Piano Buying Guide from Piano Emporium, Asheville, NC

What to Consider When Shopping for a Piano

Choosing the right piano for the right price is a challenging situation involving a variety of factors.

What piano size is right for me?

Pianos come in two basic shapes: verticals (uprights) and horizontal (grands). Grand pianos, which include the Baby Grand models, take up more space and usually cost more than upright pianos. Remember that the larger the piano, the better it will sound. Many large vertical pianos have better sound quality than small grand pianos. In order to experience the best sound, always consider buying the largest possible piano for your space and budget.

Should I consider who will be using the piano?

Someone who plays only occasionally might be happy with a less expensive instrument. The more proficient the player, the more the quality of the piano is an issue. A student will need, at minimum, a piano that is completely functional, capable of being tuned in A-440 standard pitch, and able to hold that tuning for an optimum period of time. An instrument that falls short of the expectations of the musician will undermine a willingness to practice and will probably result in a poor musical education; it is more fun to practice on a good instrument than on a bad one.

What piano brand is best?

The answer to this question is extremely subjective as there are many subtle differences in piano models. The buyer must keep in mind his or her budget and needs when choosing from among the many different brands.

An honorable piano dealer will not talk down a certain brand just because it is not carried in their store. When looking for used pianos, especially older models, there are literally hundreds of different pianos brands that may be available. Mainly, the condition of the piano should outweigh the name brand in your decision. A piano that once was great may need much work to bring it back to its original glory. Reconditioning is a solution to returning that once great piano to its original vibrancy and value. Make sure and get a warranty or guarantee on the piano if you’re buying a restored instrument from a rebuilder. The Yard Sale is usually not the place to purchase a piano. Read this story about an actual experience.

Where is the best place to buy a piano?

Piano dealers normally carry different piano brands in different price ranges, so by shopping at a dealer location, your choices are greatly expanded. Dealers also have used pianos they have taken in trade.

When shopping for a new piano, look for quality and price as well as brand name. Choose a dealer who has a good reputation and is knowledgeable. If you are unsure of the dealer or you are considering buying a used piano from a private party, then engage the services of a piano technician who can give you a professional evaluation about any of the pianos at which you are looking. Money spent on the technician’s time is money saved in the long run, especially if the piano has problems you may have missed. You will also need this technician to service the piano on a regular basis and he or she can determine its quality and longevity right from the start.

What do I look for in a used piano?

When considering a pre-owned piano, first play each key individually to make sure that none stick and that they have good action. Listen to how the strings sound when played. If they sound pleasing to your ears, that’s a good sign. Make sure the pedals work and that the piano case is in good condition, then look inside the piano to see if there are any cracks in the metal plate. If there are cracks, then walk away. However, a minor crack in the soundboard is not a huge issue and rarely affects the tone. Inquire about the piano’s maintenance history, and ask to see all service receipts. Lastly, play a song or two on the piano, even if you are a beginning student. Do you like the way it looks, feels, and sounds? If so, contact a technician to give the piano a once over before finalizing the purchase. Remember, the piano will probably be with you and your family for a long time to come, so take your time to ensure that it’s the right piano for you.