5 Things to Consider When Purchasing a Piano

I acquired my piano when I was in my early 20s, and at that time it was the biggest purchase I’d ever made. The search for it took months. I visited many piano stores (several of them hundreds of miles away from where I lived), and I waited until I found the instrument that felt destined to be mine. It was worth being patient; this piano has been my companion for most of my life. Its tone is an extension of my voice; it holds the memory of years of practicing and teaching, and it continues to bring me joy every day.

Buying a piano can be a daunting experience. Like cars, pianos are big investments and no one wants to end up with a lemon. The fact that each piano is as individual and varied as those playing them complicates things further. There’s simply no one right answer as to which piano is the best one, but there are plenty of wrong answers. Here are some tips I offer people who ask my advice on how to choose a good piano: 

Do your homework

There are many brands of pianos available, and some are better than others. Savvy shoppers do their research so that they know what sort of piano they’re seeking, and what they’re likely to pay when they find the right instrument. Piano Buyer and The Blue Book of Pianos are two excellent places to start. 

Hire a tuner to inspect pianos for sale by owners

Reputable piano dealers have technicians on staff who inspect all their instruments before they’re placed placed on the showroom floor. Individuals, however, rarely know what condition their pianos are in when they choose to sell them. This is why I always recommend that people hire a piano technician to thoroughly inspect any private piano they’re considering purchasing. Yes, it will cost a bit for the technician’s time, but it’s the only sure way to know if the instrument is worth the money. My caution comes from experience: I once had an adult piano student who found a piano selling for $150. It looked pretty and was inexpensive, so she purchased it. It wasn’t until she moved it into her house and hired a piano tuner that she discovered that, thanks to a cracked soundboard, it couldn’t be tuned and she was now the frustrated owner of an ungainly piece of furniture. 

Never pay sticker price

When I started looking for my own instrument, I was surprised when sales reps offered me instruments for much less than the stated sticker prices. As with auto purchases, visit many different piano dealers (if possible) and don’t be afraid to negotiate. And, as with cars, there’s more of a mark-up on new instruments than used. Most new pianos are marked up 30-40%; used piano markups vary. Piano sales reps are prepared to negotiate deals that will benefit both the buyer and the dealer, and reputable dealers know that a happy customer is one who will recommend their store to others. 

Play all your favorite repertoire

No matter how good a piano sounds when the sales rep plays it, take the time to sit down and play it yourself. Play your favorite pieces. Don’t be shy, don’t worry about mistakes or disturbing others in the store. This is your test drive—make the most of it. Run some scales. Check the high notes and the low. Are the high notes shrill? Are the low notes muddy? Do the keys feel good under your fingers? Do they welcome your touch? No matter how much of a steal a piano is, if you don’t like how it sounds, you shouldn’t purchase it. 

Choose a friendly piano

Every time I give this advice to someone, I’m rewarded with a quizzical look. Pianos may be inanimate objects, but I firmly believe that some are friendly, and some are cantankerous beasts. Generally, a piano (like a person) doesn’t change its basic character; if it repels you, walk away. Your instrument should feel like an extension of your heart and imagination. It needs to sing with you, and express a part of yourself. Be patient. When you find your “soul” piano, you’ll know it. Trust your gut. 

In the end, the perfect piano is the one that lures you to it to create music each day. It’s the instrument that makes your house feel like a home. It’s the companion with whom you can celebrate and mourn. It’s your friend. Be patient, and choose wisely.