How to Buy a Used Piano

A high-quality used piano can be a smart investment, both financially and musically. Many top-name used pianos such as Steinway or Baldwin appreciate in value each year. Because a used piano is a big investment, carefully research your purchase, and bring in outside help to be sure you're getting a good deal.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Ask a piano teacher or a piano tuner if they know of any pianos for sale or if there are certain manufacturers you should look for. Search the newspaper or check with the music department of your local college. Colleges periodically retire instruments and sell to the public at reduced prices.

2. Look for more than just a piece of furniture when shopping for a used piano. The old adage "you can't judge a book by its cover" especially applies. If a piano's beautiful case is disguising a wreck of an instrument inside, it may be more trouble than it's worth. Find out who owned the piano and if possible, how often it was played.

3. Determine the age of a piano by locating the manufacturer's name, usually located on the outside of the piano, and the serial number, usually engraved on a plate inside the piano. With this information, you can look up the date of manufacture using Piano World's online reference, check the manufacturer's website, or have a piano tuner research the instrument for you.

4. Listen to the piano before you commit. Any piano, new or used, should have pleasant midtones, rich bass and clear treble tones. Bring along a friend who plays well to give you an honest opinion of the sound quality.

5. Depress the right foot pedal and try each key, including the black keys. Every key should respond instantly to your touch, and the key action should be even throughout the keyboard. Take note of any keys that seem to stick.

6. Contact a certified piano technician to thoroughly go over the piano when you think you have found a good one. Because pianos have around 8,000 parts, it's well worth it to pay a technician to evaluate a used piano before you buy it. Look for a certified member of the Piano Technicians Guild.

7. Have the piano technician consider the piano's value, and determine whether it is worth the asking price. Ask the tuner to estimate how much work the piano needs to make it satisfactory, and whether it can be brought into tune. Factor in his service costs before making your offer to the seller.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid tall, old upright pianos manufactured before the 1930s. Most of these pianos cannot be brought into playing condition without considerable expense.
• Never try to move a piano yourself! Hire a piano mover who is specially trained in moving very large, very heavy instruments.

Resources

• The Riverton website has a straightforward resource on purchasing pre-owned pianos.
• Piano World has a huge website devoted to all things piano.
• The Piano Instructors website includes great information on researching used pianos.
• The website for the Piano Technicians Guild will help you find a certified piano tuner.