It
is true that used pianos are sometimes better than
new ones. The 1920 were marked by pianos of the highest
quality. But a word of caution must be sounded. Before
buying a used piano, seek the advice of a professional
technician, or buy from a reputable piano dealer.
There's often a fine line between a good deal and
a piece of junk. Only a tuner-technician is suitably
qualified to tell you whether a used piano is worth
buying.
Inspect
a used piano rigorously. Perhaps much more thoroughly
than you would if it were a new piano. Play every
key with the right hand pedal depressed so as to get
a true impression of the tone. The keyboard, hammers,
and pedals shouldn't squeak. Are the hammers and strings
in good condition? Is there rust and dirt?
Check
the keys for looseness. place your finger on the front
of a key and move it from left to right and vice versa.
It shouldn't move more than 1/16" in either direction.
Pay particular attention to the middle keys since
they are played most often.
You
can even ask who the previous owner was. A serious
pianist would usually take better care of his instrument.
Find
out how old the piano is. The brand name and serial
can be used to trace the piano's age. Be wary of pianos
that are more than 20 years old.
Pianos
age far more quickly than other strung instruments
like violins and guitars. Their strings create a lot
of stress on soundboards, bridges, and pin-blocks.
Pianos have lots of mechanical parts unlike violins
and guitars, and mechanical parts wear out as they
are used.
But
while age is important, your primary focus should
be its condition. Compare the used piano with similar
pianos. Make a new price comparison based on resale
market value.
If the
piano appears not to have been abused and is of a
good price you can probably leave a deposit subject
to approval by a technician. If you're working with
your tuner find out whether he or she is also a technician.
Some tuners are not technical and have no real knowledge
of the mechanical system of pianos.
The
technician may be able to tell you the approximate
value of the piano in its current condition, as well
as the estimated cost of repairs, if any. Based on
your knowledge, you may then choose to offer the seller
a price.
You
can check out a used piano online today.
Mantius
Cazaubon offers a guide to help you choose a musical
keyboard that meets your needs on his site www.Yamaha-Keyboard-Guide.com
Visit Yamaha Keyboard Guide.com for Yamaha and other
music keyboard reviews.
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