Buying a Piano: A Beginner's Guide

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If you’re considering piano lessons for yourself or a child, purchasing an instrument can be a daunting task. Eagerness to have a home filled with music is soon dampened by the  considerable commitment of family resources required. Do you really have to spend a fortune to get started? Not necessarily.

Something to keep in mind

The better the instrument, the better the sound, even from a beginner. The better the sound, the more likely a student is to be successful and continue playing. On the other hand, it doesn’t make sense to buy a top-of-the-line concert piano for a young beginner. It creates too much implied pressure for everyone, student and parent alike.

Sensible options

Used Acoustic Piano

An acoustic piano is primarily made of wood and metal; no electrical components. They last decades and nothing beats the sound and touch of an acoustic in my book. Paying the  hefty price tag of a new instrument is not necessary to get a quality piano. If you are willing to wait, you can often find people downsizing and willing to part with an instrument very inexpensively. 

  • Check your local “For Sale” sites. Remember to factor in the cost of moving it and tuning. Private sellers are unlikely to include either.

  • Check the condition of the instrument.  Even if you are new to pianos, you can see if an instrument has been cared for. Does it have water damage? Has it been stored inside where it has a consistent temperature? 

  • Do your research. Look online to see what comparable pianos cost in your area. Age, brand and model make a difference in price.

  • Avoid those special sales when schools and conservatories sell off their practice room pianos. Pianos in a school setting age much more quickly than those privately owned. Practice room pianos are played for hours on end 7 days a week. 

Digital Piano

Digital pianos are an excellent choice for families and apartment dwellers. These are not your junior sized keyboards of yesteryear. These are professional instruments with an excellent sound and feel, and allow you to use headphones so practice time doesn’t disturb the family or the neighbors.

Unlike an acoustic, digital piano doesn’t require tuning and is lighter and easier to move. However, they don’t typically last as long as acoustic. The lifespan of a digital is about 10-15 years. An acoustic can last 50-75 years before any significant work might be needed. In general, the cost of a new digital is much less than a comparable new acoustic, but are more than you might pay for an old upright. 

Final thoughts

Whichever way you decide to go, digital or acoustic, make sure you like how the piano feels and sounds. Even if you can’t yet play, you know what kind of sound you like to hear. Choose a piano with a beautiful sound and you won’t go wrong.

Debbie Guidolin