Piano Buying Guide
First time piano buyer? It can be overwhelming!
Equip your child (or yourself) with the best instrument you can afford.
Buying a nice digital piano with weighted keys is an excellent starting point, but it will only last you for about 3-4 years, or until you or your child reaches an intermediate level.
Same applies to a good upright piano.
One cannot improve past the ability of their keyboard or piano, so know that you have an investment on your hands and the more improvement you see with your child, the better instrument you will need in order for him/her to continue to flourish musically.
Instrument Guidelines
Explore our curated list of tips for buying your first piano
Buying Guide:
Keyboard
88, full sized keys
Weighted keys (Note: "Touch Sensitive"" is not the same!)
Hammer action
Must have a pedal!
Must have a proper bench (Incorrect seat height will cause technical issues)
Please do not purchase a new keyboard under the S500-600 price point. You will simply be buying a toy. Plan to spend around $1,000. The professional grade instruments start in the this range unless there is a fantastic sale going on.
Brands that are reputable and mainstream include Casio, Yamaha, and Roland.
Local music stores and/or Amazon are great resources.
You do not want a "stage piano" because this means it's portable. For a piano, you will want a console case/stand.
Buying Guide:
Acoustic
A good quality upright piano will last about as long as a keyboard; 3-4 years.
We recommend buying grand pianos of 5'5 ft or larger to get the best sound. If you don't have space, stick with the nicest upright or keyboard you can afford.
Ask about serial numbers. Look for the North America market serial numbers on Google
If buying used, you do not want a piano that has water damage regardless of what the salesperson says.
If buying used, try to get a piano with the original soundboard, but make sure it has NO cracks in it.
Go with a name you trust.
Skip the "player unit" because it does change the action and sound.
Buying Guide:
New Pianos
If you are looking at a new piano, we recommend speaking with our friends over at Steinway Hall Plano.
A good new piano will run you anvwhere from approximately $10,000 and beyond. We do not recommend buying an inexpensive piano, simply because of price.
Buying Guide:
Used Pianos
We are happy to help currently enrolled students find used pianos, whether at a piano dealer or online.
If possible, buy from the owner or trusted third party.
For a really good used grand piano, plan to spend a minimum of $10,000.
Our intention is for you to get your money's worth if/when you decide to sell your instrument and to not overpay, but invest in a great instrument.