Most music teachers agree that the piano is the best first instrument for young children. It requires enough strength in their fingers to play, doesn’t require an ear for tuning, and is one of the best ways to teach basic music theory and note reading. If you’re looking for a bargain, buying a used piano is the way to go! Here are some tips for finding the perfect used piano for you. You should compare prices and models of similar pianos online or at piano stores to make sure you are getting a fair deal. You should also factor in any additional costs, such as moving, tuning, repairing, or cleaning the piano. Try out different pianos and choose one that feels and sounds good to you. The piano is going to be yours forever so you want to love it.
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Use a Tuner
Hiring a tuner-technician to look at the piano you’re considering buying is a great idea. Not only will they be able to spot any fundamental flaws that you might not notice, such as a hairline crack inside the instrument, but they will also be able to tell you if the tuning problems can be fixed. It’s worth paying for this service, but make sure you’re serious about a purchase before you hire the tuner.
Be Thorough in Your Inspection
Before you hire the tuner, make sure you’ve thoroughly inspected the piano yourself. You should inspect the piano for signs of major damage, such as cracks in the soundboard, loose or missing keys, rusted strings, warped bridges, or water damage. You should also check if the piano is in tune, or how much it would cost to tune it. Press every key and make sure it works and doesn’t stick. Try all the pedals and watch out for any squeaky hammers, pedals, or keys. Look inside the piano and make sure there’s no missing hammers or strings. Inspect the hammers too, as they may be moth-eaten or worn away by the strings. If a hammer breaks, it’s an expensive fix so look out for this.
You should ask the seller about the history of the piano, such as how old it is, who owned it before, how often it was played, serviced, or moved. You should also ask for proof of ownership and any warranties or receipts that come with the piano. The more serious the owner was as a pianist, the better the instrument has been cared for. The tuner can also take the brand name and serial number of the piano and tell you its age. Avoid buying a piano that is over 20 years old, as it won’t hold up well unless its a quality brand.
Negotiate wisely.
Once you have found a piano that meets your criteria, you can negotiate with the seller on the price and terms of sale. Be respectful but firm; don’t be afraid to walk away if you feel uncomfortable or pressured by the seller. You should also factor in any additional costs that may arise from moving, tuning, repairing, or cleaning the piano.
Be safe and smart.
Buying a used piano on craigslist involves some risks; you may encounter scammers who try to trick you into paying upfront without delivering the piano; thieves who try to rob you when you meet them; or dishonest sellers who hide defects or lie about their pianos’ condition or value. To avoid these pitfalls, always meet with sellers in public places; never pay cash without seeing or testing the piano first; never give out personal information such as bank account numbers or social security numbers; and always get a written bill of sale that includes both parties’ names and contact information.
Getting the Piano Home
Once you’ve found a piano, had it inspected, and are ready to buy it, you’ll need to make arrangements for it to be moved. Before you finalize this, make sure the piano will fit through your door. If it won’t, find a smaller one! Serious damage can occur to a piano if it’s moved improperly, so consider hiring a moving company that is certified to move pianos.
Once the piano is in your home, call the tuner again and have it tuned. The moving process will knock it out of tune, so this is an essential step before you begin playing. Lastly, the tuner can tell you about proper care for your piano to ensure that it lasts many years in your home.
Buying a used piano on Craigslist will save you money, you may even find one for free, but you need to make sure you get a good one that will last. With careful inspection and the help of a professional, you’ll be able to find a real gem!
