Buying a piano is unlike any other purchasing experience. A piano is both a musical instrument that will bring hours of enjoyment into your home, and an important part of your home's furnishings. To help put you at ease during the process of finding just the right piano, here are some questions to get you started:

1. How will the piano be played?

Consider your needs--you may have children who are taking lessons, or you may simply want to pick up playing again yourself after a long hiatus. If you are buying for a school, church, or music club, your specific needs should be taken into account.

2. Should I buy a grand or vertical piano?

Pianos come in various sizes, styles, and finishes, and you may need to shop a little before you know what your preferences are.

Grand pianos are shaped like what you will see on a concert stage, as large as nine feet in length (concert grand), or as short as about five feet (often called a "baby grand"). In very general terms, a baby grand of about five to six feet in length is acceptable in a home, and six feet or longer is necessary for audiences larger than one would expect in a home setting. Even a medium-size baby grand only takes about the same amount of floor space as a six- by nine-feet area rug, so keep an open mind about what may work in your setting.

Vertical pianos are strung as the name implies, and most often sit against a wall or partition. The shortest verticals are about 36 inches in height and are called spinets, and while most manufacturers no longer build spinet pianos, some of the older models are well built with good tone and playability.

Taller verticals, called consoles, are easier to find than spinets in most localities, and range in size from about 38 to 46 inches in height. For a more serious player a console is preferable to a spinet.

Should you consider Great-aunt Emma's "old upright", built in the 1920's or 1930's and towering an imposing five feet or more above the floor? Some uprights are still usable, but some have outlived their life expectancy. However, a piano may have "sentimental value" which is only for you to decide. Many times the "family piano" is the only connection between generations, as it is passed down through the years.

3. How do I decide between new or used?

Once again, your own preferences count the most. A thirty- or forty-year-old piano might turn out to be the perfect instrument for your needs, or a new model may suit your lifestyle, budget, and playing requirements better. Most pianos can be played a moderate amount for 25 to 50 years, rebuilt or refurbished, and still be enjoyed for another extended period of time.

Any used instrument you're considering should be checked out by a qualified, recommended piano technician before purchasing, even if a small fee is expected. Myths and misconceptions abound regarding the condition of a piano's soundboard, tuning pins, etc., affecting its playability and tone, so getting an objective opinion from an experienced technician can help.

4. Where do I begin my search?

Letting family members, friends, and associates know your needs, and shopping the local yellow pages for new and used piano stores is a good place to start. Sometimes piano technicians know of a client who has a piano for sale, and often are glad to refer you to them.

5. What about an appraisal and servicing?

An appraisal from a qualified piano technician can help you discover the appropriate bargaining range for your market for a particular used piano, but is not necessary when purchasing new. He or she will most likely charge a fee for inspecting a piano for you; be sure to ask for a written appraisal.

Pianos should be tuned at least once or twice a year in a home setting; more often in less stable environments such as auditoriums and classrooms. Maintaining a regular tuning schedule will give you the most satisfaction from your piano during the year. Minor repairs are infrequent if the piano is in good condition when purchased. More major repairs, such as regulation or voicing of the hammers, are only needed about once every ten years or so with normal playing. Pianos are designed to need new restringing after 75 to 100 years of use under normal conditions; restringing is usually done as part of a complete rebuild of the instrument.

Some sources for finding a reputable technician are people you may already know, such as a college music department secretary or faculty member, a pianist at a local church or civic group, music store employees, or piano teachers in your area. When you call the referral ask whether he or she is an Associate or Registered member of the Piano Technicians Guild--many larger metropolitan areas have active chapters.

6. How will I move the piano?

Always have a piano moving professional move your piano; the center of gravity is such that, combined with their weight (480 pounds or more), this is one task better left to someone with experience. New piano stores normally include delivery as part of the sales price.

7. The bottom line?

Now that you are armed with the information above, what's the most important thing to remember in buying a piano?

All else being equal, make sure you simply like the piano you are about to buy--its look and feel, tone and touch. You will be much more inclined to play it often for years to come if it has that certain "user-friendly" appeal to you.