Buying a second hand is a pretty complex process. buying a second hand piano includes a financial investment, and investing time in locating a piano suitable for the character and requirements of the player.

In this article we will review the important accents towards buying a second hand piano:

Budget:

Before purchasing a second hand piano, it is worth to plan the budget which is available for you, and to consider the additional costs associated with the purchase such as: transportation, tuning, and various repairs as needed.

The price of the piano is influenced by the quality of the firm, the quality of the sound and the materials from which the piano is built, and considering the mechanical and general condition of it.

Importance of the piano’s country origin:

In Israel there are a variety of pianos, from different firms and qualities.

Russian pianos (Belarus, Red october) are the most basic, and are suitable mainly for beginners and mid-sized musicians. It is important to note that among the Russian pianos there is a wide variety of firms from different qualities.

Pianos originating in Eastern Europe (Hungary), and Europe (England, France) are at a more advanced level, and accordingly their price.

Japanese pianos (such as: Kawai, Yamaha, Toyo) are of a higher level, which is reflected in the sound quality and the sense of playing.

German pianos are considered to be of the highest quality, and accordingly their price is usually the highest.

Beyond the origin and the firm of the piano it is important to examine each piano individually, in accordance with its mechanical condition. It is also advisable to purchase a piano that has been tuned and maintained regularly, than a piano that has not been treated.

What to check before buying a piano:

Buying a second hand piano is a custom-made purchase for a musician, who will make the most of the piano. Therefore, it is recommended that the musician himself will personally test the piano before buying it. The sound and the touch of the piano are individual components, and therefore, it is important that the player will take an active part in the purchase process.

• Examination of the internal components and mechanical state of the piano:

Prior to the purchase, a comprehensive examination should be conducted by a professional piano tuner for the internal mechanical condition of the piano, including:

Checking the integrity of all piano keys.

An examination of the internal components of the piano among them: bridges, resonance box, harp, hammers, mechanism, and more.

The general mechanical state of the piano.

The integrity of the felt in the piano (located in parts not visible), the presence of pests (moths ect.) on the piano.

The correctness of the mechanical operation of the piano action.

In light of all the above, it is recommended that a professional piano tuner, who is familiar with the internal components of the piano, will check the piano for you, before purchasing the piano.

More than once, I come across customers whobought a piano only because it was a cheap one, or even received it as a gift, and bought it without checking it and without the help of a professional piano tuner. After investing financially in  the cost of the piano and transportation, and after I am invited to tune it, the great bargain becomes a great disappointment. This is when it turns out that the cost of the repairs needed to make the piano make the purchase economically worthless. In the worst case, when it turns out that the piano is hopeless, the piano is not even worth the small amount paid for  it and for its delivery.

Therefore, as you do not buy a car without an examination of the internal parts by a professional – so it is recommended not to buy a piano alone, and to use the services of a professional piano tuner.