Buying Used Pianos

Buying a used Piano requires doing a little homework to study and consider a few factors into this somewhat major decision to purchase either a new or used piano for most people, especially in this weak economy.

Some of the desired brands, just to name a few, are Yamaha, Kawai, Baldwin, Wurlitzer, and Cable.

So many other name brands are out there that are also good as well.  Depending on the type of buyer you are, you have many options to consider.  For example, if price is not an issue in so far as available funds but still want a good piano with a lot of value for your dollar, a good used steinway could be an excellant investment.  For less money, there are still many other brands that are good quality brands such as Yamaha grand pianos, Kawai grand pianos and uprights as well.  Good tone quality and good touch response are a common benefit with these two brands.

If you're the type of buyer who is really trying to look for a good deal on a piano because money is tight, then you are the type of individual  that needs to use caution when coming upon pianos that are a "real steal".
Because if it is a real steal, it could steal your money instead, especially if the piano being considered is a badly neglected piano.  Some of the signs of neglect or wear and tear that cannot be evident, at times, until it is investigated by an experienced piano technician, are inside the piano.  Piano technicians know how to discover hidden cracks in the soundboard and in the bridges.  They can detect loose tuning pins or loose keys.  Rusty strings can be detected visually by technician or buyer.  Worn out felt hammers are common items of neglect.  If those type of defects are not detected, you run into the chance later on after the purchase is made that you must have those repairs done in order for the piano to stay in tune or to get the piano to play with better response.

If you're going to buy a used piano, whether from a piano store or from a friend or relative, the best form of insurance for you is to call a piano technician and schedule a time to look at the piano for inspection and evaluation.  He can tell you if the price being asked is reasonable or not.  He can inform you of many things about the piano so that you are prepared to reject a bad deal and save the moving cost to you home.