How to find and buy your first piano
You’ve socked away a bit of cash as part of your dream of enhancing your home and life with a piano of your very own. Where do you go from here? There is a lot to consider. This article will help simplify the process.
Decide what type you want
You may think you want a grand piano in the middle of your living room, or you may see yourself grabbing a keyboard to head for an out-of-town gig. Your lifestyle, genre, and playing intentions all factor in to what type of piano is best for you.
No musical instrument sounds as beautiful as a grand piano. No other instrument takes up as much house space, either. An upright takes up a lot less space, fitting right up against the wall. They can sound great as well, although they could never have the full richness of a grand. If you have the space, a baby grand is a nice balance.
On the other hand, an electric keyboard provides for extreme portability and a wide variety of sounds that you cannot get with a traditional piano. Of course, you won’t get the same sound quality as with a traditional piano, but it can be an excellent tradeoff depending on your needs.
Research a little, and check out multiple sources
Now that you have decided on the type of keys you want to purchase, different brands, styles, and sizes abound – which is right for you? What is the average price of a new one? Used? Check out multiple sources, both online and offline. There are many places you can go to find a new or used piano.
For the sake of your sanity, understand that shopping online for a piano is quite different from shopping for a portable instrument like a guitar, a wind instrument, or even a drum kit. Pianos can be very expensive to service and repair; in fact, it is a good idea to set aside some money for that if you decide to buy a used piano. Buy only from reputable people, and remember to look around for a dependable piano delivery service if the seller doesn’t offer that. (Do not just use any moving company, and for the love of all things reasonable, don’t try to do it yourself!) After moving a piano, the first thing you will need to do is tune it.
Play and decide
Go to your local music store and try some keyboards on for size. If your neighborhood has a music store that specializes in pianos, try them out first. They will tend to have the best selection and prices for both new and used pianos.
Commit
Buying a piano can be both scary and wonderful. This is so much more than a piece of furniture. It is a valuable and timeless instrument that you and your family will enjoy for years to come.
