The Importance and Value of Pre-Purchase Piano Inspections

by Ashley and Justin Ducharme

The journey of finding an acoustic piano for your home can be an exciting and overwhelming process. While choosing the right instrument that fits your specific needs can bring years of joy, having an understanding of quality and maintenance can help you avoid pitfalls during your search. When considering your budget, keep in mind that price is often reflective of quality and condition. Playing multiple pianos before making a decision is the best method to increase the likelihood of finding the optimal piano within your budget. It is recommended that your final choice be thoroughly inspected by a reputable piano technician. Ducharme's Piano Service offers pre-purchase inspections. Here are some tips to help you in your search: • Set your budget: although markets vary depending on location, you can expect the following prices for used, quality, serviceable instruments. $2,000-$3,500 for entry level uprights, $3,500-$6,000 for professional uprights, $7,500-15,000 for entry/intermediate grand pianos, $20,000-$40,000 for mid level grand pianos. Used concert grands can run up to $120,000 or more. These are just general guidelines to set expectations of the market. Your area may have a higher demand for used pianos that drives up prices or a lower demand that brings the price down. If a deal looks too good to be true, it most likely is.

• Consider brand, model, age, and wear of instrument: It is very important to be aware that the model of a piano is just as important as the make. For instance, Yamaha, Kawai, and Baldwin carry many of the most common models of quality used pianos on the market. However, each of these manufactures also have several models which don't live up to the standards associated with the brand. Likewise, NY Steinway uprights are arguably the worst return on investment in the industry, while Hamburg Steinway grands can be fabulous instruments when they are properly tuned and regulated. Though there are too many variables and piano models to review here, it is important to understand that it is not wise to shop by brand alone. Other important considerations are the age and wear of the instrument. Verifying the age of the instrument is often the quickest way to rule out risky piano purchases. We typically recommend buying the newest used instrument within your budget, with an emphasis on post 1980 pianos. Lastly, instruments which are left completely dormant as well as those which are heavily played will not have the same lifespan or condition as pianos which are lightly used and well cared for.

• Inquire about the history and climate control: It can be very helpful to find out as much as you can about the history of the piano. Pianos which move to many distant locations in their life will show signs of additional strain and wear due to changes in climate. Simply avoid all pianos which have been exposed to flood water, fire, are outside, in non climate controlled storage units, garages, and barns. Excessive humidity leads to a multitude of structural damage to the pianos case and parts.

• Observe the instruments tonal quality and mechanics: Note any unwanted mechanical noises or buzzes. Does every note make a sound? Strike every note repeatedly and feel for skipping, bouncing, or sticky keys. Is the piano in tune? Run up and down the keyboard and listen carefully to each note for consistency in tone. Aside from the tuning do you enjoy the sound of the instrument? Is the piano too mellow or too bright and harsh for your taste? Some of these mechanical and tonal issues can be improved but it is worth noting the piano's current condition.

• Communicate with your technician: First, contact your technician to inform them of your preferred choice as well as what you observed when playing and investigating the instrument. Next, schedule an appt to have your technician check the integrity of the piano's many parts and look for maintenance issues that you may need to be aware of. Then, consider using the information your technician has given you to negotiate the asking price. Finally, schedule to have the piano delivered by a reputable piano mover, schedule to have a technician service the piano, and sit down to rock out on your newly acquired acoustic piano.

Owning a serviceable quality instrument can add to the peace and joy of your home and heart. If you have any questions or concerns during your journey please reach out to ducharmespiano.com