Their very own piano.
Written: Nov 21 '08 (Updated Nov 21 '08)
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Pros: Real sized keys, looks like a real piano, cute
Cons: Expensive, child may outgrow by the time they play by color/letter
The Bottom Line: I think it's really cute and have no regrets
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| mrsrobinson23's Full Review: Schoenhut Fancy Baby Grand Piano (#3005) |
First, I want to help people out who are trying to purchase this piano online. While looking I noticed that a number of websites show the picture of this piano, when in reality the model they are selling is not this same one. You have to look at the model number they have listed and compare that to the schoenhut website. http://www.toy-piano.com/
There are 4 baby grand pianos that seem similar:
Classic baby grand This is the one most people are selling. But they are passing it off as being the fancy baby grand by showing the wrong picture. This one has 30 keys, but the legs are straight. It's basically the same, just not as cute.
Fancy baby grand This is the model I'm reviewing. It has 30 keys as well, I believe it's the same size, but it has the curved legs on the front of the piano and on the bench. It comes in white, black, red, pink. I have black.
Elite baby grand this one is larger and has 37 keys. The price jump is quite significant. It has the curved legs, but the top of the piano does NOT open.
Concert baby grand this one is has the 37 keys too, the legs are straight, but the top of the piano DOES open like a real piano would.
2nd, I urge everyone to check out costco before buying it anywhere else. I purchased this model at costco for $109 Cdn, and it retails for around $160 US. And don't be fooled by cheaper prices on some sites. Always check if shipping is included, and what they're going to charge you.
The piano is rated ages 3 and up, and I don't see why. Once assembled (which is really easy) I don't see any small parts, and my 18 month old loves it more than her 3 year old brother. I think a 5 year old would fit at it, but older would need a larger one.
It comes with a song book, and a color coded strip for behind the keys with letters on it so kids can play by color & letter.
The piano doesn't have strings inside - They are steel rods of some sort so it sounds a bit like a child's xylophone. I don't want anyone to buy this thinking it sounds like a real piano, but the sound is better than a $20 toy.
I don't play myself and am a bit tone deaf, but others have said it's not perfectly in tune, but ok. The keys are supposed to be real size so kids can transition to a real piano without any trouble. The keys aren't really touch sensitive like a piano either...you can't play a note lightly/softly, just loud & louder.
The bench is nice and solid, and the piano is a teeny bit wobbly, but that hasn't stopped my 18 month old from standing on it without incident. The glossy black shows fingerprints VERY easily :) The stand for the sheet music is plastic and I removed it because the youngest kept pulling it out. If you plan on placing this on a wood or tile floor, you'll probably have to put something on the feet of the piano & stool to give it more grip.
Overall, I'm happy with it, but I'm not a pianist either. I think it will be a fun toy for the kids, and will hopefully let me know if in a few years they'd be interested in a real piano.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 100
Type of Toy: Educational
Age Range of Child: 3 to 5 Years
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Epinions.com ID:
mrsrobinson23
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Reviews written: 86
Trusted by: 1 member
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