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Buying a Piano
Buying a piano is likely to be one of your most important investments, and is something that requires proper research and shopping around.
A real acoustic piano in good condition is essential to encourage and reward the person learning to play. A new, nearly new or properly reconditioned piano is by far the best prospect, giving the player every chance of success.
Here are some of the most important points to bear in mind:
Think carefully about where the instrument is going to go in your home:
Upright pianos should ideally be situated against an internal not external wall, away from direct sunlight, and not too close to a radiator.
Significant changes in temperature and humidity cause a piano to lose its tuning.
You will probably also wish to avoid placing a piano against a wall that is shared with neighbours, so that you don't get complaints about the noise!
Make sure that the piano is suitable for your needs:
For a beginner it is not necessary to buy the most expensive instrument, but it is important to make sure the piano is in full working order and will last for as long as it is needed.
For the more advanced student who is upgrading to a better instrument, it is particularly important to try lots of pianos and pick the best. Seek advice, and only buy from a very reputable dealer.
Whether you are buying new or second hand, you need to put aside time to travel to showrooms:
It is well worth travelling around a little to find what you are looking for. There are highly recommended dealers and showrooms in London, Bristol, Rothwell (Northants) and further afield.
Always allow plenty of time for each visit - a more advanced player is likely to spend a couple of hours trying out different instruments before making a firm choice.
Take sheet music with you, and play a variety of different pieces, including soft and loud playing, staccato and legato, testing the whole range of the instrument.
Important points to remember:
Buying a new good new instrument is obviously the very best option (expect to pay £3000 upwards), although many people choose to buy second hand because of the cost. In this case, it is preferable to buy a fully reconditioned piano from a trustworthy dealer, with a good guarantee and complimentary tuning. Andrew can refer you to recommended local dealers.
If you buy a second hand piano from a private seller - for example from a newspaper or shop advertisement - it is important to get it checked by a trained technician. Although you will be charged for this, it could save you from a lot of disappointment. Older pianos are unfortunately not always playable and serviceable, so you really need to check with an expert before buying!
Also it is worth considering whether the instrument will hold its value.
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Keyboards?
In the early stages this is a possibility. Also electric pianos such as the Yamaha Clavinova range provide a helpful compromise in terms of space, cost and upkeep.
In the long run an acoustic piano is necessary though. By the time a pupil is working towards Grade 5 level there are fundamental issues of piano technique that can only properly be practised on an acoustic instrument.
I am happy to advise pupils when they are considering what instrument to buy, and can refer you to several helpful contacts within the piano trade and music business.
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Further Reading
For more detailed information about the care and maintenance of pianos the following books come highly recommended:
The Piano Book: Buying and Owning a New or Used Piano
by Larry Fine
ISBN-13: 978-1929145010
Piano Manual: Buying, Problem-solving, Care, Repair and Tuning
by John Bishop and Graham Barker
(Haynes Publishing)
ISBN: 9781844254859
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Useful Contacts
Andrew is happy to advise his students and their parents about purchasing pianos, and point them towards suitable dealers for their personal needs and budget.
Andrew can also recommend good tuners in the area. Feel free to discuss this at your next lesson. | |
