7 Mistakes First-Time Piano Buyers Make

Buying a first piano is one of the most rewarding purchases a family can make, but it is unfamiliar territory for most people. At The Piano Gallery we have helped hundreds of first-time buyers find the right instrument, and we tend to see the same handful of mistakes again and again. Here are the seven most common, and how to avoid them.

1. Buying on price alone

The cheapest piano is rarely the best value. A poorly made or worn-out instrument will frustrate a learner, hold its tuning badly and be worth very little when you come to sell it. Decide what you can sensibly afford, then buy the best piano within that budget. Our guide on how much to spend on a piano explains what you can realistically expect at each price point.

2. Not playing before buying

Photographs tell you almost nothing about how a piano feels and sounds. Two pianos of the same make and similar age can feel completely different under the fingers. Always try an instrument in person, or bring someone who plays. If nobody in the family plays yet, ask the shop to play several pianos for you so you can compare the sound. Any good dealer will be glad to do this.

3. Accepting a free or very old piano without having it checked

A free piano can turn out to be the most expensive piano you ever own. Worn actions, loose tuning pins, sticky keys and moth damage are common in older instruments that have not been maintained, and some simply cannot be tuned to concert pitch any more. If in doubt, ask a technician or a reputable dealer to look at it before you commit to moving it.

4. Choosing digital or acoustic without trying both

Digital pianos have their place, and for some homes they are the right choice. But many first-time buyers assume a digital instrument is the only sensible starting point, without ever sitting at an acoustic piano. The touch and tone of a real piano are part of what keeps a learner motivated. We have set out the trade-offs in Should I buy a digital or acoustic piano?

5. Forgetting delivery, tuning and aftercare

Pianos are heavy, delicate and awkward, and they should always be moved by specialists. They also need tuning once they have settled into a new home, usually a few weeks after delivery. When you compare prices, check what is included. A piano that looks cheaper can cost more once you add proper delivery and a first tuning.

6. Buying without a warranty

A piano from a private seller comes with no comeback at all. A properly prepared piano from a dealer should come with a meaningful warranty, which tells you the seller is confident in the instrument. Ask what the warranty covers and for how long before you part with any money.

7. Rushing the decision

A good piano will serve your family for decades, so it is worth taking your time. Visit a showroom, try plenty of instruments, ask questions and sleep on it. The right piano will still feel right the next day. If you are weighing up new against used, our page on used vs new pianos will help you decide.

For a full walk-through of the whole process, from setting a budget to what happens on delivery day, read our complete Piano Buying Guide. And if you are anywhere near Oxfordshire, come and try some pianos at our Faringdon showroom. We are always happy to help first-time buyers, with no pressure to buy.