When you are interested in buying a used piano, you should surely consider conducting some research before you buy one. Learn the benefits of buying used pianos, where to buy them, how to care for them, where to place them, and many more.
Benefits of Purchasing a Used Piano
Buying a secondhand unit means much lower upfront costs. In these recent years, more people are able to purchase secondhand units because they are reasonably priced. You do not need to pay any huge deposit or even write a huge check to purchase it. You can find these pianos in a variety of sizes, cabinetry, finishes, and styles.
Most piano dealers make sure that they tune the secondhand units frequently and look after the units carefully. A majority of used pianos is restored to an extent that they can compete with brand new units. If you enjoy shopping for antiques, you will definitely enjoy shopping for secondhand pianos, as it can be very interesting and exciting.
Disadvantages of Purchasing a Used Piano
There are not many downsides to buying a used piano unless you purchase one that has internal damages. Even if you buy one that is in good condition, you should know that it does not come with a manufacturer warranty card. However, the dealer or restorer may provide a warranty card that will normally last half the period of a normal warranty card from a reputable manufacturer. Another downside is any used piano that is not fully restored will have more hidden defects. This means, you will be spending a lot of money to fix it in the end.
The Best Places to Purchase a Used Piano
There are many places you can choose to buy a secondhand unit from, such as the Internet, local piano dealers, individual sellers, musical instrument stores, and many more. Personally, I would choose to buy from local dealers or music stores, because the people in charge are normally highly experienced in pianos. You can find these dealers and music stores on the Internet or in a local phone directory.
When you are looking for a dealer on the Internet, make sure to check the company’s background first, which will tell you more about them. If the company has been dealing with pianos for a very long time, chances are that you would not regret buying one of their used pianos. In addition, the best place to buy a piano is one that offers a repair facility with experienced technicians available at all times.
Dealing with the Dealers
You need to make the time to visit the dealership to inspect the secondhand units. Before you purchase any of them, ensure that you ask about the warranty as well. Typically, an owner will offer a warranty that comes with a 5-year or 10-year period, and it does not cover action regulation, tuning, or the finish. Some dealers include the bench and delivery fee in the purchase price, while others do not. Therefore, check with the owner/dealer first in regards to this matter.
A number of dealers provide their own monthly payment plans, and if the dealer you visit offers you one, I would advise that you check with your bank first, as they might offer a better plan. If you decide to buy one using an installment plan, ensure that the dealer offers the same price to the cash buyers.
Would you recommend your friends to buy used pianos?