Love at first sight
I thought of naming this post “How to buy a used piano,” but remembered how often the advice I give to clients is ignored.
They fall in love with the magnificent cabinetry, the original ivory keys, the exotic finish, or any of a dozen other attributes – both tangible and intangible. It’s only natural to fall in love with pianos; their shape, their sound, and the childhood associations we may have had with them.
If you’re only interested in how a piano looks in your living room, then you may not need to read any further. Go ahead and buy it! On the other hand, if you or your children intend to play it, please read on.
Condition is everything
Despite the fact that pianos are built to last for generations, they can deteriorate rapidly if not maintained or kept in the right environment.
- Extremes of humidity, dryness, temperature, and sunlight should be avoided.
- Rodent and insect damage are more common than you may think.
- When pianos are moved, they are often damaged.
- Pianos are often spilled on, sprayed on, piled on, and banged on.
So, if you’re serious about buying a used piano, please have it thoroughly checked out before falling in love with it.
What should I be aware of?
Ask your technician to explain in simple terms the following:
- Whether it can hold a tuning.
- Whether it has major structural defects (cracked plates, bridges, etc.).
- Whether the strings, hammers and dampers are relatively intact.
- Whether the action is capable of being regulated.
And lastly,
- An estimate of its value, and what it would cost to get it to play well.