How to Buy a Piano: A Comprehensive Guide

Your Guide to buying the best Piano

Overview

This buying guide provides information and tips for anyone interested in purchasing a piano. In it, we will discuss the different types of pianos available, the considerations that should be taken into account when purchasing a piano, and the advantages and disadvantages of different piano brands. We will also give advice on how to obtain the best possible price for your piano. Finally, we will discuss the importance of proper maintenance and tuning of a piano, and offer recommendations for products and services that can help you keep your piano in top condition. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, this guide will help you make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing a piano.

Key features

  1. Type - There are two main types of piano – acoustic and digital. Acoustic pianos are made of wood and strings and are the traditional type of pianos, while digital pianos use digital sound samples and electronic components.
  2. Size - Pianos come in different sizes – Grand (longest), Baby Grand, Upright, and Spinet (shortest). Generally, the larger the piano, the better the sound quality.
  3. Budget - When buying a piano, you should always take budget into consideration. Acoustic pianos tend to be more expensive than digital pianos.
  4. Flexibility - With digital pianos, you can customize the sound and features to suit your preferences. They can also be connected to speakers or headphones for greater sound quality.
  5. Space - When buying a piano, you should consider the amount of space you have to accommodate the instrument. Grand and Upright pianos take up a lot of room while digital pianos are more compact and easier to store.
  6. Accessories - You should also consider purchasing any necessary accessories such as a piano bench, metronome, and music stand.
  7. Service - You should also check to see if the piano store offers any maintenance or repair services for digital pianos as they require regular servicing for optimal sound quality.

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Important considerations

Pros

  • Musical Variety - A piano can be used to play a vast array of musical styles, from classical to jazz to rock and roll.
  • Portability - While not always the case, some digital and upright pianos are designed to be relatively portable and can easily be moved from place to place.
  • Reduced Maintenance - Many digital pianos require little to no maintenance, while acoustic pianos can require regular tuning and maintenance.
  • Sound Quality - Acoustic pianos, while expensive, usually have the best sound quality due to the natural resonance of their strings.
  • Durability - Many upright and grand pianos are built to last for decades, with proper care and maintenance.

Cons

  • Price: Pianos are expensive instruments, and depending on the type and quality, the cost can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.
  • Size: Pianos are large and require significant space for them to be stored, making them a difficult instrument to fit into smaller houses or apartments.
  • Maintenance: Pianos require regular maintenance and tuning, which can increase their cost of ownership significantly over time.
  • Difficulty: It takes significant practice and dedication to learn to play the piano, and can be challenging for beginners.

Best alternatives

  1. Organ - A keyboard instrument that produces sound by driving a series of pipes arranged in scalar order with chest and foot pedals
  2. Harpsichord - A plucked keyboard instrument with a range of more than four octaves
  3. Electric Piano - An electric instrument made to look and sound like a regular piano
  4. Synthesizer - An electronic instrument capable of creating a wide range of sounds
  5. Accordion - A handheld instrument with buttons or keys, and is played by pressing the buttons or keys while squeezing the bellows

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Bench - A bench is necessary for a piano player to sit on while playing.
  • Music Stand - This is a metal or wooden rack used to hold sheet music.
  • Metronome - A device used to keep time while playing.
  • Pedal - A foot operated lever that is used to control various aspects of the sound.
  • Piano Lamp - A lamp specifically designed to provide light for reading music.
  • Cleaning Products - Various cleaning products specifically designed for musical instruments, including polisher, cleaner, and conditioner.

Common questions

  1. What types of pianos are available? There are two main types of pianos: acoustic pianos (also known as “vertical pianos”) and digital pianos. Acoustic pianos use strings and hammers to produce sound, while digital pianos use digital samples or synthesized sounds.
  2. What is the difference between a grand piano and an upright piano? Grand pianos are larger than upright pianos and have a longer string length. Grand pianos typically have a deeper and fuller sound, while upright pianos are typically better suited for smaller spaces.
  3. What is a good beginner piano? Upright pianos are generally better suited for beginners because they are more affordable and easier to transport. However, some digital pianos can also be good for beginners due to their lower price point and recording capabilities.
  4. What size piano should I buy? The size of the piano you should buy depends on the size of the room you will be placing the piano in. Generally, a larger room can accommodate a larger piano.
  5. What should I look for in a good piano? When shopping for a piano, you should look for one with a good sound quality, good action (how the keys respond to touch), and good build quality. You should also consider the size and weight of the piano, as this will affect its portability.
  6. How much should I expect to spend on a piano? The price of a piano can range from a few hundred dollars for an entry-level digital piano to over $100,000 for a high-end grand piano. The exact cost will depend on the size and type of piano you are looking for.

Trivia

In the 19th century, pianos were sometimes used as a form of ‘on-the-spot’ entertainment in some of the world’s most famous train stations. Passengers waiting for their train to depart were often treated to a free concert by a talented pianist. One of the best-known examples of this tradition is the ‘piano man’ at Grand Central Station in New York City, who regularly performs for passengers. The tradition continues today! Source: https://www.pianopractice.org/fun-facts-about-piano/

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.