Many people dream of owning a piano, but they are usually prohibitively expensive. That said, nowadays, more and more people are trying to get rid of the piano that has been in their family for years. That means those in the market for a secondhand piano have never had a better opportunity! If that describes you, we’ve got 7 things to look out for when shopping for a secondhand piano.

7 Things to Keep in Mind when Buying a Secondhand Piano

The Brand

When shopping for a secondhand piano, try to look for one that is of a quality brand. A higher quality brand piano means higher quality parts that will resist degradation for longer periods of time. Some brands to seek out include:

• Steinway & Sons
• Yamaha
• Kawai
• Bösendorfer
• Mason & Hamlin
• Baldwin
• Fazioli
• Bechstein

Strings & Soundboard

One of the most important aspects of a piano is the tension of the strings. Clocking in at around 18 tons of pressure, this tension has a significant impact on the tuning pins. That means it takes them a while to become stable and settled in the pin-block. These strings, made of steel and copper wire, also need time to stretch. These factors mean that a secondhand piano is more stable when it comes to tuning.

The soundboard, often called the “heart of the piano,” acts as an amplifier; it conveys the resonance of the strings’ vibrations to create each piano’s unique identity or tone. As the wood (usually solid spruce) ages, the tone may become richer or warmer. When shopping around for a pre-owned piano, you have the advantage of this aging process already in progress. You’ll see more of the instrument’s true character.

Make sure there are no cracks in the iron frame or the soundboard itself. While this level of inspection is important, it may require an expert’s eye.

Keys

Of course, the first thing you’re likely to notice when looking at pianos are the keys; which is a good thing, as their condition is usually a good indicator of the piano’s overall health. Dirty or discoloured keys, for example, may indicate the piano has been subjected to moisture, grease, or other unpleasant substances. Older ivory keyboards typically fade to yellow over time. This may be due to sweat or dirty fingers, but may also be caused by the absence of natural light; keeping the keys covered to prevent yellowing is a myth!

A secondhand piano that has been well cared for will have clean keys that feel smooth and are even in their key-depth (how far they go down when pressed). Any keys that get stuck may indicate broken action parts or felt swollen by environmental conditions. There should be limited sideways movement of the keys, and any excessive horizontal movement may result from worn key bushings.

You should also stay on the lookout for uneven keys. Uneven keys often result from moth damage to the cloth and felt, poor regulation, or neglected maintenance.

Finally, pay attention to how the keys play. If several notes sound more out of tune compared to others, there may be a problem with the pin block. If so, walk away–pin block repairs are extremely costly.

Interior

Open up the piano and examine the interior. Inspect the felts for holes or imperfections, and, depending on the piano’s age, check the casework for signs of woodworms. Next, check on the hammers. Are they grooved or have any flat spots? Each of these is a sign of excessive wear.

The Cabinet

When shopping for a second hand piano, the state of the instrument’s exterior is an important consideration. While it may not directly impact the piano’s playability, it can give an impression of how well it’s been looked after.

Specifically, watch for fading, scratches, dents, loose parts, and damaged hinges. It’s also wise to inspect the pedals for flat spots, which can reveal considerable use.

This Instrument’s History

When you find a piano that fits your needs, ask about its history and previous ownership. How old is it? When was it last tuned? You might also get the serial number and look it up online to find its manufacturing date. And perhaps most importantly, does it have a warranty? Any piano of decent quality is a purchase of significance, so make sure you cross all your “Ts” and dot all your “Is.”

Playability

And finally, perhaps the most important aspect to be certain of: how does the piano sound when you play it?

Do the notes ring on? That could mean an issue with the dampers–either that they have hardened over time or have broken strings. In either case, dampers (the felt pads that stop the strings from vibrating continually) are critical and must function correctly.

Listen for any buzzing or rattles as well, especially from the quieter bass notes. And finally, check the pedals. Creaking or squeaking pedals can indicate a problem with the internal mechanism.

Closing Thoughts on Buying a Secondhand Piano

Once you’ve found an instrument that can pass all these checks, it’s still wise to contact a professional technician or piano tuner. They will be able to give you an independent and knowledgeable assessment of the piano as well. Or, if you’re dealing with a local dealer with a strong reputation, you may have them produce a written and signed assessment of the piano for your records. Regardless, purchasing a second hand piano is a large investment, so you’ll want to cover your bases.

Looking to improve your piano skills for that new (to you) instrument? Check out The Music Studio’s piano lessons, available in-person or online and for all ages and skill levels, and sign up today!