How to Evaluate a Used Piano (Novice Edition)

Evaluating a piano can be a daunting task. When acquiring a piano there are many factors to consider. PIanos are mysterious creatures and even the most seasoned of musicians can lack a true understanding of the mechanics that lie beneath. Nonetheless, there are some basic guidelines one can follow along with identifying several red flags that can aid even the novice in making the most appropriate selection. 

So let’s evaluate a piano right now. Are you ready? Here are the first steps I would take.

STEP #1

GATHER YOUR INFORMATION

What is the brand name of the piano?

Is it a known brand? Refer to piano brand guide (SEE NEXT POST FOR PIANO BRAND GUIDE). If it’s not on this list that’s a RED FLAG, but not necessarily an indictment against the piano. BUT, safe to say it warrants further investigation.

How old is the piano?

This is always an important consideration for obvious reasons. The lifespan of the average piano is about 50 years, after which point the piano can start to structurally fail. If the piano is older than 50 years, find out if any reconditioning or rebuilding work has been done on the piano. If not then this is another RED FLAG.

How do you know the age of the piano? Get the serial number and brand name. Call any reputable piano technician and they should be able to tell you the year of the piano. Pierce Piano Atlas is a great resource for those who would want to make a personal investment.

Where can I find the serial # on the piano?

Usually the serial number is found stamped on the cast Iron plate by the tuning pins. If it is a grand piano the serial number can also be found stamped on the cast iron plate struts. Serial number can be engraved on the soundboard. You may even have to blow the dust off to see! In rare instances I have found the serial number underneath the keybed by the pedal lyre assembly. On some uprights the serial number can also be found on the backframe of the piano either on a metal placard or engraved into the wood itself.

STEP #2

HOW DOES IT SOUND?

Assess the pitch of the piano

Carry a metronome with the A440 tone with you. Most newer style metronomes, not the old school pendulum, but the newer ones usually have the A-440 tone. Play A4 (A above middle C) along with the A-440 tone. Does it match? Sound the same? Or is it wildly different? If so that is a RED FLAG and means the piano has been neglected in terms of its service and maintenance.

DOES THE PIANO PLAY A SCALE???

Are there any notes on the piano that sound like two or three notes at once. These two or three strings are supposed to be tuned to the same pitch for an individual note and if they are wildly off (think honky tonk) then the piano is structurally compromised. If you play a C on the piano and the next white note D is also a C or another note and if you can’t even play a scale then likely the piano has a bad pinblock and can never be tuned in its current condition. MAJOR RED FLAG

STEP #3

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

A picture says a thousand words and so it follows that a lot can be gleaned about the piano’s condition just by looking at the piano. Is the piano scuffed up? Scratched? Dinged? This can hint that further underlying problems may exist. What are the condition of the key tops? Are they chipped? Missing? Yellowed? Cracked? Are they ivory? If so this can indicate an older instrument with potential problems. What are the condition of the hammers? If it’s a grand slide the music desk forward to see or if it’s an upright simply open the lid. Are the hammers deeply grooved? This will cause the tone to suffer. Are the hammers flat-topped? It may be time for a new set of hammers. Is there any evidence of  prior string breakage? A giveaway would be older, rusty strings and a few newer, shiny bass strings. This can be a RED FLAG. Rusty strings in general can affect tone and pianos with excessively rusty strings should be avoided. 

I mentioned several red flags to look for when evaluating a piano and there are certainly more red flags that could be discussed. However, I think I have covered the most basic and important red flags when evaluating a piano. If you have one or any more of the red flags listed above it is time to seriously consider a used piano alternative. Again,  it is best to stick to pianos on the piano brand guide and not stray from the list. Ideally it is recommended to hire a piano technician to evaluate any used piano you may be interested in for purchase. But also it is good to arm the piano consumer with as much information as possible so they can make the best, most intelligent choice possible.

 There are MORE than enough used pianos in circulation to choose from. In fact there is a glut of used pianos on the market. Many piano dealers sell used pianos in addition to new retail pianos. Used pianos can also be found on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. I always caution my customers to not purchase any piano below the $800 price point as you can enter some pretty dicey territory. If you are in the market for a used piano, I wish you the best of luck in your search. And as always feel free to reach out to me at any time with all your piano questions and piano needs.