No matter who you are or where you are in your life, there are few experiences to compare with
bringing home your very own piano. For many, it’s a life goal, or an entry on someone’s “bucket list.” Some people just want an upright to add sound to their living room, others want a full-sized grand and the parlor needed to house it.
Whatever kind of instrument you’re looking for, we want you to find the perfect piano for your home and your needs. After all, buying a piano is not a small investment. No matter what you choose, you’ll be taking home a fine instrument that can provide your family with music for decades with proper care.
So, we’ve put together a quick guide for things to look for when you’re buying a piano. We can’t tell you which piano is the right one for you, but we can help you find it!
Selecting The Perfect Piano To Fit Your Home
1. Consider space and time.
Simply put, the larger a piano is, the more space it will require, and the more time it will take maintaining it. A full-size grand piano, for example, effectively requires its own room, and needs climate control to maintain it in best condition. Smaller uprights or baby grands, in turn, require less space and less attention – although frequent tuning is a must for any piano.
Similarly, keep in mind that moving a piano is an extremely difficult undertaking. Larger pianos are generally for people who have a set residence without plans to move in the future. If you haven’t yet settled down into a permanent home, consider a smaller model.
Basically, when you’re looking at pianos, ask yourself the same sorts of questions you might ponder if you were thinking of taking home a dog. Do you have the space and time needed to take care of it properly?
2. Never buy a piano without trying it first.
You wouldn’t buy a car without first taking a test drive, and the same should be true when you’re buying a piano. Always sit down and try the piano for yourself before buying and, especially, never purchase a piano sight-unseen.
When buying used, this is a requirement to ensure the piano is functional at all. When you’re buying from an experienced dealer, it’s so that you can try out the action and get the feel of it. The movement of the keys can vary greatly from brand to brand, especially in how much force is needed to produce a strong sound.
There’s no predicting what piano will feel right to a buyer. The only way to know is to sit down and try it for yourself!
3. Pick a look that matches your home.
Whatever piano you decide to take home, it’s going to be a permanent fixture in your residence for a long time to come. While probably secondary in importance to the sound, remember to think about the visual aesthetics as well. Pianos are beautiful to look at, as well as to hear, and should be selected to complement your existing décor.
4. Pick a dealer who will stand by you.
When you purchase a piano from a reputable piano dealer, you’re getting more than just an instrument. The right dealer will have your back during your first stages of piano ownership, ready to answer questions or send a technician when in need. They’ll also have the resources necessary for shipping and setting up your piano, something you don’t get when you purchase from a private sale or auction.
There’s no reason to leave yourself unprotected when buying a piano. A good dealer will help ensure your purchase lasts through the years, and will be there to help when there’s trouble.
So, how did your most recent piano buy turn out? Do you have any advice for people stopping by?