There is always some risk when buying any used product. Without a thorough examination by a trained technician, it is impossible to know whether the piano is properly maintained, whether it is damaged or not, how the piano is worn, or whether the piano needs major repair. Therefore, we recommend that you consult with a piano technician or tuner before purchasing a used piano or grand piano.
Before buying a used piano, ask about its background. Ask the seller about the make, model, year of purchase / manufacture and, if possible, the piano serial number. You can use the data to determine the value of the piano before viewing it.
Check the age of instrument on Piano Atlas or Bluebook Of Pianos
How often was the piano tuned?
The piano must be tuned at least once a year; anything less could mean that you will soon pay extra for special settings or other related maintenance.
Who performed the maintenance on the piano?
Has the piano been serviced by a qualified professional? If the instrument was not serviced by a trained professional, the repairer may have made some mistakes that could lead to an avalanche of internal damage. Tuning and repairs must always be performed by a piano technician.
Where was the piano / piano stored?
Beware if it was stored in the basement (especially in flood-prone areas), garage or public warehouses. There is often no climate control in these areas, and temperature extremes and humidity fluctuations seriously threaten the condition of the piano, leading to irreparable damage – such as crack on a resonance board.
Who were the previous owners?
If possible (and useful), find out how many previous owners had the piano and how well they cared for it. Get to know your potential investment as much as possible and look for signs of damage when inspecting a used instrument (resonance board, if there are no moths or other parasites in the instrument, rusty strings, worn hammers, rattling of keys and mechanics…)
Additional costs to consider when buying:
– tuning the instrument
– Moving the piano / piano from the seller to your home
– Possible other repairs (regulation of mechanics, cleaning, sanding hammers, replacement of strings…)
!FACTORY RENOVATED UPRIGHT PIANOS AND GRAND PIANINS!
These instruments have not been restored at Yamahe or Kawai factories. Thousands of these upright pianos and grand pianos have been shipped to distributors in the US and across Europe. Below you can read an article by Yamaha technician Bill Brandon, which was published in the Pianos Technicians Guild.
These pianos are of a lower standard than those sold in the US and EU, even though the model numbers are the same or similar. Many of these pianos are “worn out” school pianos that have been partially refurbished and have a “new look”. We need to emphasize the fact that these pianos / pianos have been placed in a very humid Japan (monsoon) climate for 30-40 years, so they often have great moisture problems.
The piano / piano is factory restored and the seller gives me a warranty!
Yamaha and Kawai spare parts and factory services are simply not available for these pianos. Yamaha Corporation does not endorse or recommend these upright pianos and grand pianos, as there are problems that will eventually turn out to be too great.
Beware of the “guarantees” promised by the stores as they are not backed by Yamahe and Kawai. The factory where the instruments are factory restored do not replace the worn parts with the original ones.
If the piano is much cheaper than it should be, this instrument is the so-called “Gray Market” piano / piano. If it is a two-pedal piano or a “non-operational” 3rd pedal – it is a “Gray Market” piano.
The authorized dealer for the sale of new Japanese classical pianos and pianos of the Yamaha and Kawai brands in Slovenia is Benton d.o.o. and we have been selling these for almost 30 years.
Yamaha and Kawai Upright Pianos and Grand Pianos are great investments, even if purchased on the secondary market – second-hand, but be sure to check the age and source of the instrument before purchasing, and we recommend that you ask a piano technician to check it for you.
Statement by Yamaha’s piano technician: Four Things You Need to Know About Gray Market Pianos