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.