| One of the most challenging things about starting to | | | | sales, you'll want to have the piano checked out by a |
| learn piano is the cost. There's the books, the tools, the | | | | technician and you'll want to ensure you include the |
| teacher, and of course, the piano. We can't help with | | | | cost of moving and tuning the piano after you |
| the first three, but here are five places to find a solid | | | | purchase it. |
| practice piano for cheap. | | | | 4. Want Ads in Newspapers |
| 1. Friends and Family | | | | Many people with pianos they want to get rid of never |
| Many of the people you know probably have a piano | | | | get around to doing so, so you have to give them a |
| sitting in their house. Tragically, many of these fine | | | | nudge. Put a want ad in the newspaper or on Craigslist |
| instruments are rarely played, and the owners might | | | | saying that you want to buy a solid used piano for |
| be getting tired of seeing them sit around their house. | | | | practice. Include that you're a new piano student. See |
| They might be happy to let them go if they knew it | | | | what kind of calls you get; you might be surprised. |
| was going to a new piano player who would be using | | | | 5. Piano Movers and Piano Storage Companies |
| them regularly. You'll never know if you don't ask. | | | | Finally, you might want to check with piano movers |
| 2. Garage Sales | | | | and storage companies in your area. They often hear |
| A lot of fine pianos are sold for cheap at garage sales. | | | | about good deals on used pianos that the owners no |
| Make the rounds and see what you can find. A word | | | | longer want, or abandon in their storage facility. Give |
| of caution, though: don't forget to have them checked | | | | these companies a call, introduce yourself, and tell |
| out by a reputable piano technician. You'll also need to | | | | them what you're looking for. It can't hurt to try. |
| ensure that you factor in the cost of moving and | | | | Conclusion |
| tuning the piano. | | | | It's hard to learn to play piano without a piano, and you |
| 3. eBay / Craigslist | | | | might be concerned because you don't have a big |
| In my area, dozens of pianos are listed for sale every | | | | budget, but with a little creativity and hustle, you might |
| week on Craigslist and eBay. Many of these pianos | | | | be surprised how affordably you can purchase your |
| are still in great shape, and can be purchased at a | | | | first piano. |
| very reasonable price. Similar to buying from garage | | | | |