|   O/T...Buying a piano | Mr MidFi
Jun 20, 2003 7:45 AM | | We're moving to a bigger house first week of July, and thinking of getting an upright piano for the living room. I don't play and neither does my wife. My daughter is just learning, and apparently doing well so far.
What should I be looking for? How much should I spend? Should I go traditional or digital? I'm really looking for a piece of musical furniture here. I don't need to impress anyone w/ a brand name. I want decent tone, quality build, and good looks.
Budget: $800 to $1500. That's a wide range, but I'm looking for value, not price. Any suggestions? |
| I may be of assistance. (longish) | DarrenH
Jun 20, 2003 9:06 AM | | First, make sure you're buying from a reputable dealer. Preferably, someone who reconditions used pianos. They most likely know what they are doing. Music stores selling used pianos often times just give them a glance over and a tune. Also, there were literally hundreds of piano manufacturers and dating a piano just by looking at it is nearly impossible. However, outside appearance can tell a lot as too how well it was maintained.
Several things to to keep in mind when buying a used piano, especially if buying from a private seller:
1) Condition of the hammers. These are what strike the strings and are made of felt. Over time, felt will harden and dry rot. Make sure the felts pliable and have maintained their rounded shape. Also felt is used all over (under the keys, in the action and primarily where wood meets wood) to keep moving parts quiet. Have a look under the hood and check these as well. This felt looks just like felt used on a pool table and wears through over time. In other words, the action should be quiet.
2) Condition of the Pins. These pins anchor the strings at one end (always on top where the lid opens) and are adjustable for when tuning the piano. By rotating the pins clockwise or counter-clockwise you tighten or loosen the tension on the strings thereby changing the tone it makes. Look for a red substance (primarily) that may have been used to re-secure the pins in much the same way lock tite is used to secure screws and bolts. Over time, the tension on the strings will strip the threads where the pins screw in to rendering the piano untunable.
3) Condition of the sound board. This is most important because the sound board is what transmits the sound into space. It actually vibrates. Good thing is, you can recognize a cracked sound board instantly just by playing. The piano will sound aweful.
Also, every piano plays differently. We call this the "action". Some are stiff, some are loose. Really depends on personal preference. For a young person just learning I recommend a loose action but not sloppy though. Indications of a sloppy action are keys that stick down. Inconsistant striking velocity between keys to produce the same volumn level. Or when striking a key it produces little or no sound at all. The mechanism that drives all of this is somewhat complex and has an amazing amount of moving parts all working in unison. The action loosens up over time.
If the piano you like sounds a little out of tune don't let that worry you. Once you move a piano you must retune it anyway. Ask the dealer if they will include a free tuning with your purchase. Pianos typically need tuning at least twice a year. The more you play it, the more often it will need tuning.
With all that said, I think you could find a newer used Baldwin or Yamaha for your $1500. Kawai makes a decent upright piano too and may be even cheaper yet.
Have fun and good luck.
Darren |
| One last thing. | DarrenH
Jun 20, 2003 9:11 AM | | Stay away from digital pianos for now. Let your child learn on the real thing first. Digital pianos often do not include all 88 keys and no sustain pedal. And the action is not indicative of a real piano either.
Use the real thing. |
| Thanks for the tips, Darren | Mr MidFi
Jun 20, 2003 12:53 PM | | I appreciate your advice. A reputable dealer near me is having their annual floor model sale this weekend. I might go check it out. Happy Friday, and cheers! |
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