spruce top with solid mahogany back and sides. The LJ16 features a mahogany and padauk 3-ply neck and a medium jumbo body. Some reviews of this guitar are more favorable than its more expensive competitors from Taylor and Takamine. The LJ16 retails for $1,099.
7. CG122MC

CG122MC
Many recommend the CG122MC for entry level classical guitar players because of its playability and friendly price. The top is made of solid American cedar wood with nato back, sides, and neck. Rosewood rounds out the fretboard and neck. Jazz and classical players love the higher action of the CG122MC which helps dampen string noise. The CG122MC retails for $359.
8. CPX1000 guitar

Guitar players often draw comparisons between the CPX1000 and its counterpart at Taylor but this guitar costs much less! It has a solid Sitka spruce top and nato on its back, sides, and neck. The fretboard and neck are made of rosewood. Its tone is often described as bright and clear and presents nice, natural sustain. The CPX1000 comes with active electronics, the latest System 63 SRT with low, mid and high equalizers. The CPX1000 retails for $1,125.
9. C70

yamaha-C-series-guitar
If you want a value for money classical guitar, the C70 is for you. It has a laminated top and Meranti for its back and sides. Unlike most Yamaha classical and acoustic guitars which have 20 frets, the C70 only has 19. It is the perfect classical guitar for the beginner. Great tone and highly playable. The C-70 retails for $199.
10. FG720S-12

FG720S-12 guitar
For guitar players who want to diversify into the 12- string, the FG720S-12 is the instrument for you. Its top is made of solid Sitka spruce while its back, sides, and neck are made of nato. Rosewood is used for the fretboard and bridge. It has great tone characterized by greater mids and highs for a brighter sound. The FG720S-12 retails for $499.
Many guitar players started out learning the instrument with a Yamaha. It has continued its tradition of making high-quality musical instruments that are reasonably priced. If you plan to take up a guitar, Yamaha is one of your options.
Featured image by guitaradventures.com

5 Important Tips Before Buying a 2nd Hand Piano

A piano is always a beautiful addition to one’s life but many people put the thought of purchasing one in the back burner due its high cost. The high price of a new piano should not deter you from getting one for your family because there are many second-hand pianos in the market that will fit your budget. Most second-hand pianos are very durable and sound good as new especially when it has been properly maintained. Buying a 2nd hand piano should be an enjoyable and enriching experience!
Patience is the key in searching for a good quality 2nd hand piano. Always keep in mind that the player and the instrument must be in perfect harmony in order to create beautiful music for a lifetime. It is not just another piece of furniture so when looking for a piano, it is important to exercise prudence. Finally, follow these guidelines before buying a 2nd hand piano to ensure a highly satisfactory purchase even on a budget.
1. Brand of Piano
There are many brands in the market and choosing one can take its toll on a first-time buyer. Should you buy a Steinway & Sons? Yamaha? Baldwin or Kawai? The first thing you must do is go to a retail store and play on different brands until you find the one that feels right with your fingers. Touch is an essential factor in selecting a piano brand. If it feels right add it to your list.
Next, ask someone in the store to play for you. Listen carefully because every piano is a unique work of art and each has a distinct tone and sound. Go for the brand that highly appeals to your ears. Ask the sales staff for comparative reviews to help you with your shortlist. When you have narrowed down your choices, go online and search for second-hand stores and private sellers.
2. Kind of Piano
There are two kinds to choose from, horizontal (grand), vertical (uprights and spinet). Your choice will depend on your budget and on how much space in the house you can allocate for the piano. The horizontal/grand piano would need a large space and a bigger budget while the uprights will fit well in smaller rooms and are priced lower. Remember, the bigger the piano, the better it sounds. Go for the largest piano that your space and budget can possibly accommodate.
3. Retail store or direct seller
If you have the money consider buying from a retail store. It saves you time since you do not need to travel from one house to another to check the unit. Plus, the piano has been well maintained and your purchase comes with a warranty and free delivery. However, if you are on a tight budget and have time to spare, opt to buy from a private seller who offers it at a lower price. If you take your time, you can get lucky and end up purchasing a well maintained 2nd hand piano.
Before going to the seller, prepare the following questions:
Who used the piano?
How often was it tuned up?
Why are they selling the piano?
Where and when did they purchase the piano?
The owner’s answers will help you gauge how well the piano was taken care of and if it’s worth the visit.
4. Inspect the unit
Examine the piano meticulously to make sure you do not end up spending more than the retail store tag price. Do not rush this process and thoroughly check the following:
Body – Check the casing of the piano and make sure that it is in good condition. Pianos are built to last but exposure to extreme humidity or heat causes severe wood damage.
Strings, hammer and soundboard – These are the key components of piano tone. If the piano is out of tune, check the condition of each component. If you only need to a little fine tuning and to replace a few parts then, it won’t cost you an arm and a leg to get it back in shape. Cracks on the soundboard will affect the sound but it shouldn’t alarm you.
Keyboards and pedals – Play all the keys and make sure all are still in place and come back up when you touch them. Step on the pedals and check if they work.
Frame- The piano strings are supported and kept in place by the metal frame. This must be in a stable condition so the piano can withstand the tension of the strings. If you find cracks in the frame, do not purchase the unit.
5. Hire a piano technician
Before finalizing the sale, get a piano technician to assess the condition of the piano. He/she can give you a cost estimate on repairs if needed. If you get a “thumbs up”, then push through with the purchase.
Musical instruments are like fine wine; they get better with age. But you have to take great care of them. A 2nd hand piano can sound as grand as a brand new one as long as it is well- maintained.

