Are you planning on buying a player piano soon? If you are, there are a few factors you should consider first, such as the different features, buying new or used, and so on.
We’ve put together this player piano buying guide for anyone who needs a little guidance. So read this guide to buying a player piano before making this big investment to ensure you’re buying the right piano for your needs.
Important Features
First, do you want to buy a digital piano or an acoustic piano? Is size important to you? If you’re wondering how to select a player piano, start with these two questions.
Consider the location you want the piano as well as how much maintenance you’re willing to put toward it. Larger pianos will cost more to move, and you also must remember the costs of tuning your acoustic piano.
Here are some features to consider:
- Feel of the keys
- The sound/tone
- Consistency of sound and the volume of keys
- Size and style (upright, grand, or digital)
- Learning tools
- Ability to produce different instrument sounds (for digital pianos)
- Key split
- Sequencer
- Polyphony
If you plan on going with an acoustic piano, you must also consider the location. Too much sunlight or humidity is bad for acoustic pianos.
Digital pianos can also connect to your computer and have player piano software perfect for education and recording. This is called MIDI connectivity. MIDI connectivity can open up many new possibilities for your music, so consider opting for a piano with this feature.
Brand
No player piano buying guide would be complete without talking about brands. You’re probably familiar with brands like Steinway or Yamaha, but there are many brands out there.
What’s the best brand of player pianos?
Steinway & Sons, Yamaha, Bösendorfer, Baldwin, and Kawai are all brands with a solid reputation and quality pianos. Higher quality piano brands include Bechstein, Blüthner, and Bösendorfer, to name a few.
Yamaha and Casio make excellent digital pianos for beginners and those on a budget.
Are there digital pianos that are best for specific cases? Yes, and you’ll want to consider your proficiency and needs before purchasing a player piano. The best player piano for a hobbyist or student may not be the same choice as one for a professional musician.
Buying New or Used
The next factor to consider is if you’re buying a new player piano or purchasing a used piano.
For beginners and those on a budget, you may want to consider buying used or second-hand. These types of pianos have a lower price point but still offer excellent value.
When buying a used piano, you’ll want to inspect it first. Check the keys—are they dirty or discolored? Avoid damaged keys and play the piano to make sure each key feels smooth and the sound is consistent.
Before buying a new piano, you’ll also want to get a feel for how it plays and sounds. Regardless of whether you buy new or used, ask questions about the piano and compare price points.
Find the Perfect Piano With This Player Piano Buying Guide
When buying pianos, there is a lot to consider, from price to style to connectivity and sound. Start with this player piano buying guide to get the ball rolling, and then start your research and visit a store in person to find the best piano for you.
A player piano buyer guide can only go so far. The best strategy is to see the piano in person and try playing it.
Stop by our store or take a look at some of the options for player pianos we have in stock today.