Congratulations! You’re thinking about buying a piano. That’s awesome!

…but if you’re reading this, chances are good that you might feel a bit lost or overwhelmed about how to go about it.

Buying a piano can feel like a big commitment, both in terms of money and in the space it takes up in your house. You might also be asking questions like, “Should I buy a new or used piano?” or “How about a grand or upright?” 

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

With a little help, you can experience the wonderful feeling of walking into a room and seeing your very own piano with a rich sound waiting for you.

Here are four tips to consider on your piano purchasing journey:
 

1. Be sure you have the right space

Pianos stay in tune (and their mechanics stay in the best shape) when they are placed along or near an interior wall. Temperature changes can cause subtle fluctuations that will cause a piano to go out of tune. Additionally, too much direct sunlight can damage the piano’s finish, so a space with little to no direct sun is ideal.

2. Decide with is right for you: upright or grand

Both are fantastic options. Ultimately, the choice comes down to which best fits your space. Grand or baby grand pianos don’t necessarily sound better than an upright piano, so pick what genuinely fits your space the best!

3. Weighing the benefits of new vs. used

Generally speaking, the newer the piano, the better. Pianos change over time due to temperature and humidity. Older pianos will go out of tune more easily and may have mechanical issues. If the piano is more than 30 years old, it’s very likely best to pass.

That said, buying a used piano can be a fantastic way to go. There are some incredible deals out there if you are patient. Everyone loves a good deal, right? Buying used can offer great value. If you find the right opportunity, go for it! 

Here is our checklist of things to look for when considering a used piano:

Bonus tip: 

Many cities have non-profit organizations that collect donated pianos, which can count as charitable contributions for the donor. The organization can then turn around and fix them up before making them available for purchase. Then someone looking for a piano can get a great value on a nice piano. How great is that?

One example in the Minneapolis area is Keys 4/4 Kids, a great organization!

4. Know all the costs

There are two main financial factors to consider about a piano, after the initial purchase. 

Acoustic pianos need regular maintenance.

A piano typically needs to be tuned about once a year by a professional. The cost of this can vary, but you can expect between $75 and $225 per tuning. This cost is well worth it, as it will greatly increase the durability and maintain the quality of your piano.

Professional movers are best.

Pianos are very heavy. Moving them is best left to the professionals. The cost of this typically ranges from $200 - $600 for in-town moves. The price depends on the number of stairs and the distance of the move. Local piano movers will be able to give you a specific quote if you give them a call!

And there you have it! Consider these four topics and you will be on your way to owning a wonderful instrument.

Brand Recommendations 

We also have some specific piano and keyboard brand recommendations you might find helpful as you decide on the instrument that is just right for you! You can get those here in our free buying guide.

Piano vs. Keyboard

If you are weighing the pros and cons of purchasing an electric keyboard or an acoustic piano, our free guide helps you with that too!

What’s next?

We know how hard it can be to get started playing piano! It can seem like there is so much to learn without a clear path to get there. 

So, we made a beginner’s piano course where we show you exactly what and how to practice. We take out all the guesswork so you know exactly what to do.

We are currently offering our “Beginner’s Bundle” promotion which includes our flagship course, Piano Foundations, along with our Chord Bootcamp and Sheet Music Accelerator courses all for a greatly discounted price! 

We’d love to see you thrive on piano, and we know you can do it. We’re here to help and cheer you on. 

Click here to learn more about the discounted bundle and enroll today!