A Piano Tuner's Guide to Buying a Piano: Part Two

As a piano tuner, I often find myself advising customers on the process of buying a piano.  In part one of my guide to buying a piano, we discussed where to buy your piano, whether to choose new or second-hand, and the question of digital versus acoustic.

So perhaps you’ve made some decisions, and are now ready to go piano hunting.  In this part two of my guide, we’re going to focus in on the details; arming you with thoughts, knowledge and inspiration regarding:

• How to choose a piano brand

• How to choose the right piano for your space

• What actually matters for the player - whatever your level.

Choosing a Brand

People often ask me, “What is the best piano brand?” , and the answer is, of course, that there is no such thing.  There are several exceptional piano makers across the globe, and which is best depends entirely on personal preference.

When looking to buy a piano, a far more valuable question to ask is “Which piano brands are reputable, reliable and are known to make instruments of good quality?”

Two of the most well-known brands that you’re likely to come across in UK showrooms are Yamaha and Kawai - both brands have strong reputations for consistency, durability and tone, and their second-hand instruments tend to hold their value well.  Yamahas are often described as having a bright, clear tone, which can be helpful for learners, as it promotes clarity and control.  Kawais tend to be slightly warmer or mellower in tone compared to Yamaha, which an individual may prefer or dislike.

There are also many lesser-known brands on the market. Some are excellent, some are less so.  Be cautious of unfamiliar brand names, especially on older instruments. During the mid-20th century, a large number of pianos were manufactured under generic or house brand names for department stores and mail-order catalogues. These instruments were often built to a lower standard and can be difficult and expensive to restore.

This is where condition becomes more important than branding.  A well-maintained, mid-range piano is almost always a better investment than a neglected “prestige” name.  Likewise a second-hand higher-quality instrument is a better investment than a brand new piano of a lower quality.

Choosing the Right Piano for Your Home

Before committing to buying a piano, its important to think about your space.  Whether considering grand pianos, baby grand pianos, tall uprights or more compact models, you must consider not only the floor space available, but the impact of the sound in the room as a whole. Remember: a piano doesn’t just take up space — it creates sound within it.

Bigger isn’t always better.  Whilst grand pianos and larger uprights produce more depth of sound, in a small room they can feel overpowering. Conversely, a small upright in a large, open-plan room may sound thin and underwhelming. As a general guide:

• Smaller rooms often suit compact uprights (around 108–118cm tall)

• Medium rooms can comfortably accommodate larger uprights (120–130cm)

• Grand pianos require not only floor space, but also acoustic breathing room

It’s also important to pick out a suitable spot in your home for your piano.  Avoid placing your piano next to a radiator or fireplace, against damp external wall, in direct sunlight or in an  unheated outbuilding conservatory.  

Sudden changes in temperature and humidity are one of the biggest causes of tuning instability and long-term damage, so before you go piano hunting, make sure you have a suitable spot in your home that can visualise your new piano in.

A quick note on budget

A good piano dealer will have pianos to suit different budgets, and will guide you towards pianos of similar quality and price.  Of course, budget is something that cannot always be compromised, and its worth remembering that you don’t need a concert hall piano to make progress and enjoy your playing.  It is also important to bear in mind that pianos do need tuning once or twice a year, and without that regular appointment with a technician, a piano will deteriorate in condition and value.  So make sure you factor in tuning costs when considering purchasing a piano.

Its also worth remembering that a piano is not a short-term purchase. It is a long-term investment — both financially and musically.  If you can, it is worth thinking a little ahead;  Spending slightly more upfront on quality often prevents the need for upgrading in a few years. Well-made pianos also retain their value far better, particularly when regularly tuned and maintained.  

So perhaps you’ve found a selection of pianos that are of decent quality, within your budget, and the right size for your home.  Your next step is to start playing!  Take your time with each instrument, and, if it helps, go through this checklist and look for:

• Evenness of Touch.  How does the piano feel to play?  Every key should feel consistent, with no sticking key and no different resistance from note to note.

• Tone quality and consistency.  Do you like the sound of the piano?  Is it bright, mellow, clear, rich, brash, and which of these sounds do you prefer?  Is that tone even across the range of the keyboard?

• Tuning Stability - if the piano cannot hold a tune, progress becomes frustrating very quickly.  Ask when he piano was last tuned and find out as much as you can about its history.

Intermediate to Advanced Players

As technique develops, so does sensitivity to touch and tone.  More advanced players often benefit from:

• Taller uprights (which generally produce a fuller sound)

• More responsive actions

• Greater dynamic control

For serious students preparing for higher grades or diplomas, a high-quality upright — or even a baby grand, space permitting — can make a noticeable difference.

A Final Word From a Piano Tuner

If there is one piece of advice I would emphasise, it is this:  Take your time.

Play as many instruments as you can. Bring someone knowledgeable with you. Ask questions about servicing history. Trust your ears and your hands.  Whatever level you are on in your piano-playing journey, if you enter the process with a little knowledge, and your ears and heart open, you will find a piano that makes you want to sit down and play which is, I reckon, the most important thing of all.