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Step 1
Measure the area in your house where the piano will be. Plan to place the piano on an interior wall, as exterior walls affect the tune of the piano with the change in weather. Take the measurements with you when you go piano shopping.
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Step 2
Visit several piano showrooms before making a final purchase. Bring music with you and play each of the pianos, or have the salesman play for you. Play scales along with your selection of music so you will get a good feeling for the tone of each piano.
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Step 3
Make notes about the brand and models of pianos that you like best. Do not buy a piano on your first shopping trip. Instead, plan to make at least a second visit where you can bring a professional along.
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Step 4
Bring an experienced piano player and a piano tuner along with you on your second shopping trip. Have the player and tuner inspect the pianos that you are choosing between. Get recommendations from both the tuner and player as to which piano they feel is the best quality and value.
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Step 5
Contact a music conservatory or university with a good music program to help narrow down your decision when you are choosing between two brands. Find out what brand they have in their facilities for teaching young students. Decide which piano is best based on the experience of the experts you have consulted.
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Step 6
Ask about manufacturer warranties and a free tuning program for the first year of owning the piano. Avoid any piano that does not have a good warranty. Be sure to ask about the delivery policy as well.
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Step 7
Buy the best piano you can within your budget. Upgrade your piano with dealers that have a free piano upgrade program when you are ready to move.
