| When searching for a used piano people often refer | | | | guarantee to back up the purchase? This is one area |
| to the local classifieds or ask for referrals from family | | | | where piano stores are the best route to purchase |
| or friends. Although looking at pianos in private homes | | | | because they may offer returns within 30 days or a |
| has less pressure than visiting a piano store where | | | | limited warranty where a private seller cannot. |
| you'll most definitely have to talk to a salesperson, | | | | 6. If you do decide to purchase privately, are you going |
| there are some things to watch for. | | | | to have a tuner technician inspect the piano before the |
| When searching for your next piano you can also look | | | | sale is final? This small fee may save you thousands |
| online at our pianos for sale section, at websites such | | | | so it is highly recommended that you get the piano |
| as eBay, or Craigslist. The obvious benefit is that you | | | | inspected. |
| don't have to even leave your home to find exactly | | | | 7. Beware of the price tag! If you find pianos under |
| what you're looking for. | | | | $1,000 ask the seller why. Also be very cautious |
| Before you even begin your piano search is it essential | | | | around sellers who claim their old piano is in perfect or |
| that you are aware of all angles of your search. | | | | mint condition. This will most likely not be true as a |
| Below is a list of questions your should consider when | | | | piano that has sat for twenty years even untouched is |
| purchasing a used piano. | | | | not in mint condition. |
| 1. Why are you purchasing a piano? What are your | | | | 8. Remember that it's what's inside that counts. A |
| intentions for the next five to ten years with the piano | | | | piano may look great out the outside, but if a piano |
| once you have it? | | | | needs work on the inside it may cost your thousands |
| 2. Are you actually saving money buying used versus | | | | of dollars to get it up to par. Don't be swayed by the |
| new? Do the math and be realistic about repairs, | | | | cosmetics of a piano. |
| maintenance, and the actual depreciation when buying | | | | 9. Does the piano sound good? Even if you think the |
| used. | | | | piano is in a tune, a deaf person has about the same |
| 3. Are you focused more on brand name than on the | | | | chance of getting the answer right. An untrained |
| actual quality of the piano? Brand names can often | | | | human ear is not a proper tuning mechanism and does |
| sound nice on paper, but they aren't everything. | | | | not have the accuracy needed to tell if a piano is in |
| 4. How much time are you willing to spend maintaining | | | | tune. Yet another reason to use a piano tuner who |
| your piano? Like houses, pianos tend to need more | | | | has the ability to measure the frequencies of each |
| repairs as they age. Therefore, if you?re buying a | | | | note allowing for an actual analysis. |
| piano over twenty years old it may not be best if you | | | | 10. Why is the seller selling the piano? Like in any sales |
| don?t want to deal with repairs. | | | | situation this is a big question. Be sure of the sellers' |
| 5. Will you know if you come across a great deal? If | | | | true motivation when you are looking to buy. |
| so what makes it one? Is there a warranty or | | | | |