Ricca, or Ricca & Son was established in 1891 by H.F. Ricca and E.I. Ricca, at 604 East 132 St. and 884 East 134th St., New York. By the mid 20’s the offices and factory was located at 97-99 Southern Blvd., New York. They bought the Ludwig PIano Company around 1933.
Author Archives: pianoemporium
Pneumatic Player Pianos
August 15, 2011 – 6:29 am
Pneumatic player pianos are a lot of fun and operate using a vacuum for power. Pedaling with the feet creates this suction, which operates bellows in the piano. Through hoses and valves the player mechanism manipulates the action of the piano where it in turn plays the keys. Each note has an individual valve and [...]
Wing & Son antique pianos
August 8, 2011 – 8:28 am
One of our favorite antique pianos, Wing & Son, was founded in 1868 by Luman B. Wing in New York. Luman B. Wing was the main partner in the firm of Doane, Wing & Cushing. Luman B. Wing died in 1873 and was succeeded by his son, Frank L. Wing and then by his son [...]
Clavinova features are an excellent choice for many musicians
July 25, 2011 – 6:03 am
The latest Clavinova digital pianos from Yamaha are able to reproduce the feeling of playing a grand piano better than ever before. Here are some of the many features offered on these fabulous instruments:
88 full sized keys – some are even made of real wood
3 completely functional pedals
Full size cabinet with key covers and large [...]
Used pianos and tuning stability
July 11, 2011 – 6:06 am
One of the first things to consider about any used piano is tuning stability. Ask these questions; Can the piano be tuned? Will the piano hold its tune?
One major factor in the answer is the Pinblock.
• A pinblock is the part of the piano that holds the tuning pins. It must:
1. Exert pressure on the [...]
Evaluation: More than just a tuning
July 4, 2011 – 8:45 am
Many piano technicians do more than just a tuning when servicing their clients pianos. When we are called to tune a piano it is in our best interest as well as the customer’s to evaluate the pianos condition and give the customer our professional opinion of the quality and serviceability of their piano. Many times [...]
Polyester piano finishes
June 28, 2011 – 6:05 am
Polyester is the most recent material to be used on pianos. It is a product of modern chemical technology that provides the highest degree of beauty and protection available. Polyester is a very stable product and weather changes have no effect on its size. Therefore, applying a stable finish to a constantly changing surface invites [...]
PIano Emporium, now on Thumbtack
January 28, 2011 – 5:46 am
We now have a piano tuning in Asheville service listing on Thumbtack. I’m always looking for ways to help market my piano moving, repair and tuning services. Thumbtack is a good way for me to help me show off my expertise in providing professional, very affordable piano moving, repair and tuning services. [...]
Voicing – Tone Regulating
December 8, 2010 – 5:00 pm
Voicing is an altering of the tone quality within each note throughout the piano by adjusting the tension of the hammer felt. This is achieved by using needles to make the felt more pliable or tense depending on the desired result. Other means of changing the tonal response of a hammer include adding chemicals to [...]
How to give a preliminary check when shopping for a used piano
August 20, 2010 – 6:09 pm
1. Try all the pedals. Listen for squeaks and noises.
2. Play all notes throughout the keyboard. Make sure they sound and return correctly.
3. Look inside the piano. Look for worn or broken parts. Ask questions about the history of the piano and whether or not is has been maintained regularly.
4. Have the owner/salesman play the [...]