Finding the right piano

Category: Miscellaneous

It can be difficult to find the right piano, especially when you are just starting to play. Different people have different goals, different constraints, and different requirements – it is important to take all of these things into consideration before making your purchase.  Some questions to ask yourself are:

1.  What am I willing to spend?

This is perhaps the most important question, as money is usually the limiting factor for most people.  Sure, I would love to own a Steinway grand piano, but the $100,000+ price tag is a little bit out of my price range for now. Think about how much money you are willing to spend on this hobby.  You can spend from $150 for a digital keyboard, to over $100,000 for a top of the line instrument.  (I wouldn’t recommend jumping in with a $100,000 investment unless you will be hosting piano concertos in your living room.)

If $150 is still a bit steep, look in your local classified listings.  You may be able to find a decent used keyboard for less.

2.  How much space do I have?

This is another important consideration, as not every living space is designed for a baby grand. Do you have a space that you can dedicate to a piano?  Or would you like to be able to store your instrument when it is not in use?  Sizes will range from several feet across for a digital keyboard to 8×5 feet and close to 1000 pounds for a full-sized grand piano.

3. What is my level of expertise?

Intermediate to advanced players probably will not be able to get away with a beginner keyboard.  Intermediate and advanced techniques require different keyboard ‘action’.  (Action refers to how the key feels as it is being played). Most intermediate and advanced players will prefer the action of an acoustic piano to that of a digital.

Make sure you try before you buy! By the time you reach intermediate and advanced stages of your instruction, you may develop a preference for the weight of the keys or the brightness of the sound.

Make sure you do your homework. Try out the cheapest keyboard and the most expensive acoustic piano.  Spend a weekend at the music store trying out all of the instruments. Try out every different brand you can.  Check out reviews online.  A piano is an investment.  Buy the right one and it will give you years of enjoyment.