This is what I think you need to know before buying a new or used piano.
Try, Try and try as many pianos as you can.
Discover your own musical heroes before deciding on a piano – try different piano brands, test out the various styles, sizes, and ages to appreciate the different timbres.
Take your time and don’t buy the first piano available, give yourself enough time and visit the pianos a few times before deciding on your favourite piano. And remember never buy a piano without first having played and inspected it.
Understand room acoustics is key.
The room size, carpeting, and ceilings all affect the room, so a piano could sound completely different in your living room that it does in your friend’s house. Remember when buying a piano be aware how the piano’s current location differs from its destination.
A piano’s space should complement its sound. A piano with a bright, crisp tone will sound best in a small, carpeted room, because the sometimes overbearing treble is balanced by soft, absorbent surroundings. Learn about the best and worst environments for piano health and acoustics.
Try out every piano key.
Don’t be shy, play each key at different volumes and lengths, and test the foot pedals on different octaves.
What to ask when buying a used piano.
Why was the piano sold?
How often was the piano tuned?
Where was the piano stored?
Who played the piano?
How often did the piano get played?
Who were the previous owners?
Don’t be ‘put off’ by a piano’s age
A good quality piano has a life span of between 25 and 65 years, so don’t be shocked to learn that the owner purchased the piano over 20 years ago.