You can’t tell how good a piano is just by looking at it. You have to look inside. You have to listen to it.
Because many pianos may give the appearance they are in decent condition from the outside. The wood may be polished and sparkling. The keys may be shiny and ready to play. The outside is kept in good condition because that’s what the world sees.
But when people stop playing the piano and begin ignoring them, they often don’t pay attention to the inside. They don’t dust the insides of the piano. They don’t tune it. They don’t repair it. And that’s what really matters when creating music.
What should you check for?
Play each note. Start at the left and strike each key – white and black – and listen to the tone. Listen for any buzzing or clicking sounds. Pay attention to any keys that stick or won’t create a sound.
Check all tuning pins to see if they have been set into the pinblock. If the pin is set into the pinblock, the string coil may be all the way against the plate, and no longer be able to hold a tune. If you notice any damage around the pins – water marks, moisture stains – it can indicate rust and corrosion, meaning the only way to continue to tune the piano is after a restoration process is completed.
Check both the bass and treble bridges for cracks along the pin line. If cracks exist, it needs restoring before it will produce quality sound. If the piano is a major manufacturer and has high value in the marketplace, it may be worth the process.
If you are looking at a grand piano, get underneath the piano and look across the soundboard for visible cracks. A small amount of pressure against each rib will ensure they are properly adhered to the soundboard and in working condition.
If you are looking at an upright piano, carefully remove the bottom cover to look inside at the soundboard. Inspect the bridge for cracks.
Lift the lid and play each note, one at a time. Watch the hammers in action to determine if the process is smooth and to determine if everything is functioning as it should. Make a note of any problems that will prohibit the piano from creating beautiful sound.
With so many pianos on the market today, it may seem easy to find one to learn on. Don’t be fooled and bring one into your home that is anything less than high quality. A high quality piano creates beautiful music. Anything less will be difficult to play, difficult to learn on, and not provide an experience that encourages growth and longevity.
What experiences have you had when looking for a good used piano?
