For first-time piano buyers, the process can seem a little daunting. Once you begin searching for a piano online, you will find that there are hundreds of different brands, companies, and models, and the search can seem nearly impossible. New or used? Old or modern? Electric or acoustic? The possibilities are endless!
Fortunately, with some forethought and a little research, buying a piano online can be accomplished.
Most first-time piano buyers are only familiar with a few of the major and most well-known brand names, like Yamaha, Baldwin or Steinway. They begin their search with what they know, and many times assume that because a piano is a particular brand name, it is automatically a good value. However, this is not necessarily the case.
The reality is that the single most important factor in determining the value and worth of a piano is whether or not it has been well maintained over the course of its lifetime. An older piano of an obscure brand name that has been properly serviced and maintained over the years will outshine a newer, well-known piano that has not been loved and cared for.
Why is maintenance the single most important issue? Most acoustic pianos, no matter the age or brand name, are made largely out of wood. And wood warps with time, breaks, wears down, and expands or contracts in response to the temperature and humidity in the environment, no matter the brand name. These changes can throw the piano out of tune and cause irregularities in the wood that, if left unaddressed, can cause permanent damage to the piano.
Ideally, every used piano would have a service record—like the Carfax report for used cars. Unfortunately, this rarely happens, but it does not mean that there is no way to find out what shape a piano is in before you buy it. Before you get hung up on the age or brand name of a used piano you are considering to buy online, call in an expert for help.
Miller Piano Specialists can come along and perform a full inspection, or connect you with a third party piano inspector if you prefer, in order to make sure that you really are getting the best deal possible. We also keep used pianos of different levels at the shop, so you can stop by and play a few to get a feel for what it is that you are really looking for.
Not all pianos are created equal—and more importantly, not all pianos are maintained equally. So make sure you are getting the best by speaking to one of the experts at Miller Piano Specialists! Give us a call at (615) 771-0020 or visit our website at millerps.com for more information, and happy piano shopping!
