Buyers Guide
Before you spend money for either a new or used piano, a little preparation is helpful so that you purchase a piano that is appropriate for your needs. Your best bet would be to find a good dealer, one who deals in new and used pianos, go along to the shop and play some of the instruments. This will allow you to feel the difference in ‘touch’ of various pianos, and also hear the differences in musical tone. You may also have an idea of what the piano should look like – colour and style of casework.
Buying from a dealer is the safest option. Dealers usually include a warranty with all their pianos – new and reconditioned. You can be fairly sure also, with reputable dealers, that the piano will be regulated and tuned before it leaves the shop. In addition, some dealers will also include as part of the price a free tuning after it has been delivered to your home. (Bear in mind that should you choose to buy a brand new piano, it will be necessary to have it tuned at least 3 times during the first year as the new strings stretch and settle).
If you opt to buy a used piano privately, you will need to appreciate that extra costs on top of the purchase price will be inevitable. Although you will find that buying privately is generally much cheaper than buying from a dealer, be aware that the piano in someone’s home may not have been serviced regularly, and so the cost will be on you as the buyer to have any repairs done, have it regulated and tuned after purchase. The cost of transporting it to your home will also fall on you. There are many pianos out there in people’s homes which are in great condition, but there are also many more which aren’t – and just because you like the look of a piano, doesn’t mean it’s a good buy! I mean, what if you bought that lovely shiny new car you liked the look of, only to find that the engine didn’t start when you turned the key?!
Often problems that don't seem that big are major problems and vice versa. The presence of buzzing sounds or rattling may point to a major problem with the sound board (the ‘amplifier’ of the piano), or it may just be a picture frame sitting on top of the piano, or a small hinge in the lid. Sticking keys are usually not a major cause for concern. Play the piano and note such things as tuning, buzzes or rattles, whether there are sticking keys etc. If you are feeling brave enough, open the top of the piano and look to see what sort of state the hammers are in. And if you’re feeling really brave, put your finger on the top of each one and move it gently from side to side. If there is a little resistance, the centre pins (small pins on which the hammers pivot) are probably fine. If they ‘wobble’ freely, the hammers will probably need re-pinned – this isn’t an expensive job if there are only a couple of ‘wobblies’, but if every hammer in the piano needs re-pinned…..!
If you opt to buy privately, it is a good idea, when you have decided on a piano you like the look and sound of, to take along a qualified piano technician to give it the once over. I would be happy to do this for you depending on the location. Unfortunately, as I have had my fingers burned in the past, I have recently had to apply a £25 fee for this service in the Co. Antrim/Down district (higher fee may apply for pianos further afield) – but this amount will be deducted from your repair bill should the piano need any work done. *
And finally – if you’re thinking of buying a piano from a charity shop…..DON’T! I have seen quite a few pianos in quite a few charity shops and have yet to see one that matches in quality what it says on the price tag! Now, I’m not in any way saying “don’t support your charity shop”, but if you buy a piano from one it will more likely than not end up costing you at least as much in repairs as to purchase. If you must, give a donation to the shop or buy another item to support their work…..and leave.
* Repairs/action work only - does not apply to tuning fee