6 Frequently Asked Questions about Piano Tuning Cost

A Piano is a very intricate piece of instrument that needs to be tuned up regularly so it could always perform at its best and last a lifetime. If you are thinking of purchasing a piano, you need to understand and accept your responsibilities as the owner. Keep in mind that a piano is truly a work of art and it deserves expert care. Do not worry about piano tuning cost. The important thing is it will always sound beautiful and will continue to provide you and your family sweet music for many years.

If you are a first-time owner and want to know more about piano tuning here are Frequently Asked Questions or FAQs that can help you out.

1. How often should I have my piano serviced?

New pianos require being serviced four times the first year and twice a year thereafter. Different brands require a varied frequency of maintenance because each brand uses different materials and implements different standards of manufacturing. Here are the maintenance schedule of some brands:

Kawai piano – at least twice a year

Yamaha – at least twice a year

Steinway & Sons – three to four times a year

Baldwin – at least twice a year

Young Chang – at least twice a year

Remember to strictly adhere to your maintenance schedule to keep your piano functioning at its best. A perfectly tuned piano makes playing a delightful experience.

2. How much does piano tuning cost?

The standard price range for Upright pianos is SGD60 – SGD150 and for Grand is SGD 120 –SGD350. Some tuners charge a flat rate for basic tuning. If the piano has not been properly maintained, there will be more work done on the unit and there will be additional charges to cover pitch raise, replacement, and repair of piano parts. If the piano has not been tuned for years, it is best to have your unit assessed first before you have it serviced. The piano tuning cost will be based on the overall condition of your unit and the extent of the repairs needed to be done.

3. Who should service my piano?

Do not attempt to tune it yourself in order to save on piano tuning cost. Leave it to the professionals, please. If the brand you bought has a service center in the country, do not hesitate to give them a call and book the service of their in-house technician. There are many skilled piano tuners in Singapore and you can ask friends for referrals or go online. Make sure you go to licensed piano technicians who have been in the business for long, to ensure top quality service.

4. What is basic piano tuning?

This involves adjusting the strings to tune the piano to A-440, the international pitch standard. The technician uses a tuning lever/hammer, tuning fork or electric chromatic tuner and mutes. Most tuners charge a flat rate for this process and sometimes can raise the pitch of the piano for free if it only requires minor adjustments.

5. What causes the piano to go out of tune?

Some owners are inclined to think that when the piano is hardly played on, tuning it is not necessary. Whether it’s frequently played on or has been untouched for months, it is still necessary to have it tuned every six months. Here are the other factors causing changes in the tone.

Humidity. A piano is made of wood which expands or shrinks due to changes in humidity. When wood expands, the tone of the piano goes sharp and when it shrinks the tone of the piano goes flat. You can get a humidifier to protect your piano.

