Do you wish, or are you thinking of buying a second-hand piano privately?
Yes, for some of us who can not buy a new piano, we can choose this option, which is a very good decision.
As a church Organist, I have helped many people buy a second-hand piano for private coaching and private use.
I did some research online, and I will like to share my findings here, and I hope you will learn one or two things from my findings.
Read more article here:Are You Thinking Of Buying A Second-Hand Piano Privately? {Read This First}
Lets us dive into it below:
Hundreds of second-hand pianos change hands privately every year.
Only a mall number is in good playing condition. We know that buying second-hand pianos and preparing them for resale is important to our business.
Of the many pianos offered to us, we buy fewer than one in ten of them – and almost everyone needs work on it to a greater or lesser extent
When looking for a piano, it is important to remember two things.
A. Pianos are not all of the same quality.
Before 1914, in the boom years of piano sales, huge numbers were made in small workshops to satisfy the demand for cheap pianos.
They were of poor quality when new, and hundreds are still around, several generations later, in dreadful condition.
There were some excellent pianos made in the 1920s and 1930s.
They are now 60,70,80 years old – nearly old age in the lifespan of a piano.
They can still be good instruments if they have been well maintained, but if neglected or abused, they will be tired, second-rate pianos.
Some will be “the family heirloom” passed down through several generations, much loved but often unplayed and neglected.
Such pianos may have sentimental value to their owners, but their true worth, as a playing piano, may be nil.
B. Pianos do not last forever
A piano comprises around 5000 parts, many of which move. Although enormously strong and heavy, it is very complicated and sensitive to dampness, dryness, changes in temperature, wear and tear, and neglect.
A good, well-maintained piano has much the same useful lifespan as a human – few are in really good shape after 80 years! Remember that the piano you buy will probably be the only one you ever buy, so look for the youngest and best-quality instrument you can find.
What Should I Look For In A Second-Hand Piano?
Very few people have any technical knowledge about pianos. They are as follows:
A.Sticking keys or hammers
This is usually the result of being in a damp atmosphere. The felt absorbs moisture, swells, and movement is restricted.
If only one or two notes are sticking, it may be possible to ease them. If lots are sticking, the action (i.e., the moving parts inside the piano) probably needs to be dismantled and rebuilt. Expensive!
B.Noisy keys or noise from the action
A sign of wear. A tuner may be able to make adjustments to lessen the unwanted noises, but if it is badly worn, a rebuild will be required.
C.Hard Tone
Probably the result of the worn and compressed hammer felts. If they are not too badly worn, they may be able to be reshaped. Heavily worn hammers cannot be treated this way, and new hammerheads must be fitted.
D.Dull, dead tone
This may be partially due to worn hammers but is more likely to indicate that the piano strings have lost their original suppleness and need replacing.
This is a major undertaking; only high-quality pianos can justify the cost.
The dull tone may also result from splits having developed in the wooden soundboard. These can be repaired, but it is only worth doing this to really good pianos.
E.Out of tune
Every piano goes out of tune as the tension in the strings changes slightly. If the entire piano is out of tune, it is probably because it has not been tuned for some time. Depending upon how far it has fallen below pitch, one or more tunings should put this right.
However, if only one section of a few notes is really badly out of tune and is clearly much worse than the rest of the piano, this signals real problems.
The tuning plank has likely lost its ability to hold the tuning pins tightly enough to keep tension on the strings. It is common on pianos made before the 1960s.
They were not built to withstand the dry atmospheres created by modern central heating systems.
The timber loses moisture and shrinks, the pins go slack, and the piano is beyond economical repair and useless for playing purposes. Avoid at all costs.
F.Woodworm
More common in older pianos. They attack the timber – look for small holes and tiny heaps of wood dust.
To check, the piano needs to be dismantled as far as practicable and closely examined with a torch. Look behind it and under the keyboard. Avoid anything that has or has had woodworm.
G.Moths and mice
Damage the felt hammers, dampers, and key washers. Minor damage is not important, but extensive damage is costly to put right.
H.Cracked frames
The strings are carried on a cast iron frame. Examine the entire frame carefully with a torch. Although cracked frames are not common, should the frame be cracked, the piano is a write-off.
I.Uneven piano keys
Kneel until your eyes are level with the piano keys. They should be level along the whole length. If they are not, they will need to be adjusted by a skilled piano tuner to make the piano easier to play.
If the keys form an arc with either a rise or a depression in the center, the wooden frame on which the keys sit has probably warped. Avoid.
