If you’re thinking of buying a piano for yourself, chances are you’ve learned a lot about it online. You’ll find a ton of information to help you consider what piano to buy, and how to keep up with your practice. 

Yet one thing you might have yet to think much about yet are the differences in pianos. If you visit a big box store, you might only have one to choose from. Yet a piano is not a one-size-fits-all instrument. 

Instead, it takes careful planning and consideration to select the right piano to suit your needs. Things you should consider are:

Size

Need something portable? Maybe a digital piano is what you need. Want something grand to be the center of attention? A grand piano may better suit your needs. Pianos come in a variety of sizes to give you what you need most. Yet in all categories, you’ll find all levels of quality. 

Start by assessing your needs. Where will you play your piano regularly? 

Then pay attention to quality – quality over size. A high-quality vertical will sound better than a lower-quality grand piano every time. It’s not about size, it’s about what suits your lifestyle best.  

Location

Pianos are designed for aesthetics. One that works well in a closed practice room won’t sound the same as one intended for a concert hall. 

The same applies to your home. Take a look around your room. Are there vaulted ceilings? A wall of glass windows? Hardwood or carpet? Lots of artwork on the walls? All of that impacts the way the sound vibrates throughout the room. If you’re investing in a piano to create music you love, it’s important to select one that sounds good to your ear. 

Voice

Pianos are created using different materials. No two pianos are ever the same. 

Over time, a technician will tune your piano, adjusting the way your piano sounds. It depends on the materials used during production, and the way they adjust inside your home. 

Before you buy a piano, sit down and play it. Feel the keys beneath your fingers, and hear the sound of the notes. Working with just a handful of pianos will give you a better idea of how different they sound. You’ll notice you gravitate towards one or another. Go with your instinct. 

It’s the best way to find a piano you truly love, one you’ll continue to play as you grow in talent. 

And that’s what truly matters the most.