Considering Piano Lessons? Here’s What You Need to Know About Buying Your First Piano!
local piano technician Steve Droy, (RPT) explains the pitfalls of buying pianos online
If you’re thinking about starting piano lessons or perhaps lessons are underway & going well, you might also be considering buying your very first piano.
This can be a tricky decision, especially for first-time buyers who often don’t want to spend a fortune on a new instrument. Many opt for a second-hand bargain, but how do you strike the right balance between an expensive new piano—typically in the £2000 range for entry-level options—and a good-quality used piano that’s more affordable?
When shopping for a starter piano, it's essential to ensure that; it’s in tune at the right pitch, holds that tune well, and allows for expressive playing with even touch and tone.
You may find yourself diving into Facebook Marketplace or eBay, where a bewildering array of pianos awaits, from free options to those priced in the thousands.
It's important to remember that pianos don’t last forever; they have a limited lifespan. Over time, the tension created by the 20 tons of pressure inside can affect the piano's vital structures, leading to cracks in the soundboard, bridges, pin block, or even the iron frame. The thousands of delicate parts, including felt, leather, and tiny springs, can wear out and break. One of the first signs of trouble is the piano’s inability to stay in tune, as the tension from the 230 strings can cause the tuning pins to loosen, making it virtually un-tunable.
Another crucial factor to consider is whether the piano is tuned to the correct pitch, ideally close to concert pitch A440Hz. Many first-time buyers think, “Oh, no one here is giving a concert,” but this overlooks a key point: if your piano isn’t in tune, it won’t be playable with any other musical instruments, recordings, or online lessons. You might even hinder your or your child's natural pitch perception or sense of perfect pitch.
Most free pianos available have often been deemed unworthy by piano tuners. Disposing of a piano can be quite costly, with haulage fees and dump fees that can exceed £200. Hence, many people choose to give them away for free to avoid these expenses.
At The Piano Technology School, we believe we have a fantastic solution to this dilemma. We train the next generation of piano tuners and technicians, welcoming individuals from all over the UK and beyond to Rugby twice a year. Plus our Modular students follow the RPT pathway of The Piano Technicians Guild.
In addition to our main school location at 3 Tom Brown Street, we’ve opened a small training shop at 12 Railway Terrace in Rugby. Here, we offer a selection of quality entry-level pianos, all sold with a 5-year warranty. These pianos are tuned to concert pitch, hold their tune well, and are properly adjusted for expressive touch control and evenness of tone. We aim to take the headache out of purchasing a reasonably priced piano that can support your playing journey and help you progress through your grades.
Our pianos represent a sensible middle ground between a risky, outdated instrument, we call noisy furniture and an expensive potential waste of money. Starting from £450, including local ground-floor delivery, our guaranteed starter “student” range provides a fully functioning piano that offers great value for your investment. Plus, you’ll be contributing to the training of the next generation of piano tuners!
If this seems like the right fit for you, why not get in touch? Come down for a cup of tea, explore what we have to offer, and try some pianos to find that perfect first instrument!
