How To Decide What Piano To Buy

Making an investment in a new instrument can be a large undertaking. If you’ve never owned your own piano, you have a lot of options. Do you want acoustic or electric? How much space do you have in your home? How often do you play? What are you willing to invest? What brands are well-liked? Every piano is going to feel slightly different, so here are a few things to consider when making your purchase. 

1. Pick a Place You Trust

You probably want to buy a piano from a music store or dealer that has a good reputation and is knowledgeable when it comes to pianos. Boston piano dealers and other shops that specialize in piano products are probably going to be more in-depth when it comes to helping you decide the brand, pricing and style that work for you. A small music store that specializes in brass repairs is probably not the right place to go.  

2. Play the Instrument First

Bring a few piano pieces that you know how to play. Bring pieces that vary in style as well. Make sure you get a chance to play the instrument you are going to buy, or at least a model similar to it. You want to be able to test out the piano and make sure it feels right before you take it home. If you get it home and then sit down and realize it doesn’t feel right, it’s probably too late. 

3. Think About Purpose

Why do you want a piano? Think about what the purpose of your piano is going to be. If you want a practice piano you may want something simple, or something that resembles the pianos you likely use to perform. If you want to travel with the piano, you definitely want a portable electric piano. Make sure you are buying the piano for the right reasons and can choose a piano that fits those reasons nicely.