How to find a good piano

Acoustic pianos, meaning the traditional wood-case pianos, come in general sizes. The smallest is the spinet. Next, in order of size, are the console piano, which looks like a larger spinet; the studio piano, which most people call the upright piano, and the grand piano. Newer on the scene are digital pianos, which are electronic. Less expensive models have fewer keys than a standard piano keyboard. A new acoustic spinet costs from $3,000 up. Consoles and uprights will be $10,000 or more. Higher-end, acoustic pianos that are at least partially handmade start at $25,000-$35,000. Baby grand and grand pianos can cost $80,000 or more. All new pianos include guarantees, usually 10 years, on parts and labor; some guarantee parts for 25 years. All pianos must be tuned twice a year. A tuning costs $65-$80. Digital pianos start at about $1,000. The most expensive is the Yamaha Clavinova, which start at about $3,000. Digital pianos are gaining in popularity. Not to be confused with electronic keyboards, which sits on a table or attaches to a stand, a digital pianos looks just like an upright piano or grand piano until you get closer. They are a nice alternative to a standard piano. They are less expensive; require less maintenance and no tuning. They offer additional features and computer enhancements, it’s like a piano and keyboard combined. And is a lot of fun because you can have your own jazz trio accompanying you. You can buy used or new pianos. Both are readily available. Beware of buying used pianos through personal advertisements, however; there is no way, unless you are a player or piano technician, to know the condition of the piano, not to mention the quality of its components. Used pianos are available at music stores for prices ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars and classified ads. The condition of the piano and the quality of its restoration determine its value. If you think you have found a good used piano, you might hire a piano tuner to evaluate it for you. It should cost no more than a tuning. Another great option is to lease to own a piano. This gives you a chance to try before you buy.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer
• Time

1. New acoustic pianos generally come from the United States, Europe or Asia. Pianos are machine-manufactured entirely, or partly handmade. This is what causes such a difference in prices from one piano to the other.
2. Educate yourself by reading available materials in books and online before going to music stores. Music store sales personnel can add to your knowledge, but they also may push their particular piano brands because stores have franchise agreements with manufacturers. Insist on trying on the brands.
3. Let the sales person play for you so that you can listen to the piano. They all sound different and have different tones. If you find a particular brand that you like to sound of more than another, then you can do more research on the manufacturers website at home and find different price options.
4. Digital Mini Grand Piano Many professional pianists prefer European or American-made pianos because of the quality. You should be looking for solid, white spruce sound board that is the major component inside the piano -- vertical in uprights, horizontal in grands. Spinets are OK, but pianos 42 inches or higher are best. Look for solid wood and pass on particleboard. Another thing to check is the casing and components. You want metal NOT plastic parts, real leather NOT synthetic. This is something that you should particularly pay attention to when buying a digital piano. There are a lot of digital pianos being sold right now that look beautiful, but when you look carefully you see they are made of plastic
5. For sound, press a key down gently and listen. You should love the sound you hear and it should sustain a nice tone. Less desirable is an initial harder tone that fades more quickly.
6. Take your time and search everywhere. Let people know that you are searching for a piano and you will probably be surprised how many know of someone who has a piano that they are selling.

Tips & Warnings

• Take your time and search everywhere. Let people know that you are searching for a piano and you will probably be surprised how many people know of someone who has a piano that they are selling.
• Set your budget and stick to it. Don't let a salesman convince you to buy something more than what you need.