Temperature changes affect the strings of the piano. In extreme heat, strings loosen and sounds flat while in cold weather, strings tighten and piano goes sharp.

Moving the piano. The tuning pins inside are very sensitive and when the piano is lifted or pushed improperly, these pins shift in position causing changes in tone. The piano must be moved to another location by professional movers to avoid damaging it.

Hard playing. The excessive force used on the keys affects the equalization of tension along the strings. This causes pitch alterations. This is normal for families with little children. They love to bang on the piano keys out of excitement.

Dust. A build up can cause dull hammer action which affects the clarity of tone.

6. How do I avoid expensive piano tuning cost?

Take good care of your piano. Proper maintenance will keep your piano in good condition and keep your piano tuning cost minimal. When you decide to buy this beautiful instrument you have to be committed to taking good care of it. Keep in mind that it is necessary to spend for its maintenance. Neglect can lead to costly repairs or even irreparable damage causing the owner to spend more.

A piano is more than just a musical instrument. It is an elegant and enchanting conversation piece that beautifully produced music will entice people to gravitate toward you. It is an investment that pays off dividend, not just in terms of value but unquantifiable joy!

check out our music blog for piano tips and free pop piano lessons

The 4 Keys on How to Teach Yourself Piano

Finally, you have decided to sit on the piano and learn how to play it! If you are a true blue beginner, do not let the 88 keys intimidate you.  When you start to learn how to read musical notes and familiarize yourself with the keyboard…. fun begins!! The moment you hear yourself play a piece no matter how simple it may be… you’d wish you’ve done this sooner. Here is a step by step guide you can use to teach yourself piano.

1. Familiarize yourself with the piano keys and pedals

The white keys are for the major notes (C, D, E, F, G, A, B) on the scale while the black keys are for the sharp notes and flat notes.

Look for the pair of black keys in the middle of your piano, locate your middle C and put your right thumb on it and play a scale with your right hand.   Play a scale with your left hand too, beginning with your pinky finger until you touch middle C.  Familiarize yourself with the feel of the keys and the sound of the notes.

Now, step on the pedals while you’re at it.  You’ll notice that there’s a distinct sound change when you do that.  The pedal on the left, softens the volume and the tone while the pedal on the right sustains and resonates the sound.

2. Learn how to read music sheets

At first glance, a piano piece can be too confusing for beginners but once you understand the meaning and value of every component on the sheet you will appreciate the beauty of playing the piano all the more.

Do not get frustrated when you look at a music sheet for the first time and know nothing about the lines, symbols and notes you see.  Be patient. Learning to play the piano on your own is challenging but rewarding. Believe in yourself that you will be able to teach yourself piano in time.

Fortunately for you, the web has a wide array of resources for free and paid online piano tutorials. Video tutorials are available on YouTube, so learning to read notes won’t be as difficult as you thought.

Make sure you check a lot of sites, learn the basics and do your homework before you try playing Sam Smith’s latest song.  To get you on track, here are the basic parts of a music sheet that you need to know:

• Ledger lines – These are five equally spaced lines where the notes are written.

• G-clef – Also known as the treble clef. You can find this on the left side of the ledger lines.  It indicates the notes to be played by the right hand.

• Bass clef – This indicates the notes played by the left hand.

• Time signature – These are numbers written after the Clefs. This tells you the speed or beat that you should follow when playing the piano piece.

3. Pick a song and play it

This is where your excitement builds up.  When you can read the notes on the music sheet correctly, it’s time to up the ante and begin playing.

There are many sites offering piano pieces for beginners.  These are sheets specially designed to make learning how to play the piano fun.  The notes are bigger, the melody and tempo are kept simple so the pianist can easily play the piece.

Often times, beginner sheets are played with the right hand only.  The purpose of this is to improve the ability of the student to read notes and play them on the piano.  As your skills progress, you can choose piano pieces that will require both your hands to play and eventually use music sheets with a higher degree of difficulty.

4. Study and practice

Set a fixed schedule for your piano lessons and stay committed to it.  Keep practicing so you can improve your piano playing skills. Practice with your favorite songs and learn new ones.

Work on improving your speed by playing the scale up then down as many times as you wish.  Do this at the start of your piano session to warm up your fingers.  It is important to improve the dexterity of your fingers because you will need this for more complicated piano pieces.

