Buying a used piano is a great way to afford having a piano in your home. However, if you don’t know what you’re looking for you could end up overspending or buying a poor quality piano. Here are some tips to help you with your search.
1. First, determine your budget. Once you set your budget, be realistic about what you can get for that price. Do your homework.
2. Determine how much space you have for a piano and where it will go in your home. The rule of thumb: buy the largest piano you can for your space and budget. If you have 3 pianos of the same brand and they’ve been maintained equally, the largest one will be the best quality piano. The exception to this will be based on the care that was taken with any particular piano. More on this in a bit.
3. Based on space and budget, determine what kind of piano you want to buy: spinet, console, studio upright, full upright, baby grand, or grand. For specifics on each style of piano, read my post called Piano Types.
4. Don’t buy a square grand. Just don’t.
5. Don’t buy a mini piano or piannette. If you have a small space and a small budget go with a spinet. The spinet is the smallest option that still offers a full 88 keys and decent tone and stability.
6. Do some homework. Research what brands are of good quality and what they go for new and used.
7. Start looking. Look at classifieds, Craigslist, local piano tuners and teachers etc.
8. Ask lots of questions! Here are a few essential questions to ask: What is the brand and style? How often is it played? When was it last tuned? Are any repairs needed? How does it play i.e. sticky keys, touch etc?
9. Go and see it. Play on it. Look inside. Be thorough!
10. Determine how you will have it moved and what your budget will be for transport. You can hire piano movers, which will be the most expensive option. The least expensive option is the diy option. Rent a uhaul, with a ramp, and get a piano dolly. Get a few brawny friends and there you go.
11. Do not buy a piano that has not been maintained and regularly serviced by the previous owners unless you are absolutely certain that it can hold tuning and doesn’t need major repairs or regulation.
12. Get a professional opinion. Bottom line: if you’re not sure and want to make a confident purchase, then have someone who does know something about pianos come with you. Some tuners do consults, like me.
Do you need help with your piano purchase? If you are local and would like to feel confident in your used piano purchase give me, Piano Gal, a call! I can give the piano a thorough look-see before you decide on your purchase or I can even assist with the piano search. Click on the Consultation tab for more information.
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