J.Pedals not working
The pedals are connected to the action by levers. The “loud” or “soft” pedals will not work if the levers are dislodged. Relatively simple to put right but best done by a piano tuner.
Casework
The condition of the casework has no bearing on whether the piano plays properly or not. The heart of the piano is inside – the casework is largely decorative. A clean, attractive case can conceal a total wreck inside. Never buy a second-hand piano just because the casework looks good or will match your room.
If you find a piano that plays well but has casework in poor condition, remember that although pianos can be stripped and repolished, the cost is such that only really good quality can justify the expense.
Avoid
- Pianos with fretwork fronts – very old
- Pianos with candlesticks or candlestick marks (look carefully). They are likely to be at least 90 years old.
- Pianos with flowers and garlands inlaid. Pretty but again, pre-1914.
- Pianos with heavily carved legs
- Pianos with wooden pedals with brass button ends
- Pianos advertised as “suit beginner.” Almost without exception, they are dreadful pianos that the owner wants to get rid of and are usually totally unsuitable for any pianist.
- Pianos with wooden frames.
- Pianos stored in garages or outhouses. We’ve yet to find one in decent condition after being stored in an outhouse.
- Pianos that have not been tuned or played for years.
Buy if possible
- Overstrung pianos, i.e., the bass and treble strings cross over each other
- Pianos which were new from the 1950s on. They are best in central heating
- Pianos that have been regularly tuned and maintained. Ask who the piano tuner is and check with him on the piano’s condition – he will remember it.
Extra costs
Remember that in addition to the cost of the piano, you will have the expense of
Advertising
* Following up on any pianos offered (mileage, time, and frustration!)
* Transport, especially if stairs are involved
* Tuning once in your home
* Essential repairs recommended by the tuner
Together this generally adds up to around £200 and may be much more if your piano needs a lot of work.
Expert Advice Based on Experience
The person selling the piano may genuinely be unaware of the faults in their piano (and some may well be aware but say nothing!)
Before buying privately, please ask a reputable independent piano tuner to check the piano. He will charge you for this but may save you wasting money by buying a bad piano.
We regret that because we may be competing against you to purchase the piano you are interested in, we cannot be considered impartial and cannot provide this service.
How Much Should I Pay?
This an impossible question to answer since the value depends upon its original quality, present condition, age, and how much it will cost to bring it into proper playing condition.
One piece of advice, though- never buy a piano simply because it is cheap.
Cheap pianos are cheap because they are usually worthless as playing instruments.
There may be rare cases where good quality pianos are sold below their true market value, but your chance of coming across this kind of bargain is about the same as winning the lottery.
Equally, do not think paying more to a private seller guarantees you are buying a good-quality piano. Most piano owners have a greatly inflated idea of how much their piano is worth and ask a price that may not relate to its age, condition, or true value.
We have to repeat – before you part with money, please get a report from an independent tuner.
What Is The Risk Of Buying A Used Piano?
Buying a used piano carries the risk of purchasing an instrument with hidden defects, potential repair needs, limited or no warranty, outdated technology, and possible depreciation in resale value.
Thorough research, professional inspection, and understanding of the instrument’s condition are essential in mitigating these risks.
Is It Hard To Sell A Used Piano
Selling a used piano can be challenging due to factors such as market demand, piano condition, pricing, marketing efforts, timing, and patience.
Researching the market, setting a fair price, effective marketing, and considering additional services can increase the chances of a successful sale. However, selling a used piano may still require time and perseverance.
Is A 20-Year-Old Piano Still Good?
A 20-year-old piano’s condition and quality vary depending on the brand, maintenance, usage, repairs, and environment. Proper maintenance and care can contribute to its longevity and playability. It is recommended to have the piano inspected by a technician to assess its condition before making a purchase decision.
Do Pianos Lose Value With Age
In general, pianos tend to lose value as they age due to factors such as wear and tear, technological advancements, market demand, and maintenance. However, exceptions exist for high-quality vintage or antique pianos that may appreciate.
The specific value of a used piano depends on its condition, age, brand, market demand, and individual preferences of buyers.
 Consulting a qualified piano technician or appraiser can help accurately determine the piano’s value
Read more article here:.What is a riff on a piano?{ Answered}
Conclusion
We have learned that it is an important consideration for buying a second-hand piano privately: thorough research, professional inspection, budget planning, verifying ownership, testing playability and sound, arranging transportation, negotiation, and proper documentation.