Second Hand Piano Singapore
Grade A
Grade AAAA Components
When investing in a piano, understanding the quality of its components is crucial to making an informed decision.
Grade AAAA represents the highest quality standard for piano components, ensuring exceptional sound, durability, and playing experience.
At Melodious Piano Boutique, we take pride in offering only Grade AAAA pianos sourced directly from Japan. Each instrument is handpicked for its beautiful tone, responsive touch, and lasting durability.
Unlike many suppliers whose selections include mainly Grade B or C pianos, our boutique focuses exclusively on top-tier instruments — ensuring that every piano you see in our showroom represents the finest craftsmanship and sound Japan has to offer.
Melodious Piano Boutique Supplier
Grade AAAA
Other Suppliers
Grade B and C
What Does "Grade AAAA" Mean for Piano Quality?
Grade AAAA is the highest quality designation for piano components, representing exceptional craftsmanship, materials, and condition.
Unlike lower grades (B or C), Grade AAAA components show minimal wear, perfect functionality, and premium materials. This grading system is particularly important when evaluating reconditioned or pre-owned pianos from Japan, where strict quality standards are maintained.
The four key components that determine a piano's grade are the pins, soundboard, keys, and action mechanism. When all four achieve AAAA status, you're looking at an instrument that delivers superior tone, touch response, and longevity.
Grade A Piano Pins
The Foundation of Perfect Tuning
Perfect Alignment and Finish
Grade A pins feature perfect alignment, consistent spacing, and a distinctive shine that indicates premium materials and minimal wear. These pins provide optimal grip in the pinblock, ensuring your piano stays in tune longer.
Lower Grades
Notice the difference between Grade A pins (left) and Grade B pins (right). Lower grade pins often show signs of corrosion, misalignment, or wear that affect tuning stability and overall piano performance.
Grade A Soundboard
The Heart of Piano Tone
Premium Wood Selection
Grade AAAA soundboards are crafted from the finest spruce, with perfect straight grain patterns that maximize sound transmission. The wood is carefully selected for optimal density, flexibility, and acoustic properties.
Flawless Construction
Unlike lower grades that may show cracks, repairs, or irregular grain patterns, Grade AAAA soundboards maintain perfect structural integrity. This ensures optimal vibration and sound projection throughout the piano's life.
Grade A Keys
Precision Touch and Response
Perfect Alignment
Grade AAAA keys maintain perfect spacing and alignment, with no side-to-side movement or uneven gaps between keys. This precision ensures consistent touch and eliminates unwanted noise during play.
Premium Materials
White keys feature pristine surfaces without yellowing or chips, while black keys maintain their deep, rich appearance without wear. These premium materials ensure comfort and durability during decades of playing.
Balanced Weight
Each key is precisely weighted and balanced, providing consistent touch response across the entire keyboard. This balance is crucial for developing proper technique and expressing musical nuances.
Grade A Action
Engineering Excellence
Premium Hammer Felts
Grade A hammers feature the highest quality felt, carefully shaped and voiced for optimal tone production. Unlike lower grades that may show compression or wear, these hammers maintain their shape and resilience for decades. Every component in a Grade A action is precisely engineered and regulated for optimal performance.
Mold on Hammer Felt
Mold on hammer felt does affect playing,
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Mold absorbs moisture and softens the felt, making the tone duller or uneven.
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You may hear a muffled, muted, or uneven sound from affected notes.
How to Verify Grade AAAA Components
Pin Verification
We measure pin torque using specialized tools to ensure optimal resistance. Grade AAAA pins should maintain 120-150 inch-pounds of torque, providing ideal tuning stability without being too tight or too loose.
Soundboard Assessment
We use tap tests and resonance analysis to evaluate soundboard condition. Grade AAAA soundboards produce clear, sustained resonance with no dead spots. We also inspect for crown maintenance and grain quality.
Key Quality Check
Each key is tested for alignment, spacing, and consistent weight. We use precision tools to measure key dip, aftertouch, and repetition speed. Grade AAAA keys should have less than 0.2mm variation in these measurements.
Action Regulation Test
We perform a complete regulation check of the action mechanism, measuring hammer travel, let-off distance, and repetition spring tension. Grade AAAA actions maintain factory-precise specifications throughout all 88 keys.
The Investment Value of Grade AAAA Components
Pianos with Grade AAAA components represent not just superior musical instruments, but sound long-term investments. These instruments maintain their value, provide decades of reliable performance, and deliver an uncompromised musical experience.
Long-Term Value
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Maintains 85-90% of value after 10 years (vs. 50-60% for lower grades)
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Requires less frequent maintenance and repairs
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Performs consistently for 40+ years with proper care
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Appeals to future buyers seeking premium instruments
Musical Benefits
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Supports proper technique development for students
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Provides the tonal palette needed for advanced repertoire
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Responds accurately to subtle artistic nuances
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Inspires more frequent and enjoyable practice