Frequently Asked Questions

We're always getting questions regarding the products we offer, and have collected some of the most common below.

Questions

Guitars: How can I get my guitar to play easier?
Guitars: How often should I change my strings?
Guitars: What kind of pick should I use?
Guitars: What should I use to clean my guitar?
Pianos: Do you move pianos?
Pianos: How much is my piano worth?
Pianos: I'm interested in selling my piano, do you buy used pianos?
Pianos: What size of piano should I be looking for?
Sheet Music: Can you obtain printed music for anything I want?
Sheet Music: I'm from out of town, can you send items to me?
Sheet Music: What does "print on demand" mean?
Sheet Music: What is your return policy on print music?
Strings: Do you have a trade in/trade up program?
Strings: How often do I need to change my strings?
Strings: How often should I clean my instrument and with what?
Strings: What type of rosin should I use?

Answers

Guitars: How can I get my guitar to play easier?
Having an actual guitar technician set up your instrument can make a huge difference. Depending on the strings you are using, a technician can adjust the tension on the neck, the bridge saddle or nut height. All of these can contribute to playability on your instrument.

Guitars: How often should I change my strings?
This depends on the player. The ware of the strings depends on the oils in your hands and the environment it's stored in. Some players are very serious about changing their strings as often as possible, while some don't mind letting them go for months on end. Once you start to see the string tarnish and change colour, its best to replace it to ensure you're getting the best of your guitar.

Guitars: What kind of pick should I use?
Ultimately its what feels most comfortable for you. Typically beginners would start out with a lighter, thinner and more flexible pick. While the more advance player, such as a jazz guitarist or someone who likes to shred, would go for a thicker and stiffer gauge pick. Try a variety of picks and see what feels right for you.

Guitars: What should I use to clean my guitar?
Only use actual guitar polish on your guitar.Avoid any cleaners with harsh chemical ingredients that can damage the finish on your instrument. That finish on your guitar is what protects the wood from the outside elements and once that goes, so does your instrument.

Pianos: Do you move pianos?
While we do not offer a piano moving service, we have many recommendations we can make based on the complexity of your move. Please feel free to call us and describe your moving needs and we will be happy to recommend a piano mover.

Pianos: How much is my piano worth?
This is a question heard many times a day, and the subject is complex. All pianos deteriorate over time due to use – and suffer particularly if also subjected to abuse or lack of regular maintenance. The high level brands, produced by the world’s celebrated piano makers, obviously withstand wear and tear better, in fact almost endlessly, and fare much better in case of re-sale. Knowing the make, model and age (serial number) of a piano is a good starting point. A reliable monetary market value can, however, only be established by a thorough, expert examination of the 3 components that comprise the piano. The first consideration is condition of the STRUCTURE: the components that provide the support for the entire piano. The structure is responsible for holding it in tune and for sound production. Second are MECHANICAL components, the thousands of moving parts that receive regular wear and tear. Finally, the condition of the CABINET and finish. Such an evaluation is available through our service department, either verbally or in writing, at a reasonable charge.

Pianos: I'm interested in selling my piano, do you buy used pianos?
We are pleased to accept pianos on trade, as part payment toward new instruments. We generally are not looking to buy used pianos. Exception is occasionally made for rare or “one-of-a-kind” instruments that may be distinguished by carved or painted embellishment or ornamentation to the cabinet.

Pianos: What size of piano should I be looking for?
Finding the right size piano can be difficult. Depending on the size of your room and materials of floors, drapes and window placement, the sound of a piano can greatly vary. It's best to visit our showroom and describe your space and needs to a qualified piano representative so they can give you the best advice.

Sheet Music: Can you obtain printed music for anything I want?
Almost! If the piece of music you're seeking has been published and is currently in-print, there's an excellent chance we'll be able to find it for you. Unfortunately there are instances where particular titles are unavailable for sale in Canada, and we'll let you know if that's the case. Additionally, other pieces may be available exclusively through their composer/songwriter/performer, and as a result will not receive a commercial release. If you're hoping to find an item that is a bit more unusual, we'll look as hard as we can; the more information you've got, the easier it will be to come up with an answer.

Sheet Music: I'm from out of town, can you send items to me?
Yes. Our mail order department ships cross-country and worldwide, Monday through Friday. In-stock items usually ship same day for orders placed by 2pm EST. We typically use Canada Post Expedited shipping which offers relatively rapid & cost-effective throughout North America. For more urgent requests, there are a number of options available - please call our shipping department.

Sheet Music: What does "print on demand" mean?
Lots of music, from out-of-print pop tunes to individual opera arias is available through our print on demand service. Within about five minutes, we're able to produce a high-quality printed copy of the song you are looking for. This is a great option when you're looking for that one great tune, fast.

Sheet Music: What is your return policy on print music?
Almost all of the music we sell is copyright-protected, and while we make every effort to ensure you leave the store with exactly what you want, mistakes do happen. While we do not offer refunds, we will gladly make exchanges for alternate editions provided they are returned in store-bought condition within 14 days of purchase accompanied by the original sales receipt.

Strings: Do you have a trade in/trade up program?
We extend full trade-up privileges to our customers on instruments and bows purchased from us. Trade instruments and outfits retain a large part of their value, and hand-made instruments/bows generally retain their purchase value, or may even appreciate over time. The only condition is that the trade is toward an instrument of a higher category than the one being traded.

Strings: How often do I need to change my strings?
Fresh strings make noticeable improvement in clarity and projection of tone, as well as in response and trueness of pitch. Performers and students who play for hours every day change strings frequently. Metal core strings can last for several years. Today’s new synthetic strings (Dominant, Tonica, Evah Pirazzi, etc.) fare well for about 6 months, or for occasional players maybe a year. Gut core strings have a shorter service life. Violin strings go false and lose focus faster than cello or bass strings. You can prolong your strings’ life by keeping fingernails filed and wiping off rosin and perspiration after every playing.

Strings: How often should I clean my instrument and with what?
Wipe your instrument down carefully after each playing with a soft, dry cloth. Flannel, cheesecloth or the new microfiber materials work best. Be especially careful in the bridge area, making sure not to disturb its precise position! Pay particular attention to the rosin buildup around the bridge, under the strings. Once every month or two, more serious housekeeping is needed: go over the instrument with a good quality cleaner-polish. We sell a wide range of violin and guitar cleaners any of which will remove dirt, fingerprints, build-up rosin on average instruments (Hill Polish, Nu-Shine, Hidersine, etc.). Old, master instruments require special care. Any polish that contains solvents and abrasives should be avoided. Our LANARO violin polish is safe, in fact, beneficial to even the most delicate varnish and precious instruments. Good instruments should be professionally cleaned at least once a year. A good time to do this is when the instrument is brought in for a periodic check-up inspection.

Strings: What type of rosin should I use?
Traditional violin Rosin is, basically, pine tree sap, refined and often enhanced with certain waxes and additives. Its function is twofold: to Grip in order to set the string in motion and provide traction, and to Slide smoothly, to facilitate fluid movement and a pleasant sound. Personal preference will dictate how much grip is desired. Dark rosin generally bites more but also produces more dust and a scratchier sound. This is preferred by cellists. The lighter, amber varieties of resin generally tend to favour a smoother sound at the expense of traction. Inexpensive brands of rosin still provide good basic service when fresh. Exotic brands feature special formulas of additives, and can give noticeable advantages to the connoisseur. Some people are allergic to pine sap, and must avoid it entirely. There are today excellent synthetic rosin on the market that is completely hypo-allergenic.

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