Buying a used piano or grand piano can be a great opportunity to acquire a quality instrument at an affordable price. However, there are several pitfalls that you should be aware of to avoid potential problems and financial losses. Below, we’ll discuss the most common pitfalls and provide tips on how to avoid them.
Technical Deficiencies and Wear A used piano or grand piano may be quite worn, which can affect its functionality and sound quality.
Common issues include:
- Damaged strings and hammers: Over the years, strings may lose tension or break, and hammers may wear out, preventing them from properly striking the strings.
- Keyboard problems: Keys may stick, fail to return to their original position, or show uneven wear.
- Damaged soundboard: Damage or cracks in the soundboard can significantly affect the instrument’s sound and resonance.
Improper Storage and Maintenance A used piano or grand piano that hasn’t been properly maintained or was stored in unsuitable conditions can have numerous hidden issues. Fluctuations in humidity, temperature changes, and unwanted guests (moths, mice…) can cause damage to the wood, strings, and mechanics of the instrument. Before purchasing, it’s important to check if the instrument was stored in an appropriate environment, regularly maintained, and played.
Age and Manufacturer The age and manufacturer of a piano or grand piano can greatly impact its value and quality. Older instruments, while they may have historical and aesthetic value, are often less reliable and require more maintenance. Additionally, not all manufacturers are of the same quality, so it’s important to research the history before purchasing.
Some key points to consider when determining the age of the instrument are:
- Serial number: This number can help determine the year of manufacture. Most sellers have databases where you can check the age of the instrument based on the serial number.
- Visual inspection: Age can also be evident through wear on the exterior, keyboard, and internal parts. If possible, also inspect the back of the instrument to ensure there are no visible cracks in the soundboard.
- Condition of the mechanics: The mechanics of a piano wear out over time, so it’s important to check the condition of the hammers, strings, and other parts.
Be Careful When Buying Factory/Professionally Reconditioned Pianos and Grand Pianos – the So-Called Grey Market Pianos
“Grey market” pianos and grand pianos are used instruments from Japan. Due to cultural reservations, Japanese people do not purchase second-hand goods, so these pianos are exported to the EU and the US after partial refurbishment. Most of these are Yamaha and Kawai pianos aged between 20-40 years. Therefore, it’s extremely important to check the age of the instrument before purchasing. When buying such instruments, you might encounter the following issues:
- Non-original replacement parts: Many used pianos only have a “new appearance” and are not restored in Yamaha or Kawai factories, so the parts used do not meet their standards.
- Poor adaptation to the environment: These pianos are not dried according to standards for the EU and US markets and have been in the very humid Japanese climate for many years, where humidity exceeds 70%.
- **Wooden parts of pianos react to changes in humidity and temperature, which can cause serious problems, such as soundboard cracks and loss of wood elasticity, resulting in the instrument no longer holding its tuning.
- Lack of warranty: The warranty is not covered by the manufacturer, meaning you will bear the costs of all repairs and maintenance yourself.
More information can be found in the article by Yamaha technician David Durben published on the Yamaha website. Statement from Yamaha piano technician: Four Things You Need to Know About Gray Market Pianos.
Additional Costs
- Service costs: The price of a used piano or grand piano may seem attractive at first glance, but hidden repair costs can quickly add up. Repairs to strings, hammers, keys, and other components can be expensive, so it is advisable to have a professional inspection of the instrument before purchase and to obtain an estimate of potential repair costs.
- Moving costs: Before buying, also check the transportation conditions. Pianos or grand pianos are heavy and delicate instruments, so check whether safe transportation is included in the price. If the move requires a caterpillar transporter, the estimated cost is €100 plus VAT and mileage. If the instrument needs to be carried manually, the moving cost is higher. Unfortunately, it is often impossible to transport the instrument except through a window or balcony; in such cases, a crane truck is used, which incurs additional costs.
Tips for a Safe Purchase
- Conduct a thorough inspection: Before buying, thoroughly inspect the instrument or hire a piano technician who will check its condition. The technician can also assess transportation options and give you a realistic evaluation of the instrument.
- Test the instrument: Try playing the piano or grand piano to check its sound quality and operation.
- Check the documentation: Review the instrument’s maintenance and repair history.
- Check the instrument’s age: During the viewing, note the serial number of the piano or grand piano. For age determination, you can contact us.
- Check transportation conditions: Pianos or grand pianos are heavy and delicate instruments, so ensure that safe transportation is included in the price.
Check our offer of used pianos and grand pianos
Buying a used piano or grand piano can be a great opportunity to acquire a quality instrument, but it’s important to conduct a thorough inspection before finalizing the purchase. With the right approach and care, you can find an instrument that will serve you for many years.