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What to look for in a Used Piano
1) Brand
In Real Estate its location, in pianos its brand. This determines the resale value of your piano.
If you are buying for a nice piano for the house or for investment purposes there is only one brand you should consider. Steinway has increased its value over the years and rebuilt Steinways have outperformed many new Steinways.
If you are a person who loves to play the piano (daily) then you many not care about the resale value. In that case the Baldwin is an excellent value right now. We have several high quality pianos that are excellent prices because of the market.
If you are a beginner then you should consider a Baldwin Acrosonic. These are the bread and butter pianos that almost all teachers recommend.
2) Condition
The condition of the sound board may be the most important aspect of the used piano. A soundboard gives the piano its distinctive sound. Like an older violin an older soundboard has a fine tone. If a soundboard is cracked it can be shimmed in the rebuilding process. If the crack is to big or there are so many that the sound would be impaired the soundboard must be replaced. Be wary of a rebuilt piano with a new soundboard. They are difficult to replace and unless it is done carefully. There are some high volume rebuilders who will buy any piano regardless of its condition and replace the sound board. The customer thinks they are getting a better piano because it has a new part. But in the case of the soundboard old may be better than new.
Is the piano totally rebuilt, or is it reconditioned or refinished. Antique dealers often just refinish pianos. That's fine for say a Steinway square piano furniture piece. No one will play it or try to tune it.
If it is reconditioned, what does that mean? The term can mean almost anything.
An older piano may need to have a new pin block if it cannot hold the tune. Then it is standard to replace the pin block, pins, and strings.
A piano that is older may have been completely rebuilt. This means removal and replacement of all moving parts. Repairing the soundboard if needed and removal of old finish and applying new finish. When the new parts are installed they have to be professionally adjusted.
3) Who
Who rebuilt the piano? Was it done by a master craftsman. Pianos are fine musical instruments. It makes a difference.
4) Sound
Each piano has its own unique sound. Only you can decide what sounds the best.
