Pianos are expensive instruments, and the cost of purchasing a defective one is enormous. Hundreds of pounds of polished wood, sitting uselessly and collecting dust — it’s no wonder that the process of buying one seems too intimidating.
Even a used piano can be a risky investment. Discounted ones still go for a pretty penny, and the cost of repairs could amount to the cost of a new piano.
But there are ways to narrow down your search. By understanding what you should look for in a used piano, you’ll search with confidence.
Take a look at our used piano buying guide. We’ll instruct you how to buy a used piano that’s worth every penny.
Age
Pianos generally have a lifespan of 40-50 years. Well-designed pianos can even last up to 60 years, though that risk is up to you.
When looking at a used piano, ask your seller how old it is. If you’re searching for an instrument that will stay with you for years, then invest in a piano that’s not as well-used.
Brand
An investment in piano quality is an investment in longevity. This means that two 20-year-old pianos may perform differently. They may also stop functioning at different times.
Piano brands such as Steinway & Sons, Yamaha, Bechstein, and Shigeru Kawai are well-reputed for their quality. Do your research on different piano brands before you come into the store so you understand which ones are worth investing in.
Piano Type
The type of piano you buy affects the amount of maintenance you will have to do in the future. Acoustic pianos need regular professional tuning and milder conditions, while digital pianos need essentially no maintenance.
Humid weather will devastate an acoustic piano far more than it would a digital piano. It could impact the performance and longevity of your acoustic instrument.
Of course, many pianists readily accept the risks of an acoustic piano. After all, they are what digital pianos are based on and can produce a more natural musical sound.
Cost of Repairs
Piano repairs can skyrocket your overall payment. Despite general used piano prices, a dirt-cheap piano could end up needing hundreds, maybe thousands of dollars of repairs. That means that even if your initial purchase was cheap, you could end up paying the same amount of money as you would for a new piano.
Ask about possible repairs and understand their possible costs. Minor repairs such as missing/broken strings, key repairs/replacements, and loose tuning pins aren’t too expensive to do. But if you need to do high-maintenance repairs such as hammer felt replacement and pinblock replacement, you might as well invest in a brand-new piano.
Inspect and Test the Piano
All pianos feel different while playing. Before buying a used piano, get a good feel of your next piano by asking your seller whether you can try it out.
Don’t be too deterred by slightly imperfect sound quality. But first impressions are important, and you’ll get a good feeling about your compatibility with a piano from it.
Let This Used Piano Buying Guide Lead You to Better Playing
A used piano doesn’t have to be a bad one. But trying to find a good one can seem like a formidable task. But with the strategy and knowledge necessary for a savvy search, you will obtain a used piano that will be even better loved under your ownership.
At The Piano Store, we understand what’s at stake when buying a piano. That’s why we’ve written this used piano buying guide and other posts like it.
You might be wondering, “Where can I find used pianos near me?” Come directly into our store to find out! We’d love to chat with you about our many used pianos for sale, of which we have a prolific variety.