Questions To Ask When Buying A New Piano

Key Takeaways:

1. Pianos are a great addition to your home, but they can be pricey
2. It is essential to take time and ask the right questions before you commit to buying one to understand what type of piano you need
3. Upright pianos are great for beginners or those with limited space, while grand pianos offer superior sound quality
4. You should measure the area where you plan to place your piano and ensure enough room for the size of your chosen instrument and space for it to be tuned and serviced.

You need to consider several factors when buying a piano. What brand should you choose? How big of a piano do you need? What type of finish is best? 

There are also some logistical questions you need to consider, such as how you will transport the piano and where you will put it in your home. And then there are the financial questions: how much do pianos cost, and what can you afford?

Before rushing out to buy the first piano that catches your eye, take some time to answer these questions. They’ll help make buying a new piano much easier – and less stressful! Keep reading this blog post by PianoCraft for more tips on what to look for when purchasing a new piano.

Pianos: A Great Addition to Your Home

Although pianos are a fantastic investment for your home, they can be pricey. That’s why it’s essential to take your time and ask the right questions before you commit to buying a new piano. Here are some of the most common questions you should consider before making this purchase:

1. What Type of Piano Do I Need?

Are you a beginner or an experienced player? The type of piano best suits your needs will depend on your skill level and how often you play. Upright pianos are great for beginners or those with limited space in their homes. In contrast, grand pianos offer superior sound quality and are better suited for experienced players.

2. How Much Space Can I Dedicate to a Piano?

It’s essential to measure the area where you plan to place your piano. You’ll need to ensure enough room for the size of your chosen instrument and space for it to be tuned and serviced. If you plan to move your piano, you should also consider its weight to decide what vehicle or equipment will be needed.

3. What Is the Budget?

This is the first question that comes to mind when shopping for a new instrument. Pianos come in all shapes, sizes, and price points, so it’s essential to set a budget before looking at different models. Knowing your budget ahead of time will help narrow down your choices and give you an idea about which features are realistically within reach.

4. Decide What You Want with Your Piano

The best way to find the perfect piano is by first understanding why you need it. Do you want to take lessons? Have previous experience? Are your children going to be playing as well? Knowing how exactly you’ll use the instrument, we can better help you figure out which type of piano is ideal for you and your family.

5. What Are the Most Popular Brands?

Ask the store about their most popular brands and try to understand why these brands are so popular. These companies usually create quality products that last a long time. Of their five most popular brands, research the one you like best and consider purchasing a piano from that manufacturer.

6. How Easy Is the Piano to Maintain? Will Repairs Be Expensive?

Before you finalize your purchase, ask about the required piano maintenance for that particular model. Also, consider possible repair costs down the line – if you buy an older model or one from a discontinued series, parts may be more difficult (and expensive) to come by.

7. How Should I Care for The Piano?

Your piano needs regular care and maintenance to stay in good condition. If you want your piano to last long, ensure you get all the recommended piano maintenance services. They may cost money upfront, but it’s worth it in the long run. Knowing what care your piano needs will help you budget for future expenses.

8. Is Delivery Included?

Not only do you need to be aware of the piano’s total cost, but it is just as important to understand what that fee entails. Ask if delivery charges, warranties, or other associated expenses are included in the quoted price. Even if these costs aren’t automatically factored in, you must inquire about them to plan your budget accordingly.

Related: Selecting the Right Piano Casters – The Basics!

How To Evaluate the Touch of Keys When Buying a New Piano

The action of the digital piano you select is paramount to developing a good technique. And, what feels right is subjective—a bit like driving two cars with different steering. You can drive without crashing, but one will feel better than the other.

The key’s surface is less arguable – lower-priced pianos have a lustrous plastic exterior. In contrast, the more costly models will employ a synthetic ivory replica that looks more natural and provides a better grip. So, make sure to try out both types before you decide!

While the overall touch is important, there are other things that matter. You also need to make sure that your piano playing is expressive. A great-sounding piano means nothing if you can’t play expressively on it. So, check how wide the dynamic range is and see how easy it is to control before making your purchase.

To test a piano’s dynamic range, play the same note slowly and quickly at different volumes. The wider the range, the better. You should be able to get a very soft sound when playing pianissimo and a very loud sound when playing fortissimo. All of the shades in between should be easy to control.

Looking For a New Piano in Washington, DC? We Can Help!

If you’re looking for a new piano, PianoCraftis the perfect place to start. We offer an impressive collection of the best pianos available. We’re authorized to sell Baldwin and Celviano Hybrid Pianos. If these brands don’t interest you, we are authorized Mid-Atlantic dealers for Estonia, Grotrian, and Steingraeber & Söhne pianos. So there’s something for everyone!

At PianoCraft, you will find pre-owned Steinways from every era and other leading brands such as Mason & Hamlin, Baldwin, Yamaha, and Kawai. Shop now!