Buying a piano so kids can take lessons....any tips?

Question

We're looking to buy a used piano so our kids can take piano lessons. Don't want to spend more than $2000. Seems like there are plenty being offered on Craigs List. Has anyone bought a used piano? Any tips? Things we should look for? Thanks.

Answer 1

I would look at buying a keyboard with a stand instead.  Lots cheaper and this will give you more money for lessons too.  Give them a chance to see if they like it first.  Then talk to their teacher once they show some interest.

Answer 2

My husband and I and two of our sons play piano. We have two pianos one is a Korg Electronic Piano and the other a older upright model Baldwin which my husband purchased used.

Both are good sounding piano's the Korg never needs tuning as its electronic. It has real good sound but does not quite match the older Baldwin upright.

Few things you have to look for if you purchase a used piano.

The action must be free and in good shape with good felts. The harp which carries the strings must be in good shape and the pegs that tighten the strings need to be snug and not able to slip as the piano will go out of tune quickly. Piano's almost always need tuning after moving them. I would highly suggest a electronic for children to learn on. You will be looking in the 1200.00 to 1800.00 for one that is good. Anything under that price its best to leave it alone.

Good luck and if we can be of more help email us at [e-mail]

Connie Mom of 4

Answer 3

First I'd make sure the kids WANT to take lessons.

Answer 4

Fins out how often the piano has been tuned. If a piano has not been tuned in years it can actually cause the steel plate that holds all the wires to warp. So that it no longer is capable of holding a tune. I would encourage you to get a used one, but be sure to inspect it for abuse, water damage and (believe it or not) MICE. Of ten older pianos (over 50 years old) are lovely but have been ignored. You may have to tune it every six months for the first three years (at about $75-100 a tuning, so just keep that in mind).

Temperature really affects a piano as does moisture. If it has set in a warehouse or garage or anywhere where it is not kept at a constant moisture and temperature it can take upwards of a year for it to achieve the tune it will have in your house. It just has to acclimate.

I hope this helps.

Answer 5

Simply moving a piano--even from one room to another--will cause it to often go out of tune. Other than general cleanliness and making sure each note is making an accurate connection, they will all be fine for your purposes...you will most likely need a tuning...which can cost anywhere from 50-200 dollars..depending on your location.