How to Evaluate the Condition of a Used Piano
Buying a used piano is an appealing option for those on a budget, but you need to make sure you understand exactly what condition it’s in before purchasing. A used piano that hasn’t been well maintained could end up costing you more in repairs and tuning down the road. The things you consider will depend on how the piano will be used. If buying for a beginner or student, basic playability and functionality are key. For a concert pianist, tone and sound quality matter the most. Uprights and grands will also vary in what you evaluate.
Before looking at used pianos at a music shop San Jose, determine who will be playing it and for what purpose. This will guide you on whether technically complex, professional-grade pianos should be considered or if a basic piano for casual playing is more suitable. Whatever type of piano, evaluating the condition thoroughly can mean the difference between getting an instrument that provides years of enjoyment and beautiful music or a never-ending money pit requiring service calls. Carefully checking every aspect of a used piano yourself or with the help of a trusted piano technician is the only way to avoid unwanted surprises and ensure your purchase is worth the investment.
Check the Physical Condition
The physical condition of a used piano can reveal a lot about how well it was cared for. Scrutinize every inch of the wood for scratches, water marks, dents, or other signs of damage. Water damage, especially, can be a problem if not properly repaired. Press down on each individual key to ensure every note sounds clear and the keys themselves look and feel intact without any chips or significant wear.
Check that the soft and sustained pedals are functioning properly and not sticking or squeaking. The height adjustment lever for the piano bench or seat should also move smoothly to raise or lower the seat. Look for any loose parts like knobs, rolls, or bolts that might make noise or will require tightening.
Shake the corners and sides of the piano very gently to check that it sits solidly on all legs without excessive rattling or rocking. Leg levelers under the piano may need adjustment to stabilize it. Any instability could indicate weakened or damaged areas in the structure that will continue to worsen over time.
While some superficial scratches or marks won’t directly impact sound and playability, they still indicate the overall care the piano received. For the best longevity, choose a used piano with a clean, polish-free surface and no water spots. Minimal signs of general wear and tear for the piano’s age are best. With regular maintenance and care, a piano in a good, clean condition will provide the most value for your investment. Checking all elements of the physical condition yourself or with a piano technician’s guidance is critical before buying any used piano.
Test the Sound
The sound a piano produces is arguably the most important factor. Have the owner, dealer or piano technician play a series of single notes, octaves, and chords in different volumes while you listen carefully. Assess whether the tone sounds rich, warm, and pleasant to your ear with minimal buzzing or vibration. The pitch should sound consistent and clear at both higher and lower octaves.
Resonance refers to the piano’s ability to sustain a note’s sound. Press down on multiple notes simultaneously to check that the vibrations blend together smoothly without muffling each other. The resonance will depend on factors like soundboard condition, frame integrity, and bridge stability. Poor resonance could indicate the need for expensive soundboard repair or replacement.
Chords played in quick succession should continue to sound full, balanced, and centered on the intended pitches. All notes in a given chord should start and stop resonating together when the keys are released. If some notes ring out longer than others or sound dull, the piano likely needs tuning and regulation, which on larger grands can cost $500 or more.
While an out-of-tune piano may still work well for practice, perfect pitch, and tuning are essential for performance or recording. Even for casual playing, a well-tuned piano simply sounds more pleasant and rewarding. Notice if any individual notes sound “dead” or seem to lack projection compared to others. This could indicate future issues with the string or hammer assembly parts responsible for those notes.
Any excessive vibration, rattling noises, or buzzing while notes are played can also indicate needed repairs that may influence your buying decision or offer price. Have an expert evaluate the piano’s sound and potential costs for any necessary tuning, repairs, or rebuilding before you purchase a used one. With good quality and condition, a used piano can provide musical enjoyment for years. But a poor sound due to significant damage or disrepair should be avoided.
Assess the Tuning and Action
The tuning and action of a used piano are also important to evaluate before buying. Gently press down on a few random keys to check how deeply the keys depress and release. The keys should move smoothly without sticking or making noise when played. Have a pianist play some basic scales and short pieces to listen for any notes that sound out of tune. If several notes seem off, it likely needs a full tuning by a technician which can cost $150-$500 or more, depending on piano size and condition.
Check that the keys feel evenly balanced under your fingers as you play, not heavier on one end of the keyboard or the other. The keys should provide some subtle resistance to prevent accidental notes but still move freely when played. Stiff keys may just require regulation and lubrication, but could also indicate burrs, warping, or other damage in the mechanism. Loose, rattling keys will also require repairs to stabilize.
Play black and white keys together, as well as the notes at each octave, while watching the hammers strike the strings through the raised lid. Each hammer should strike the correct strings firmly and rebound quickly, with the strings vibrating openly. If the hammers linger against the strings, rebound weakly or some fail to strike at all, this indicates needed hammer shaping, replacement, or other repairs.
The action refers to the intricate mechanism connecting the keys to the hammers. Any clicking, grinding, or squeaking noises as you play likely means parts of the action need lubricating, repair, or replacement. While minor adjustments and lubrication are often inexpensive, complete action rebuilds on larger grands can cost $5,000 or more.
Evaluating tuning, action, and mechanical parts yourself provides an overview but for the best assessment, a technician should fully examine the inner workings. They can estimate the costs of any repairs needed before you purchase. With an experienced technician’s guidance, you’ll make a used piano investment you’ll enjoy playing for years. But avoiding major mechanical issues altogether may depend on finding a seller that has properly maintained the instrument.
Consider the Price and Value
After thoroughly evaluating the condition of a used piano, you can determine whether the asking price is reasonable or needs negotiation. Consider the make, model, year, and current market prices for comparable pianos to estimate their fair market value. Factor in the costs of any repairs or restoration needed, including tuning, regulation, and potential action rebuilds.
Check for price comparisons based on recently sold used pianos of a similar overall caliber. If the piano needs work to get it in playable shape, lower your offer price significantly. It may be worth buying if you’re getting it at a steep discount, but avoid spending more than the cost of a new piano on a used instrument requiring extensive repairs.
Discuss your findings from evaluating the piano’s condition with the seller and suggest a price you feel is fair but still worthwhile for them based on the piano’s current state. Check if the seller is flexible on their asking price or is willing to meet in the middle. For a private seller especially, your willingness to take the piano off their hands may have them agreeing to an equitable price.
With some negotiation, you can often get the best value for your investment. But don’t feel compelled to settle for an exorbitant price for a used piano simply due to budget constraints. Keep looking at other instruments and check with piano technicians about ways to keep costs down, such as opting for just a well-regulated tuning and touch-up repairs to suit casual home use. Your patience in finding a high-quality used piano at a reasonable price will pay off in the long run.
