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A wonderful article appeared in The New Yorker in 2001. I remember being fascinated while reading about the subtle differences among Steinway pianos.
Of course I knew from experience that every piano is different. This well-written description made the possibilities even clearer.
(To access the article, you have to be a New Yorker subscriber.)
The salesperson’s approach in the article changed an assumption I had held for years ~ that people who buy pianos for “furniture” really need to play, too.
But what’s wrong with having a piano in your house, whether you play or not? Maybe the owners will go to concerts. Maybe they’ll have company over who will play the instrument. Maybe their kids will take lessons.
If you have a piano in your house for the “look,” though, never place a drink on the instrument. My piano technician will have words if you do.
One woman who was followed at length in the New Yorker article purchased a Steinway with a case made of rosewood. She had excellent advice, resulting in the delivery of a wonderful instrument.
The flip side of that scenario may be a situation I witnessed. One of my students, a child, played on a beautiful antique piano. That is, the case was beautiful. Her mother had furnished the entire contemporary house with antiques. There was just one problem ~ the piano’s soundboard was broken.
Which brings me to my main recommendation for anyone looking to buy a piano.
Most of us don’t have the bucks to walk into Steinway and buy whatever we want. Many people will be looking for a “pre-owned” piano so their kids can take lessons.
Find a reputable piano technician before you buy.
This can be done by asking piano teachers or schools. I would suggest calling two or three technicians to find a good “fit” ~ someone you are comfortable talking to. Please don’t settle for using the Yellow Pages.
When you have narrowed down your possible piano purchases to two or three instruments, ask the technician to come with you. You need to know whether the piano will hold its tune, whether any major repairs might be needed, whether the soundboard is in good condition, if the pedals operate properly, etc. Most people, myself included, do not have the skills to assess the condition of a piano aside from the outside appearance.
The piano you purchase should tune “to pitch.” If it is below pitch, then playing with other instruments (flute, clarinet, strings, etc.) is not possible.
Technicians subscribe to trade newsletters. They also have clients, some of whom might be selling. A technician may also have a restoration/repair business. Very often, a technician will know of several instruments on the market. So go ahead! Ask!
Salespeople may be well-informed (or not), but you can’t rely on them to answer your questions about the condition of an instrument. The same goes for owners who are selling.
Warning signs
Don’t even look at “You move it ~ it’s yours”
If it’s in the garage, forget it. It hasn’t been tuned or maintained for years. No one is playing it. It’s in the way, and the owners just want to get rid of it.
Do you see broken keys? Stuck keys? Broken or missing pedals? Repairs are expensive. Even if you are willing to buy a “fixer-upper,” you will want to find out whether the needed repairs are possible and ask for an estimate. I personally don’t think it’s worth it. You can find a used instrument in good condition without too much trouble.
Hire a professional piano mover. The instrument must be wrapped (in quilted furniture padding), loaded onto a dolly, secured to the sides of the truck, and moved by at least 3 guys. Even upright pianos are heavy and awkward. Paying for movers is nothing compared to protecting your investment.
Never roll the piano on its own wheels to move it. Pianos are heavy, and the wheels are very small. And piano legs break off.
Where will the piano be in your home? Position it away from the sun and drafts. (And don’t put it directly in front of the air conditioner or next to the heat!) If there is more than one person in the house, you will want the piano to be in a room with a door that closes. (Practicing goes much better that way.) If you live in an apartment, be considerate of your neighbors by placing the piano on an inside wall. (Stairwells, hallways, wall studs, and elevator shafts all carry sound.)
Good luck!
Are you shopping for a piano? How is it going?
Please share your experiences and any questions in the comment section below!
While you’re here, please check out the information about my new E-book, “Goal-oriented Practice: How to Avoid Traps and Become a Confident Performer” ~ you can read several reviews, reader comments, the book’s Introduction, and the Table of Contents.
Leave a comment at Music Matters Blog and be entered to win a free copy! Three winners will be announced at noon on Thursday, November 11th.
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Jane Hallowell said:
Brings back memories of when I lived in Japan and went to a Yamaha store and tried out many pianos. Luckily, I picked a good one.
Your recommendations are right on!
Jane
GretchensPianos said:
Hi Jane!
That’s exactly what I did, except that I went to Steinway and then Baldwin. In NY, not Japan. 😉
I’ve come across frequent comments on general piano blogs where people look at pianos and become confused along the way. There is an emotional component to the choice, and it can be hard to separate that from what seems clear to others who aren’t involved. When responding to some of the comments, I find myself usually saying the same thing, “Find a good technician!”
Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Gretchen
Adrienne said:
Wonderful advice, Gretchen! I’ll share this with my students.
Adrienne
GretchensPianos said:
Hi Adrienne!
Thank you! 🙂
Somehow, the “look” of a piano is the whole story sometimes, even when people intend to play it. Or the quality of the instrument is hardly considered if it’s to be played by a child. When they buy a car, don’t they look under the hood?
Thanks for commenting!
Gretchen
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GretchensPianos said:
Hi Gretchen,
I read your blogs and they are good, and well written.
However, I’m inclined to disagree with your statement, in your blog about buying pianos, to stay away from what you call “garage pianos” or “move it yourself” pianos. Of course I’m not promoting either, but I do think that some of the best values (bang for the buck) in a pre-owned piano are found with private sellers or perhaps at garage sales or estate sales or whatever, where the buyer has to hire their own piano technician to evaluate the piano and movers to move it. I would not advocate buying a piano that had been stored in a barn or garage that is not environmentally controlled.
Of course, if money is no object and there are no limitations financially, then yes, by all means, stay away from garage pianos and move it yourself pianos.
I liked reading your blogs though…
Take care,
Rick
Rick’s comment first appeared on PianoWorld’s Piano Forum. He has graciously consented to this re-post.
http://www.pianoworld.com
Thank you, Rick! 🙂
GretchensPianos said:
Hi Rick,
Your explanation of the difference between a good deal at an auction or an estate sale is right on!
I was referring to pianos that have been ignored for years, stored in a garage because no one ever uses it. You know, broken/stuck keys, broken hammers, won’t hold a tuning, can’t be tuned to pitch anyway….
So, thanks for your clear post! Would it be OK with you if I copy and paste your comments into the comments of my blog article?
I know some people who did find great deals at auctions and estate sales. They paid for moving themselves.
Oh, and thanks very much for your kind words about my blog!
Take care,
Gretchen
My response is also a re-post from PianoWorld’s Piano Forum.
http://www.pianoworld.com
Rick G. said:
Enjoyable site, found it from reading Piano World Forums. I agree with your article. Free pianos and garage pianos are no bargain. I am always amazed at people thinking their old piano is worth more than it is. Especially the old uprights. I have seen better deals from people wanting to get rid of their piano because they are moving or just want the space. Good Luck with the site.
GretchensPianos said:
Hi Rick!
Thanks for your comments!
Sellers and buyers can both be blindsided by a variety of things. The decision to either sell or buy can be an emotional one.
That said, I completely agree with you. It’s important to know when it’s time to take it to the dump.
Thanks for stopping by!
Gretchen
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