To make adequate progress at piano lessons, students need a quality instrument on which to practice. Purchasing a piano is a big investment, and can be intimidating. If you are looking for an acoustic piano, it’s a good idea to ask an experienced pianist or piano tuner to accompany you. If you must go alone, ask the salesman to play each piano that you are considering. Don’t be afraid to visit several piano stores or sellers.

What to Look For

Some of the makers of acoustic pianos that I like the most are: Steinway,Samick ,Palatino, Kohler&Kimball, and Pramberger. I am not a fan of Wurlitzer, Kawai,Baldwin,orYamaha but this is personal preference. Again, you’ll want to hear the piano before you buy it, to make sure its particular sound is pleasing to you.

Examine all the parts of the piano. Make sure the sound board (the wooden board on the back of the piano) and the metal plate attached to it are not cracked. Next, look at the hammers inside the piano. Make sure that the felts on the hammers do not have pronounced grooves from the strings.

Next, find C6; it’s the second C above middle C. Press and hold the key. The sounds should last at least 8 seconds before fading away. Then, play each key five times, from lowest to highest. Make sure that each note repeats easily and that the sounds are even. Buzzing noises or keys that are severely out-of-tune (like you’re hearing two separate notes) are bad signs. Some of these problems can be corrected by a good piano technician, but it can be costly.

Advice on Buying Used

I advise against purchasing a used acoustic piano unless you are able to bring a good piano technician with you. It’s often difficult to identify how much repair a used piano will need. If a piano is being sold for super cheap (a couple hundred dollars), it’s most likely a poor quality instrument that will be more frustrating than useful. Remember that you get what you pay for. If you choose to to find a private seller (newspaper, Craigslist), be aware that you will likely be responsible for moving it yourself. The piano also will not come with a warranty.

 

Renting

If you’re not in a financial place to purchase a piano, or you’re unsure if the student will take lessons long-term, consider renting a piano. Some stores have rental programs in which your rent will go towards the purchase price, should you later choose to buy the piano.

 

Digital Pianos

I teach on a Yamaha Clavinova digital piano. Many of my students also own and practice on digital pianos. I find them easy to move, easy to maintain, and easy to keep quiet in an apartment setting. It is true that digital pianos feel different than acoustic, but honestly, sometimes the convenience is worth the sacrifice in feel and sound. When considering buying one, it’s particularly important to make sure each piano key produces a satisfactory sound. Have the salesman demonstrate the functionality of all three pedals (if applicable). Many digital pianos come with several sounds (piano, organ, harpsichord, etc.); you’ll want to hear all of them. Digital pianos are easier to buy used than acoustic pianos, because it’s easier to assess their state. Some brands of digital pianos that I like are Yamaha, Kawai, Sony, Samick and Casio (believe it or not!– the higher end Casios are pretty good.)

Good luck on your search for a quality instrument! Remember to ask a qualified piano technician should you have questions or concerns.