subject: Piano Online Lessons - What To Consider When Choosing Your Used Piano! [print this page] Piano Online Lessons - What To Consider When Choosing Your Used Piano!
When you begin piano online lessons, or learning from a private tutor, choosing the instrument to play on is a massive decision. You will be spending many hours, months and years using the keyboard, so you need to make sure you have one you are comfortable with, and will deliver the results you want. Pianos can be expensive, so many people understandably rent, at first. At least with this option, if you eventually find the piano is not for you, or you need to stop for any other reason, you have not made such a considerable investment.If you are adamant you want to own your piano, then you basically have two choices - new or used. Price will be a major factor, so a used piano becomes a good option. A new piano could well be a considerable investment for someone who is just starting to learn, and unsure to the level of commitment they will be able to give. Also, like buying a new car, as soon as your piano leaves the showroom, the value of it can start to fall.A local piano teacher, or tuner, may know of pianos for sale near you, or you can check your local newspaper. You could also consider contacting a college or school near you. Their pianos are "retired" every so often, and sold on to the public at a reasonable price.Once you find a prospective piano it's time to start asking questions. A piano that looks lovely from outside can still hide a multitude of sins inside. Find out who owned it previously, and how often it was used. You can determine how old the piano is, by checking the manufacturer (usually shown on the outside) and serial number (engraved inside). The manufacturer's website should tell you what you want to know.You need to listen to the piano before you commit to buying. You should hear pleasant mid tones, rich bass and clear treble tones. Depress the right foot pedal and try each key. Every key should respond instantly, and the key action should be even throughout the keyboard. Be skeptical if any keys stick. If you have only just started piano online lessons, or tutor based training, you may feel uneasy deciding by yourself. If you have a friend who plays, or a tutor, ask them to come along to lend their opinion.When you think you have found the one you want, it's still best to have a qualified technician check it over. Pianos contain some 8,000 working parts - so it pays to have it evaluated properly before you pay out good money. Make sure the person evaluating is a certified member of your country's Piano Technicians Guild, or equivalent.Your piano should be tuned about a week after it enters your house (this gives it time to settle). The technician who evaluated it for you should be able to perform this.If you are totally serious, and committed, to piano online lessons, or learning from a local tutor, it generally pays to buy the best piano you can reasonably afford. You may be playing the instrument for a considerable number of years, so it makes sense to have the finest equipment possible.
