Five Factors to Consider When Buying a Piano

Beginner piano students and parents of beginners may be unsure of what to look for when it comes to purchasing the instrument. With numerous options available it can be overwhelming when it comes to selecting the right piano. Here are several factors you should take into consideration when making your decision:

1. Quality

The interior and exterior components of a piano play a big role in how well the instrument will perform. A piano with a higher quality soundboard and strings will provide improved resonance and range. The tuning ability of the piano is important to take into account as well as it can impact the longevity of the instrument. However, the exterior of the piano is important as well. No matter how well crafted the inner workings of the piano are, a poorly made cabinet will affect the sound negatively. The grade of the piano is another way to determine quality with Grade 1 being the highest.

2. Size

In this case bigger is better! Larger pianos generally produce higher quality sound as the longer strings produce a smoother sound in the transitioning of registers. While it would be wonderful if all piano students could have a concert grand piano, the size of your living space should be taken into consideration. For example if you live in a small apartment in New York City, a larger piano may not be feasible, whereas if you are taking piano lessons in Houston and have a larger house, a grand piano could be a good option. The acoustics of the piano will also be impacted by the size of the room, so that should be taken into consideration as well. Upright pianos and baby grand pianos are commonly used in learning and practicing settings, but full sized keyboards with weighted keys are also an option for those with limited space.

3. Budget

Pricing for a piano is usually determined by the quality and size of the instrument. While a higher quality piano may be more costly, keep in mind it is also built from more durable materials leading to a longer life span. However, less costly models are also available for those with a smaller budget. Purchasing a piano online is generally not recommended as it’s best to “test drive” a number of pianos before choosing one you’d feel would be the best match. Used pianos are often a great deal, but they should be thoroughly checked out for defects before purchasing by a piano technician. The piano may seem like a great deal, but if it is damaged it may be costly to repair it to good working condition.

4. Appearance

This factor may vary from person to person. Some may find the look of the piano to be very important as it can be a statement piece in a home, while others may not consider this an important detail. Pianos come in a variety of shades and styles. Black and mahogany are popular colors as they can compliment a wide variety of home decor.

5. Purpose

Is the student looking to pursue piano as a casual hobby or more of a long term interest? Beginner students who are unsure of how much commitment they can offer may choose to opt for a medium quality piano or even a full size keyboard instead of investing in a pricier model.

Regardless of what piano you’re in the market for we recommend bringing an experienced player along such as the instructor to provide guidance. If one is unavailable, staff members of the store you’re purchasing from may be able to help. Happy shopping!

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