subject: How to buy a piano [print this page] How to buy a piano How to buy a piano
Buy a piano made by a reputable company with a good production volume, and make sure they offer a manufacturer-backed warranty, you might be better off purchasing there! Visit several websites as each company sells different named pianos.
Ask questions about tuning the piano, and whether the dealer can recommend a good tuner familiar with the brand.
Some piano dealers will even offer piano lessons . Some have monthly piano concerts, with cheese and crackers and other snacks. Attending is a great idea; it is free, an evening or afternoon out, and a way to actually hear how the piano sounds.
Expect to buy the best piano you can afford and fit in your house. Or get a quality piano but do not buy the most expensive. A student starter piano will suffice, because you can always 'trade in' for a better one if your child enjoys and wants to continue playing. Ask the salesman about their trade in policy.
Usually the first piano bought for a beginner is an upright. Do not expect it to have the touch or sound of grand, but the tonal quality and sound will suffice and will encourage the beginner to learn and practice. Consider a used piano from a dealer. Many keep used pianos in stock as rentals, but they're happy to sell them, too.
There can be differences between individual pianos of the same brand and model. Find out if the piano you receive will be the one you have at least heard.
Used-pianos can be a great deal but it is difficult for the inexperienced to know a good instrument from a piece of junk. Always take a piano tuner with you when purchasing a used piano to inspect to make sure the soundboard is not cracked or damaged.
Even a very cheap used piano can be a great learning instrument if it plays well and sounds good and has been maintained well and tuned often.
If your child is unhappy with the piano, he or she will not want to practice on it, and you will have then spent your money on, essentially, a piece of furniture. (Once you've narrowed your choices down to 2 or 3 instruments, make sure your child gets a view on it. When your child tells you the piano he or she prefers,take it into consideration! If children take part in the decision making, they feel more ownership of the piano and are more motivated to practice on it.)
