A piano is a significant investment so you want to get it right from the get-go. You must take your time learning about a used piano’s background. Ask the seller about the model, brand, year of manufacturer, and the serial number. Such pieces of information will help you know the value of the piano and choose a piano for sale wisely. Before you make your final decision, make sure to consider the following tips:
Determine why the Owner is Selling
Piano owners sell their instruments for some reasons, so make sure such reasons will not cost you. Are they selling it because the piano takes up space? Or are they selling it for the money? The latter reason could suggest neglect and if they need cash, they may not be spending money on maintenance.
Ask about How often the Piano was Tuned
Ask the owner if they consistently tuned the piano. It is important for a piano to be tuned at least two times per year. Otherwise, you could be paying more for special tunings or other related maintenance.
Moreover, asking who maintained the piano. Was it a professional or just anyone down the street for $20? If the street man was not qualified to perform the job, they may have made some mistakes which could result in internal damage. Repairs and tunings for pianos must only be done by a registered piano technician.
Know where they Have Been Storing the Piano
You want to avoid pianos that are stored in the basement and other flood-prone areas or a public storage facility. Usually, such areas do not have climate-control features and with extreme temperatures and humidity fluctuations that can pose threats to the health of a piano.
Ask Who Has Been Using the Piano
Pianos of the same age and make will sound differently two decades after, depending on how has been playing them. Pianists who are serious about their passion for music tend to keep their instruments in top shape to ensure it always produces consistent sound. But, those who are just using the piano to test its volume or be cruel on the keyboard can damage the piano.
Know about the Frequency of Use
Ask the owner if they have been keeping the piano for ambiance or avidly playing it. This will help you know if the instrument was tuned accordingly. Pianos in homes used at least once every week must be tuned four times every year while unused pianos can be tuned once every year when stored in the right climate conditions.