Everything in your home has a lifespan, a certain number of years it will function and provide you with service. Dishwashers last up to ten years. Water heaters work eight to twelve years. But how long will a piano last? 

You often hear of a piano being passed down from one generation to the next. Can it really last years, decades at a time? 

The good news is if you’re thinking about bringing a piano into your life, the short answer is: yes. 

Of course, there are a number of factors that go into predicting the longevity of your piano. If you’re thinking of investing in a piano this year, and want it to be a part of your life for years to come, pay attention to these variables.

Quality

Let’s start with the most obvious. Quality matters. If you’ve done any research on pianos in the past, chances are you’ve come across certain brands and manufacturers that are at the top of the list. They’ve stood the test of time because they pay attention to quality. You would never expect a quickly made, lower quality piano to be able to last for 100 years. Yet many brand names are built with that idea in mind. Talk it over with one of our sales associates, and you’ll quickly learn the difference between the two, and what’s most important in your search for the right piano. 

Location

It doesn’t matter what quality of piano you purchase if you place it in the wrong environment. Think the best piano in the world could survive in a cold basement where moisture and humidity eat away at the finish day after day? A piano is made up of thousands of tiny parts that come together to create a playable instrument. A piano that is well maintained and exists in moderate conditions will last much longer than one that isn’t. 

Amount of use

A piano is designed to be played. However, it will wear down with higher than expected use. If you teach music and the piano is in constant use, it may need more maintenance than one inside a home.

Maintenance

One of the biggest factors in keeping your piano in good working condition is to provide regular maintenance throughout its life. Pianos require regular tuning to ensure the strings receive consistent pressure. If you move your piano, ensure it’s moved by professionals who understand how to move it carefully and avoid damaging the inner workings. Be sure your piano is placed in an area with proper climate control, with just the right amount of humidity to keep it working at its best. 

On average, you can expect a piano to last for 50 to 100 years. Of course, that depends on all the factors we’ve listed above. 

If you’re ready to bring music into your home, we can help you find the perfect piano.