We are glad to hear that you are interested in buying a piano. Having a diversity offer on the market can make the choice to find the right piano, grand piano or an electric piano a real challenge.
We have highlighted a few factors for you to consider when deciding:
For what purpose are you buying?
If you are buying a piano for a beginner, or your longstanding desire is to learn how to play the piano? In this case, we would recommend a low- or mid-range piano. The electric piano is not recommended for beginners, because the feeling is not the same as a classical piano, despite the advanced technologies of electric pianos. And also with the array of additional features they provide, they entice the child to play with different sounds and functions instead of exercise. Instruments in this range are also suitable for first-year high school students, for advanced students you might consider buying a higher-quality instrument. The question often arises here: What if after a few months the child gets tired of a piano lesson? We at Benton offer you the option of renting a NEW Piano, with the possibility of a later purchase. The 9-month rent is already being considered for purchase.
If you need an instrument for accompaniment, it makes sense to buy a smaller piano (preferably on wheels so that it can be moved around the stage / studio) or to buy a slightly better electric piano.
Professional musicians usually have an opinion about what they want, brand preferences and, of course, sound and feel when playing an instrument. In this case, the selection of different manufacturers and models is the most important in the selection process.
Acoustic piano, electric piano or hybrid?
The first step in buying a piano is to decide between two different types – acoustic (classical) and digital piano. In order to make the decision easier, you need to know the main differences and define your needs. The third option, which is a combination of acoustic and digital piano, is a hybrid.
For all classical musicians and beginners, an acoustic piano would be more appropriate. First, acoustic sound is more suited to classical music. Secondly, the key sensitivity of classical piano lets you play more subtle musical expressions and the dynamics required by classical music.
For those who plan to study in Pop, Rock or Funk genres of music, a digital piano might be a better choice. Additional digital piano features – such as other instrument sounds and drum beats – can complement your music experience. The slightly more “digital” color of the piano sound fits well with these musical genres.
The hybrid is a relatively new member of the piano family. It has an acoustic piano mechanism, but can emit sounds when activated. The hybrid piano seems like the best of both worlds – the desired acoustic and digital piano features are all in one piano. But it’s a little more expensive.
Choosing an Acoustic Piano or a Digital Piano? read here for more
Location
To determine the location, you need to know the conditions for your instrument, but we certainly do not recommend placing the piano in a room where temperature and humidity cannot be regulated (e.g. basement, garage…)
- room temperature from 18 to 23 ° C (constant),
- relative humidity of 40 to 60%,
- the minimum distance from the heaters is 1 meter,
- the instrument must not be exposed to direct sunlight or draft,
- If there is underfloor heating in the room, it is recommended to put an anti-thermal foil under the instrument.
You can read more about the conditions here.
Size
When you determine the location for your instrument, you will also have a better idea of how big the instrument can be purchased. However, it should be noted that with the size (with the grand piano we are talking about the length, and with the piano about the height) the price also increases. The size of the instrument also affects the sound quality of the instrument.
Price
nowadays one of the most important factors in buying anything is price. The price of the instrument is not only about the purchase price, but you also have to consider the cost of delivery and annual maintenance / service. The price of the instrument itself is influenced by several factors: size, color, additional features (e.g., silent) and brand. For the most part, all manufacturers have split models into three price/quality classes, namely: lower, middle and higher price and quality classes.
You can read more about the prices of pianos and grand pianos here.
Brand
Many manufacturers of pianos and pianos have products in their range designed to meet the requirements of pianists at all levels, from beginners to professional pianists. These brands have earned a great reputation and are generally considered to be safer choices.
At Benton d.o.o. we believe that we can offer our customers the best only if we work with reliable suppliers who provide quality products.
Our suppliers are our long-standing business partners. We are proud to be the exclusive sales representative for Slovenia for the brands: Fazioli, Kawai, Petrof, Bosendorfer and Schimmel and a long-term partner of the Yamaha brand.
Based on long-term business partnerships, Benton d.o.o. we guarantee the lowest prices of pianos and grand pianos in Slovenia.
