Do a quick search online, and you’ll find lots of horror stories about parents who buy a used piano, only to find out it simply doesn’t work. It will cost more to renovate it than what the piano is worth. 

And that can be frustrating when you’re taking up a new hobby. That can be enough to turn you away from it forever. 

Can you buy a quality used piano? Is it possible? And if so, how do you go about it?

Luckily, the answer is yes; you can find high-quality used pianos on the market. Bring the right piano home, and it will give you years of enjoyment. 

Where do you begin? 

The most important step is to understand how to find a high-quality used piano. 

You won’t find one looking in the classifieds, perusing Craigslist, or taking one from your next-door neighbor, who happened to have one in a basement corner. Find your used piano this way, and you’ll most likely find yourself with lots of repair bills. 

Quality used pianos come from well cared for pianos that were properly maintained throughout their lifetime. As a piano dealer, we often get pianos from a variety of resources:

• People who trade up to better pianos as they improve their skills. 
• People who downsize and can no longer house their prized piano. 

It’s not always people who trade up – churches, schools, even piano teachers occasionally want to upgrade their equipment. High-quality pianos will stand the test of time – decades in some cases. 

If you’re ready to buy a used piano, a few tips to keep in mind include:

• Find the best quality you can find. This doesn’t mean accepting the first low-priced instrument you find. Instead, take your time to listen to several, sit down and play them, and discover the different tones. You’ll find one you resonate with one more than others. 
• Consider your goals. If you’re planning on investing in a piano that lasts a lifetime, pay attention to the brand, and work with a dealer who can help you find top quality. If you want something that holds value, sounds great, and can be traded up as you progress, a dealer can help you find that piano too. 
• Sound is everything. That’s why so many different pianos are on the market. Listen to them, pick one you resonate with. This will increase the likelihood you’ll want to play, and sit down and practice each day. 

Do you have any questions about buying a used piano? How can we help you find the right piano to suit your needs?

For many hobbyists, the thought of playing the piano can be exciting. It can fulfill a childhood dream of making music. It can be a healthy pursuit as you age. 

But if you’re intimidated by new piano prices, you might have turned to used pianos. Are they worth it? What should you know before you buy a used piano?

First, understand there are risks when buying anything used. If you’re purchasing from an individual based on a Craigslist ad, you could wind up with a piano with lots of problems. It’ll take a lot of money bringing it back up to working quality, and that can defeat the purpose of trying to get a “good deal.”

Buying a used piano doesn’t have to be scary. You can find great used pianos that will give you years of enjoyment. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you shop. 

The lifespan of an acoustic piano

The average acoustic piano is designed to be playable for about 60 years. That means a piano sitting in the house of your grandmother since she was a little girl might have reached its peak. There are thousands of working parts inside, and any one of them can wear down or break over time. This is where it pays to know a piano’s backstory – was it well cared for, tuned regularly, and repaired and restored as needed? 

Tuning is important

Often, pianos are left in a room forgotten as a family grows, interests change, and time marches on. Even if a piano isn’t used, it still needs regular maintenance to keep it operating well. Weather changes, climate and humidity changes, and other effects from normal living can all impact the different parts of a piano. Piano strings can pull or stretch even if you don’t play it regularly. Rust can form. Wood can warp and wear out. Keys stick, and the action can cause further damage. All of this is caught by regular tuning and maintenance. Without it, a piano can deteriorate quickly. 

Not all brands are equal

Ford. Mercedes. Walmart. Gucci. One word can evoke different thoughts and impressions. It works with pianos too. Because pianos were once all the rage, a lot of manufacturers jumped in and tried to make a buck. Cheap imitations may have seemed like a good deal, but people quickly found out these pianos weren’t much better than toys. That also means they won’t hold their value over time, nor will they be quality instruments for you to practice on and enjoy as you learn to play. Stick with reputable pianos – this is where we can help you find a piano that will stand the test of time. 

Moving a piano can be expensive

Sure, you can take the piano stored in a friend’s neighbor’s basement. All you have to do is move it. That’s where the real headache begins. A professional mover ensures the piano stays safe and the movers avoid risk. Pianos are heavy, bulky items that can’t be moved as easily as a sofa or table.  Your friend’s neighbor might try and help you wedge it up the stairs and around corners. We ensure your used piano arrives safely in your home, a quality instrument ready for you to play.