Teach Yourself How to Play Piano

Teaching yourself piano can be frustrating at times but the key to getting better is to never give up. It is important to be in the right frame of mind when learning something new.

As long as you keep at it with consistency, dedication and commitment you will accomplish your dream of becoming a piano player.

Do check out our music blog for free piano lessons and piano tips

Top 5 Ukulele Beginner Tips You Should Know

If you are reading this, then you are one of the many people out there who have caught the ukulele bug. It’s not surprising that you have become fascinated with this beautiful instrument that originated from Hawaii. After hearing its unique sound you probably could not wait to get your hands on one. Before you go out there and buy the first piece you see, here are tidbits of information every ukulele beginner must know.
1. What kind of ukulele should you buy
It is important to familiarize yourself with the different kinds of ukulele, so you will not be confused when you visit a store for the first time. Unlike guitars, ukuleles vary in shapes and sizes, here are the different kinds to choose from:
Soprano – This is the smallest and most common. It measures 20 inches long with 12-15 frets. The size of the fretboard is perfect for children and beginners.
Concert – This has a length of 23 inches with 15-18 frets. This is better suited for beginners with larger hands.
Tenor- This has a larger body and is 26 inches long with 17-19 frets. Most players with intermediate and advanced skills use this kind due to its versatility and fuller sound.
Baritone – This is the largest kind and it measures 30 inches long with 18-21 frets. This is not too popular with ukulele players because it sounds more like a guitar.
Ukuleles come in different shapes too.
Pineapple – Oval shaped.
Fluke – Triangle
Flea – Oval with a flat bottom.
Beginners usually start with a soprano and concert ukulele. As your skills progress, you can move on to larger ukuleles. Try playing on different types and go with the one that feels and sounds the best for you.
2. How to hold a ukulele.
If you have been playing the guitar, the size of a ukulele may make you feel odd the first time you touch it. The key here is to stay cool and learn how to hold it properly until you get the hang of it. Hold the ukulele against your chest, your thumb behind the neck, fingers must be parallel to the frets and use your fingertips to play chords. Keep your elbows a few inches away from your sides.
Remember to relax or you might squeeze the ukulele too tight. A ukulele beginner tends to hunch over this tiny instrument a lot. This will cause a lot of tension on your shoulders so avoid doing this. Find that position or angle that will allow you to play comfortably. It will help to watch a few videos on YouTube so you’d get a better idea of how to do it right.
3. Basic chords.
Every ukulele beginner must start with the basic chords. You can try out a simple C major-A minor – F major combination. Use the indicated finger to hold the string on the fret and then strum.
Study and learn the major chords C, D, E, F, G and A. Follow it up with the minor chords. Go online for free video tutorials to speed up your learning process. You’ll discover that the best thing about playing the ukulele is that it’s easy and enjoyable to learn.
C- Use your 3rd finger on the bottom string at the 3rd fret.
A minor – Use your 3rd finger on the top string of the 2nd fret.
F – After playingA minor, don’t remove your middle finger from the 4th string on 2nd fret and hold down the 2nd string on the 1st fret.
4. How to strum.
Strum with your index finger. Your fingernail must hit the strings as you strum down and fingertip when you strum up. Move your wrist and not your hand when you play. The key to doing this right is to relax while you strum. Practice strumming the chord combination above. Just strum up and down until you can come up with your own simple patterns. When you have mastered basic strumming, move on to more advanced chords and patterns.Download ukulele tabs online and starts learning whole songs.
5. How to get your timing right.
A ukulele beginner must learn how to shift from one chord to another smoothly before he/she can focus on rhythm. When you are familiar with more chords and strumming patterns, it’s time to get your timing right. Musicians use a mechanical gadget called metronome to help them keep up with the song’s tempo. There is free online metronome software to get you started.
Start with songs with simple chords and slow rhythm. Do not rush into playing advanced tabs. It can get frustrating at times when you want to learn your favorite song but can’t get the rhythm or the chords right. Just keep on practicing and remember to enjoy the process of learning something new.
Don’t let its size fool you. A ukulele packs plenty of punch in such a small body and gives a unique twist to the music. Several popular musicians such as Colbie Caillat, the late George Harrison, Paul McCartney and guitar whiz kid Sung Ha Jung have used the ukulele in their songwriting and performances.
Most of all, playing ukulele is fun!

