Piano Buying Guide

Buying a piano can be a confusing event. Especially when you have so many brands and models to choose from. So to help you take the right decision, here is a basic piano buying guide:

The Budget - Determine how much you are willing to spend on a piano and whether you can afford buying a new piano or settle for a used one. Just bear in mind that the piano is a durable instrument with an average lifetime of about 40 years and that purchasing a piano with a higher quality is a good investment because it might keep its value quite well (as long as it has been properly cared for).

The Proficiency - It is advisable to buy a piano with a higher quality than you think you deserve. By doing so you can grow with the piano. Don't buy a cheap old used piano. You certainly won't enjoy playing on a piano with a poor quality and it might easily lead you to give up on playing.

The Space - Measure the area in your house where you intend to put the piano. The upright pianos needs a space of 5 feet wide x 2 feet deep (plus an extra 2 feet for the pianist and bench). The Grand pianos require a space between 5-7 feet wide X 4.5-9.5 feet deep, depending on the model (plus 2 feet for the pianist and bench). Bear in mind that the change in humidity and temperature next to the piano affects its tune. That's way it is better to place the piano next to an interior wall and away from sources of heat and cold such as direct sunlight, air conditioners and radiators.

Shopping - Make a little research at home, get familiar with the different terms and get a better understanding of what you are looking for. Then, visit several piano stores before making the final decision.

Don't rush - Promise yourself not to buy a piano on your first visit at a piano store. Take your time and play on as many pianos as possible. Be familiar with the differences between each piano's quality, touch and tone. In that way it will be easier for you to decide which piano you like best.

Consult with a certified piano technician - After you checked several pianos, made a list of those you liked so far, and narrowed down your choices to 2-3 pianos, have an experienced piano technician to do the final check. This check is essential and can save you a lot of money in case where the mechanism of the instrument is not in a good shape as assumed.

Warranty, Maintenance and Delivery - Check out the duration of the warranty, does it include parts and also labor? Is the warranty transferable once you decide to sell the piano? does the piano store renders maintenance services. Lastly, negotiate a price and verify that the price includes a bench, delivery and at least one free tuning.