What To Expect: The Piano Buyers Guide

The Proccess of Buying a Piano:

Shopping for a piano is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect. This guide will give you an overview of the process of selecting and purchasing a piano. Once you understand the steps involved, you’ll feel more confident moving forward.

1. Gathering (the right) Data:

Before you even step foot in a piano showroom, you will probably want to have an idea of what kind of pianos are right for your musical needs. You've probably done some online research already but unfortunately, it is hard to find good information in the endless sea of data. 

Start by educating yourself on the basics of piano categories. This will help you understand piano pricing and features. You’ll also want to learn more about the Four S’s of piano selection and perhaps used piano shopping information. All these topics and more are discussed in some of my previous articles. This will empower you to make informed decisions and understand what you’re looking for when comparing different pianos rather than getting stuck on one specific brand or model. 

2. Work with a Reputable Dealer

Once you have a basic understanding of the categories of pianos you're interested in and your preferences regarding the Four S’s, it's time to find your a Piano Specialist. 

Skip the hassle of visiting private sellers or unauthorized market places (Facebook, Ebay) While buying this way might seem tempting, it often leads to more frustration and time than it’s worth. Here’s why:

• No Warranty: Most private sellers or unauthorized dealers don’t offer a guarantee or support if something goes wrong.

• Poor Condition: Pianos sold privately are often old, neglected, or even damaged. Private sellers may say “It just needs a tuning” but unfortunately not even the best teachers or players can make that determination. It takes a skilled technician and specialized tools to know if a piano can be tuned and stay in tune. 

• No Delivery or After-Sale Support: You won’t get delivery assistance or follow-up care. A reputable dealer will offer fully insured, expert  piano movers, a tuning in home after delivery and a trade-up policy.

• No Recourse: Unfortunately, I receive calls daily from individuals who purchased a piano privately or through platforms like these, only to discover it’s in poor condition or can’t be tuned and what is worse- there’s no recourse. While some platforms might accept returns, the buyer is not reimbursed for delivery costs. With delivery typically exceeding $500 for even the smallest upright pianos, even a short distance, just one way- this is a costly mistake. On the other hand, reputable piano companies are offered significant delivery discounts, passing those savings onto you and they ensure the instrument is in playable condition, making it a far safer and more cost-effective option.

  
  

Always choose a dealer that offers:

• Parts and labor warranties and a trade-up policy for peace of mind.

• Access to piano specialists who can guide you in your decision making process.

• After-sale services like tuning, repairs, and follow-up support.

• Fully insured professional piano movers.

3. Set Up an Appointment

Reach out to a piano showroom or to be connected with a piano specialist if you are not already in contact with one. Schedule an appointment. Scheduling your visit with a piano specialist has many advantages. 

1. You’ll arrive to a pre-curated selection of pianos meeting your criteria so that you can focus on the most relevant choices, making the process more efficient and enjoyable. 

2. These pianos will typically be tuned in preparation for your selection appointment which makes comparing tone quality easier.

3. They can help answer all your questions and will ultimately save you time and money. Plus they will have access to manufacturer rebates and offer credit card payments and financing options with interest rates sometimes as low as 0%.

4. Most Piano Specialists are also pianists or teachers. If you do not play, the specialist can demonstrate the pianos for you and give you feedback on the action responsiveness and help you understand the differences in sound.

4. Ready to Choose

By the time you visit the showroom, you should have a solid rapport with your specialist, an understanding of your piano preferences and the budget for the quality you’re seeking. You’ve made an appointment with your Specialist and they’ve prepared a selection of pianos meeting your specific criteria. Finally it is time for the most exciting part of the buying process- enjoy playing and hearing beautiful instruments hand selected just for you and choose the perfect one!

Trust your instincts and the guidance of your specialist. Remember that some dealers negotiate on price while others give fair prices up front leaving little room for haggling. Always ask but keep this in mind as you shop and consider options.

Final Thoughts

Shopping for a piano doesn’t have to be daunting. By gathering the right data, working with a reputable dealer, and setting up a curated selection appointment with a specialist, you guarantee yourself the fun and enjoyable experience you deserve- which might just end with the piano of your dreams.