Piano Buying Guide

Why do you want to buy a piano ?

(relevant factors to consider)

• Grand or Upright ?
• First Piano, or upgrade ?
• Available Space in your room ?
• Playing standard of Pianist ?
• Your budget ?
• Buy privately, or from a shop ?

How to buy independently

(methods of buying privately)

• Advert in Shop window
• Advert in Newspaper
• Buy from a friend or neighbour

Our Advice :

Most pianos offered privately require further expenditure; Unless you are lucky to find a genuine bargain, The vast majority of second-hand pianos will be unsuitable in some way; they may require extensive renovation, be untunable, or even have structural defects.

The general rules are

1. Be prepared to see at least 3 pianos before buying;
2. Hire the services of a reliable Piano tuner to check out your intended purchase;
3. Allow at least £ 150 for repairs after you have bought. In addition, removal costs are usually the buyer's responsibility.

Buying from a friend is also risky. Unless you know the piano well, and you are happy with the price, buying from a friend or neighbour is generally not recommended. If the piano turns out to be less than satisfactory, you may lose more than the cost of repairs.

Buying at Auction

Buying at auction is either an exciting experience, or a daunting prospect for those with fragile nerves ! At the right auction it can, nevertheless, be a method worth considering. For further information, see our buying at auction page.

Buying from a Piano retailer

Buying a restored or new piano from an established, reputable dealer, is strongly recommended. You may, of course, spend more initially, but that should be the limit of your outlay (apart from regular maintenance). You will also have the security of a long guarantee on a quality instrument.

Footnote: For those with a limited budget, or looking for their first piano, a rental-purchase scheme is cheap, flexible & good value.