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Buy Piano

Your Piano Buying Guide

What is the right instrument for you? Here is a piano buying guide on how to buy piano. Learn about different types of pianos and piano keyboards, and find your ideal instrument!

Are you looking for an Acoustic Piano, Digital Piano or Electronic Keyboard? Learn about the differences, and which one is the best instrument for learning to play the piano.

Buy Piano

So, the decision has been made. You are finally going to buy piano! But before you run out and buy the first instrument you find…

…take some time to investigate, think and compare!

Help! How much is this piano worth?

If you own an older piano or keyboard, you might be interested to see if this can be used - or sold. You might also want to know how much the instrument you are planning to buy is really worth! Find out everything about your instrument here:
RETAIL PRICE LIST GUIDE FOR NEW PIANOS
PIANO APPRAISALS: USED PIANO VALUE
PIANO CLASSIFIEDS: LIST YOUR PIANO FOR SALE
PIANO AGE SERVICE: HOW OLD IS YOUR PIANO?
KEYBOARD INSTRUMENT / ORGAN APPRAISALS

What type of piano are you?

Electric pianos or acoustic? Electronic keyboard or a digital piano? Acoustic upright or baby grand? There are so many choices…

Start by asking yourself these questions:

Do I need a lighter instrument that is easily moveable, or will I keep it only in one place?
Do I live in an extremely humid or dry climate, where having an acoustic piano would mean a lot of extra tuning and maintenance?
Do I want the quality and inimitable feel of a real acoustic piano, or do I prefer having a keyboard or a digital piano that I can connect to my computer?

Generally, pianos and piano keyboards can be divided in five groups:

Electronic keyboards:
These instruments are portable, normally budget friendly and have lots of fun sounds and effects to play around with. Electronic keyboards are not great for classical style pianists, but there are some good alternatives.
Digital Pianos:
Digital pianos, or electric pianos are serious competitors to acoustic upright or grand pianos. The sound and touch is excellent, and no maintenance is required.
Many models are also somewhat portable. A digital piano is not the same as an acoustic in feel, neither in key-weight or "touch". But still, it is a budget friendly instrument and a great alternative for keeping in a place with less that ideal temperature or humidity/dryness.
Acoustic Upright Pianos:
An acoustic piano is an investment for the serious pianist. A small upright piano needs little space and comes in many brands and models. An upright is too heavy to move around, and needs regular care, maintenance and tuning for a long life. There are many different prices and brands available. You could also consider buying second hand.
Acoustic Grand Pianos:
A grand piano is for the serious pianist who wants to get the best. A grand needs a larger room though, and is not an instrument to be tucked away in a corner, but to be proudly displayed! Many different prices and brands are available, and second hand can be a brilliant choice.
Hybrid Pianos:
The best of two worlds, an acoustic and digital piano in one. Costly- of course, but what an instrument!

The first time you buy piano, you are buying an instrument that hopefully will stay with you for a long time, so you need to find one that really suits your needs. Remember that prices in a store are usually negotiable, so do your research before you buy ; )

Let’s see… First the BIG question. Would you prefer an electric or an acoustic piano? Both types of pianos have advantages and disadvantages. Let's look at the pros and cons:

Electronic Piano Keyboards and Digital Pianos

Mainly, you can separate the electric keyboards in two groups:

1. Electronic Piano Keyboards:

How to buy a piano: Electronic Keyboards

The electronic keyboards that are called “keyboards” come in many sizes and prices. They are separate from their stand- which you might want to buy as well, lightweight, portable and relatively inexpensive. Continue reading about the electronic keyboard here.

2. Digital Pianos:

This category is what you should seriously compare with the acoustic pianos (below) when you are planning to buy piano. The digital piano has developed enormously the last 10 years and is great both in quality and sound. What are the best digital pianos? Click here to continue reading.

Acoustic Pianos: The Upright and The Grand

The acoustic pianos also consist of two groups of instruments: the Upright and the Grand Piano.

1. The Upright Piano:

The Upright Piano comes in many sizes, models, piano brands and prices. You can choose between a new or a used instrument when you buy an upright, since quality and good maintenance can make these instruments get even better with the years!

2. The Grand Piano

The Grand is The Ultimate Piano! Grand pianos are beautiful and often of very good quality.

If you are planning to buy a Grand, you should definitely consider also second hand instruments, as there are some really good older ones for great prices that can be found. Continue reading about buying pianos, acoustic upright and grand pianos, here.

Buying a Piano Bench:

Sometimes a piano bench is included when you buy piano. It might be wise to pay some extra for an adjustable padded piano bench instead. Read more about how piano benches best suit each type of piano, pianist or venue.

Your piano should sound like new. Read how a piano dehumidifier can help to keep your instrument in pitch-perfect condition.

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