Buying a used piano is a great way to test the waters before investing in a new one. In fact,the quality of a well-made used piano that’s been maintained through the years can rival or even surpass a new model!
Buying a piano of any type can be overwhelming.. We’ve compiled 5 questions to ask before making the transaction on a used piano.
1. Where are you buying it?
There are a couple of different options for buying a used piano. You can very easily go to a piano store and find one. You can also check out estate sales, garage sales or your local classified ads.
Whichever route you go, ask the seller about the previous owners to learn more about how the instrument was cared for in the past.
2. How often was the piano tuned?
Proper piano care includes tuning every six months. Be sure to ask the sellers if this particular used piano was tuned consistently. If not, you may end up paying more down the line for maintenance.
3. Where was the piano kept?
Some families buy pianos, never use them and keep them hidden away in a basement or storage unit.
If theis instrument was kept in a basement or storage unit, there is a chance that it was exposed to extreme temperatures, humidity and even flooding, all of which can take a toll on its quality.
4. Who played the piano?
This may seem like a silly question, but in reality it’s very important to know. If small children played on the piano, there’s a chance they abused the keyboard and played the piano as hard and as loud as they could.
A serious pianist, on the other hand, has a finely trained musical ear that can pick up on any small changes in sound, therefore will be much more gentle on the keyboard.
5. Why is the piano for sale?
While it’s last on our list, it may be the most important question. The answer to this question will give you insight as to how the piano was cared for. If the seller says they need the money, be aware that the chances of the piano being cared for regularly may be slim.
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It’s good to know that proper piano care includes tuning every six months. My wife and I are looking at buying a used piano for our kids to play on. We want to make sure the piano we get has been well-taken care of in the past, so I’ll definitely inquire about how often it was tuned before making a purchase.
It was really helpful when you said to ask the seller how often the piano is tuned. My husband and I are wanting to look into getting a used piano for our home since our daughter is starting lessons, and we want to make sure that we can find the right one for her. We’ll make sure to keep these tips in mind as we search for a used piano for our home!
It’s also a good idea to have a tuner/technician come check out the piano before you buy it! Thanks for the comment
-Laura Cooper