Learning to play an instrument is an investment in lessons, music and practise time. There is little point dedicating time and money to this venture when practising on a worn out piano; a poor piano is a sure way of discouraging the prospective pianist.
To reduce the financial risk involved in buying a piano we recommend that you call upon the services of your local PTA Member. They will be able to offer help and advice.
Use “Find a Tuner” to find a local Member.
Set a Budget
The first decision is to set yourself a budget. Pianos are very complicated items with over a thousand moving parts. You should therefore aim to spend as much as you can afford.
Your local PTA Member
Your local PTA Member might be able to help. Many have a list of pianos they have looked after that are for sale privately in your local area. This is quite often a very good way to purchase a piano though please remember the Member might be receiving a commission for the sale or ask for a finder’s fee to cover their time.
Go to a piano shop
Your local PTA Member will be able to suggest a good local piano shop. Here you will see what is available within your budget. This shop should have no problem having a PTA Member inspect any piano before you purchase. Ask them whilst you are there.
Hire or Buy
Many PTA Members and shops offer a piano hiring service, quite often with an option to purchase the piano at the end of the term. This is an excellent way to meet the needs of a beginner as you get a modern piano fit for purpose that gives you time to get started without a major financial outlay.
Beginner pianos
There is no such thing as a beginner’s piano. This phrase is usually used to mean cheap or worn out instruments, at the end of their life and often a false economy.
Auction sites
Online auction sites are full of pianos for sale. These are mostly very cheap pianos at the end of their life. All PTA Members have seen pianos purchased this way that are un-tuneable and virtually unplayable. You will also have to pay to get the piano moved and this needs to be added to the cost. So maybe not such a bargain.
Modern versus old
Be aware that from the 1960’s manufacturing processes changed to take into account modern central heating systems. Therefore, a younger instrument will be less susceptible to the potential damage this causes.
Find your local PTA piano tuner
Enter your postal town in the field below and then select it from the list and you will be shown members that cover your area.
If your organisation requires a DBS, PVG or Access NI check please arrange this with the individual Member.