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Things to consider when buying a piano

  • 18-01-2008 02:30PM
    #1
    withnail76
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3 ✭


    Hi. I want to buy a second hand piano, but I know nothing about it. I dont want to spend the earth, just one that is a reasonable piano for a beginner. When shopping for one, what are the main things I would need to consider in making a decision, i.e I assume it's not just appearance?
    Thanks!


Comments

  • #2
    jimi_t
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,578 ✭✭✭jimi_t


    withnail76 wrote: »
    Hi. I want to buy a second hand piano, but I know nothing about it. I dont want to spend the earth, just one that is a reasonable piano for a beginner. When shopping for one, what are the main things I would need to consider in making a decision, i.e I assume it's not just appearance?
    Thanks!

    The straightness and integrity of the keybed is probably your main concern.

    Check where its been kept and for how long - is the room at a constant temperature? Has the piano been shoved up against a radiator or near a draughty window/door? Open up the top of the piano and check for any obvious damage - are the fittings for the strings perished / are the hammers all well felted (is it the original felt?). Check the integrity of the sustain and dampening pedals - look in the top when they are depressed to make sure they are doing their appropriate jobs - are they catching anywhere? Check the back of the piano, if its plywood at the back check if it is cracked or worn anywhere.

    If the piano hasn't been tuned then its a cause for concern - it costs about 60 euro to get it done properly so if the seller hasn't bothered to get it serviced pre-sale then chances are the piano hasn't been looked after that well throughout its life.

    If you can, an ex-teaching piano is always a good bet. They're generally Yamahas.

    Also, if you're going to be spending upwards of 2k on a second hand you might want to reconsider and think about investing in an entry level Yamaha - most dealers will knock up to 15% off the list if you pressure them. (If you're a student in Waltons for example, I think you get an automatic discount in the shop).

    Finally, there are pianos being given away free or for sub 500 euro all the time. Most of these are inherited and have served as little else than pieces of furniture - a bit of TLC and you could be a very happy man!


  • #3
    crosstownk
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,863 ✭✭✭✭crosstownk


    Bring an electronic tuner with you - one of those guitar tuners with a built in mic will do. That way you can ascertain if the piano is in concert pitch.

    Lots of good info here.
    Untitled Image




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