In our store you can try and buy, and also rent some models:
- Fazioli Grand piano
- Kawai piano, Kawai Grand piano, Kawai Hybrid
- Yamaha piano, Yamaha Grand piano, Yamaha hybrid and Yamaha electric piano,
- Schimmel piano and Schimmel Grand piano,
- Bosendorfer piano and Bosendorfer Grand piano,
- Petrof piano and Petrof Grand piano
You can read more about our partners by clicking on the logo of each company.
Sound and keyboard
When buying an acoustic piano or a Grand piano, it is extremely important to try playing it to see if you like the sound. This is subjective since some prefer a lighter / sharp tone and others a softer / rounder tone. In general, good piano sound is round and full.
When buying for a beginner, this is very difficult to determine, because in principle he or she does not know how to play a piano or is in the initial phase of learning. Therefore, we often recommend that you bring along a piano teacher or someone who knows how to play well so you can hear for yourself what sounds better to you. You can also get a piano technician’s opinion.
For instruments with keys it is very important that the keys have a smooth surface, are not damaged and cracked. The keys should run smoothly, without tapping, and should not “rustle” when playing. The keys must be properly weighted and there must be sufficient felt padding under the keys (this must be checked with used instruments where the felt can be completely hard if the instrument was not played and sometimes damaged by moths).
Appearance
Most pianos, Grand pianos and electric pianos are available in different shades and textures. Black, white and mahogany have been the most sold in recent years. Choosing the finishes is a matter for everyone, it is advisable to take into account the interior of the room where it will be located, the sensitivity of some colors and that some colors require an extra charge.
Silent mode
Do you live in a building, multi-family house or just want to practice late hours? In this case, consider the Silent option. about playing in silent mode. Many piano manufacturers already have many models available with this option, but we can also upgrade your classic instrument with a silent function. The piano or piano is so equipped with volume keys and headphone outputs so you can practice smoothly at any time.
New or used
The prices of used pianos and Grand pianos are sometimes very tempting, especially for those who do not have a high budget. However, when buying a used instrument, you have to be very careful, because buying it cheap can be quite expensive.
Always check the instrument serial number before buying it, as it tells you its real age. If the seller tells you that the piano or Grand piano has not been played much – this is actually bad for the instrument, because the felt becomes hard over time, and in all likelihood it has not been serviced regularly. However, when you go to see the instrument, a great deal of information about the preservation of the piano is the place where it is located – whether it was kept in proper conditions.
When buying a used piano, you have to take into account the costs of transport, service and other possible costs. Factory-restored pianos and Grand pianos are not warranted by the manufacturers (since the factory-restored instruments are not restored at the manufacturer’s factories, so replacement parts are not original or certified by the manufacturer).
We strongly recommend that you hire an independent piano technician to check the instrument before purchasing a used instrument.
Before buying a used piano, we recommend reading some of the guidelines on the link.
Generally speaking, buying a used instrument is a good option if it is in good condition. Buying a new piano or piano is still a better long-term investment.
Who is the seller?
If you are buying from a private seller, it is definitely advisable to consult with a piano technician before buying, which will set the instrument at a realistic price and alert you to the drawbacks or disadvantages and any additional costs that may acurre.
If you are buying from an official dealer, ask what kind of warranty it offers and whether it is also covered by the manufacturers, the purchase terms, whether it offers you service and what are the prices of service and delivery.
Benton Piano Salon d.o.o. is a family business with a 30-year tradition in the Slovenian market. For all items in our store we offer a warranty that is consistent with the manufacturer’s warranty. The purchase of new instruments includes delivery and free 1st tuning in the first year. We offer you a discount on immediate payment, purchase on installments without interest…
Buying a piano, Grand piano or electric piano can be difficult to make online. It is also important to consider a number of factors before purchasing an instrument that it will meet all your requirements and needs. Your professor, piano technician and sales staff at our salon can also be a great help in your choice
When you make a purchase, take good care of your instrument with the right conditions and regular service and it will retain its quality. We wish you all the best on your musical journey!