Buying a New Piano ~ Buying a Used Piano

Buying a New Piano

Many folks think that your first piano is like buying your first car - you just want a set of wheels. However, pianos last a long time if taken care of. A good quality piano could last 100 years and become your most treasured family heirloom. Don't try to economize on a piano for a child who's starting lessons. A poor quality piano that doesn't play well can discourage a beginner which can inhibit their success. A good quality piano that is easy to play and has a good sound will keep them interested and keep them practicing!

YAMAHA 44" CONSOLE

Even though a grand piano is "the" piano to have, it is not always the best choice. When chosing a piano make sure to consider the space in your home and your budget. New upright pianos come in different sizes ranging from 44" consoles to 52" studios. Grand pianos range from a baby grand at 4'7" to a 9-foot concert grand piano. Not all piano brands are the same. Just because a piano cost more or less does not make it a good piano.

YAMAHA 52 " STUDIO

YAMAHA V-Pro Grand Plate

Manufacturers have different methods for cutting & treating wood and even different ways of molding the plate which is holding several tons of string tension!! A poorly constructed piano will will sound good in the beginning of it's life, but quickly deteriorate as the plate cracks and the wood warps. This will result in a piano that will not sound good and most importantly, NOT HOLD A TUNE! Yamaha uses V-Pro (Vacuum shield Mold Process) in casting the iron frame (plate). V-Pro plates are stonger and visually more appealing. Critical dimensions on the plate are produced more accurately resulting in a piano that will give you years of enjoyment. So get the best piano you can afford.

Buying a Used Piano

It is unwise to pick up an old piano privately "to get started with". A poor piano offers discouragement to the child and is at best, a questionable investment for the parent.

Here are just a few of the many danger areas encountered when a non-expert piano buyer buys a piano privately:

• Plate - may be cracked or broken which cripples the piano musically and renders it useless.
• Strings - bass strings may be "tired and tubby", totally devoid of tone.
• Sounding board - may be cracked or worse yet, may have lost crown to become tonally deficient.
• Ribs - may be broken or pulled away from soundboard.
• Bridges - may have lost proper bearing, be broken, split or cracked, necessitating a major expense.
• Tuning Pins - may be loose, may have been previously "doped", may require oversized pins, may require new pin block. Avoid like the plague any piano with pins showing evidence of having been bounded.
• Pin Plank - may be split and is very costly to repair. Since this is concealed, experienced judgment is required.
• Actions - may be literally worn out rendering piano useless. If rebushing is required, this is very costly. A complete regulation requires much time of an expert and is expensive if properly done.
• Hammers - may be worn out or improperly filed so as to require replacement - another costly repair.
• Trap Work - the internal leverage controls of the expression pedals may need complete overhauling.
• Refinishing - many people learn to their sorrow that refinishing a piano is not a home do-it-yourself project; that it requires much hard work and know how best left to a skilled craftsman. Good refinishing work is expensive.

Piano teachers have always preferred that students have a good practice instrument in the home. A student needs to practice at least 30-minutes a day. The piano at grandma's house or at a friend's is not suitable since it will not be available every day. A good piano teacher will personally own a great piano as their practice and teaching instrument. If you are looking for a piano teacher, I can find one for you in your local area.

The best book to reference to when purchasing a piano is the "The Piano Book" by Larry Fine. I myself have used this book to help clients when purchasing a piano. It explains the process YAMAHA uses to create their pianos and how other brands compare. I highly recommend using this book as a guide. I can provide you with the same information found in the book and would love the opportunity to visit with you.

The Piano Book Buying & Owning a New or Used Piano (click for amazon purchase)

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