Shopping From a Piano Dealer: The Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the glorious world of tickling the ivories! Instruments come and go in terms of their fashion, but if you choose to get into the ebony and ivory of music, you will never be out of style. If you're thinking of visiting a piano dealer in the near future to shop for a new addition to your home (and your life), you should go prepared. It's easy to fall victim to the preys of an eager salesman if you don't have any prior knowledge before walking into the showroom. There is a lifetime of knowledge to be had about this venerable instrument, but just knowing some basics will help you make a better investment. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions.

Is it better to buy new or used?

If you're looking to visit a piano dealer, you've probably tossed around the idea of buying a used instrument. There isn't necessarily anything wrong with that, although it is still advisable to purchase from a reputable source and get any kind of warranty on the instrument that you can. Buying off Craigslist or Ebay might get you a cheaper result, but it's a buyer beware type of situation, which isn't what you want when spending this kind of money. Buying a new instrument has a lot of advantages, though. You'll get a better warranty and you won't be taking the chance that the instrument has been damaged in some small, but significant way.

Should I buy a known brand?

Going with a known brand can be a safe bet. Steinway is a trusted name because of the quality product they have continuously produced for nearly 160 years. When you are looking for a piano, you should research which brands fit your needs. For best results, browse individual models with reviews to determine which piano to choose.

What determines the value of an instrument?

The list is nearly endless! Whether you're planning to sell to a piano dealer or buy from one, you need to understand that there are numerous factors that go into determining a price. Where you live might have an impact, as well as the brand name, the condition of the instrument, and much more. There is then the overhead of the showroom to take into consideration, which will have a big impact on how much you pay as a customer and may also have an impact on how much you can get for your instrument.