A Guide to Buying Your First Piano

Along with the guitar, the piano is one of the most popular instruments in the world. It can be used to play a wide variety of music styles and can be played either as a solo or accompanying instrument. This means they’re popular with people of all ages and with all types of music tastes.

If you want to buy a piano, either for yourself or a family member, it’s important that you are aware of the different types of piano that are available and the pros and cons of each. Whilst all pianos produce a similar sound, some are much bigger and more expensive than others.

Below is a guide to the types of pianos available and the pros and cons of each. There’s also some advice on buying new versus buying used.

What types of pianos are there?

#1. Grand piano

Grand pianos are the largest type available and also the most expensive. They produce the richest sound and will add a huge touch of class to any room where they’re placed. Given their large size, they can be very difficult to move, not to mention expensive so this is something to bear in mind. However, if a grand piano is affordable and you have the space, then they’re the best choice available.

#2. Upright piano

Upright pianos are the other type of acoustic piano and are usually much smaller than grand pianos. Whilst there is a little bit of compromise with the sound, they are much more practical and affordable for most people. A lot of upright pianos have wheels on the stand, which makes them ideal for moving from one room to the next – something that can be almost impossible with a grand piano.

#3. Digital piano

Digital pianos, also known as keyboards can be a great option when you don’t have a great deal of money to spend. When buying a digital piano, you should always ensure that it has 88 full-sized keys and also has authentic hammer action you’d find on an acoustic piano. The reason being is that when you switch from a digital piano to an acoustic, it can be quite daunting if you don’t have a feel for an authentic acoustic piano.

Should I buy new or used?

A big question when purchasing a piano is where you should buy it brand new or used. When buying new, you’ll nearly always get a guarantee with your instrument, whereas used pianos usually don’t come with any guarantee. Of course, the big advantage to buying used is that you’ll usually save a considerable amount of money compared to buying the piano new.

Where to find second hand pianos for sale?

There are many places to buy used pianos online. One of the most obvious is eBay. eBay allows anyone to list items for sale and you’ll often find great bargains, especially for musical instruments. If you do buy a used piano from eBay then you should always make sure the person you’re buying from has excellent feedback and see what their returns policy is.

Your Guide to Buying a Piano

So, you have decided to take the plunge and purchase a piano. Brilliant news!  However, making sure you get the right instrument takes a lot of dedication, and is something that you need to dedicate some time to. It’s not quite as simple as looking in the local paper at the pianos for sale listings.

Finding the right piano for you is a little like finding the right car. The first thing you need to consider is your actual requirements (rather than just what you would like to have in an ideal world).

While we might all like to drive around in a Porshe, if you have five children and a large dog to transport, this is not going to be practical.  Likewise, if you live in a small top floor one bedroom flat a grand is probably not going to be of much use to you (and your neighbours are unlikely to thank you).

When it comes to having such an instrument in a domestic setting many people will opt for an upright, as these do take up considerably less room. However, they are still likely to remain the focal and most dominant feature in any home setting.  If you do go for an upright it is essential to bear in mind that the noise is going to come out of the back of the instrument, so consider the neighbours if you are going to place it on an adjourning interior wall.

Once you have decided what room it is that your new piano will live in, take a moment to consider how you are going to get it in there. There is nothing worse than finding the instrument of your dreams, only to realise that you can’t get it in through the front door or down the hall. Pianos do not come apart, and you may not want to rip your house apart to save the expense of returning it.

You will also need to consider the function of your piano – are you going to be using it as a performance piece, or is just for practicing?  The answer to this will affect what it is that you are looking to get out of your new purchase so it is worth being honest about the answers.

Equally, be honest about your budget. Again this comes down to wants over needs. You may like the idea of that brand new, baby grand but if your budget doesn’t stretch to it, then there is nothing wrong with a second hand upright.  Especially if it ticks all the other boxes that you need ticking off.

Finally, speak to experts, or even people you know with some knowledge of playing pianos to get an idea of what makes and models they would recommend. An expert can help match a specific brand of instrument to your individual requirements to make sure you stick to your budget and location constraints.

Types of Pianos And Their Advantages

When it comes to purchasing a piano there are a huge number of things the novice may find confusing at first.  In fact, the choice of piano type, manufacturer and style can appear to be a little overwhelming, which is why it is important to take the time to do some research before you jump headlong in to a purchase, and seek the advice of professionals who are there to help.

There are three main types of instrument that you can purchase: acoustic pianos, electric keyboards or digital pianos. But how can you tell which is best for you?  Ultimately, what is the difference between the three?

Acoustic pianos are the original form of the instrument and have been around, in some form or other, since the early 1700’s.

Before the advent of the digital piano, acoustic pianos were just regarded as being “pianos” – there was nothing else.

The term “acoustic” specifically refers to the way in which the sound is made in the instrument, namely through vibration. In a piano, this vibration is caused by a hammer (set in motion by the pressing of a key) hitting one of the strings contained inside it.  These vibrations are then amplified by a particular board inside the piano and distributed to create the sound you hear when a piano is played.

Electronic keyboards are smaller than acoustic pianos (usually having in the region of 61 keys rather than the traditional 88 keys). They are also significantly lighter in terms of the keys.  This is because sound is no longer being generated via strings being hit with hammers.  As a result, electronic keyboards can be a fantastic option for younger children who are learning to play, and may lack the strength or finger span to play a more traditional instrument.

 

Credit: Digital Piano

Digital pianos are a mix between the acoustic and the electronic options. They are smaller than acoustics, which make them ideal for people who need to move them around frequently, yet still have 88 keys to allow for a full range of octaves. Sound quality is also often better with digital rather than electric as they have built in speakers.  They also offer a better alternative for those used to playing acoustics as the keys are often weighted, which provides a more authentic playing experience.

Digital pianos in the UK

If you are looking for a digital piano within the UK then there are a variety of stores that sell a wide selection, both on the high street and online.  All retailers are happy to provide you with information, and discuss with you in detail your individual requirements to make sure that you get the instrument that suits your needs and preferences.

About the Author:

David has a keen interest in digital pianos. His articles on the subject inform readers about all aspects of piano purchasing, playing, maintenance and the accessories available for them.