8 Best Ukulele Brands to Fit Your Budget

Enjoying ukulele sounds and music
Thanks to Jake Shimabukuro, Eddie Vedder, Bruno Mars, Jason Mraz and Zach Condon, the Ukulele’s popularity continues to rise. More and more people are getting into it. If you aspire to play and sound like them, there is no better time to get yourself a Ukulele, than now. With so many Ukulele brands in the market, choosing one can be quite difficult and too confusing for a first-time buyer. The first step is to familiarize yourself with the Ukulele brands to narrow down your choices. Here are the top brands on the market that are categorized according to their costs.
Low-end: $20 – $200

1. Mahalo
A Ukulele that costs $20! Good deal? Don’t expect much from it because the quality is not too good. You will have problems with intonation and end up frustrated. Consider this one only if you are buying for your toddler. This is a good option as you can easily replace it with a better brand as your child’s skills develop. It won’t hurt your pockets when your child realizes that he/she wants to play another instrument.
2. Makala
Kala’s budget version of the Ukulele. You might mistake it for a toy because it is made of plastic but it actually sounds really good. This is the perfect entry level for ukulele players.
Mid-range: $200 – $900
1. Kala
A brand that was launched only in 2005 and became very popular among players who want good quality Ukulele at an affordable price. This brand is great for beginners and intermediate level players.
2. Ohana
This is a popular mid-range brand that is made in China. It’s made of solid wood. The intonation and sound are good.
3. Lanikai
A reasonably priced Ukulele which is very popular among beginners and the indie crowd. Beirut’s Zach Condon goes onstage with this well-made reasonably priced brand.
High End: $ 1,000 up
1. Kamaka
This is the oldest brand of Ukulele. Kamaka Inc. is the makers of the first pineapple Ukulele in Hawaii. The brand is synonymous with Hawaiian excellent craftsmanship. This is Jake Shimabukuro’s favorite brand. All great things come with a hefty price and this one will cost you between $1,000 and $4,000.
2. Ko Aloha
This brand is made in Hawaii. Every unit is meticulously crafted resulting in excellent sound and quality. The tone and playability of a KoAloha Ukulele is truly impressive. Be prepared to spend between $1,000 and $2000.
3. Pono
This brand is the less expensive Ukuleles of Ko’olau, one of the finest Hawaiian ukulele makers. Take note…Pono is certainly not a cheap version of Ko’olau because you’d still have to fork out a huge chunk of your savings. This Ukulele is made of solid wood and known for its warm tone and superb playability. It’s a bit pricey but worth it.
Now that we have listed the top brands in the market, it is time to choose the best one for you. Here are some tips on how to determine the right brand for you.
In buying a musical instrument, the price is always one of the factors to consider before making a purchase. Set a budget. See how much you can afford to purchase one. Remember that the brand will not make you a better player, practice and discipline will.
Get a Ukulele that matches your playing skills. If you are buying for your child or you are just starting out, get a low-end brand. If you are a really serious learner, any of the mid-range Ukulele brands will be right for you. High-end brands are best suited for professionals or highly skilled players.
Decide on what kind of Ukulele you’ll buy: Soprano, Concert, Tenor or Baritone. Go to a store to try out different kinds and choose the one that sounds and feels best for you. Prices vary depending on the kind of Ukulele.
Search online and compare prices so you will be able to get the best deal. There are many online and retail stores in Singapore which can give more value for your money. Some stores offer discounts or other promotional packages. Retail stores have the staff to guide you in your selection. It will help if you do a little research and find out what their customers have to say.
If you really wish to have a high-end brand but you have a limited budget, you can get a used Ukulele from EBay or from an online private seller. Just be sure to have the unit authenticated so your hard earned money won’t go to waste.
Do not rush into buying a Ukulele. Be patient in your search and you will be able to find the brand that fits you to a tee.
If you want to be proficient in the instrument of your choice, it is always a good idea to go for the most reputable brand. It may be more expensive but good quality will go a long way in making you a better Ukulele player.