For budding pianists, access to an acoustic piano becomes increasingly crucial as they grow as musicians. Families often start with a digital keyboard/piano for their kids as they are usually smaller and more affordable.
However, if your child starts to advance as a pianist and shows long-term interest in piano playing, investing in an acoustic piano can make a significant difference in developing proper technique and touch.
Unlike other instruments, acoustic pianos are often a big investment.
New pianos can often cost more than $4000, depending on their origins and quality. Pianos are costly due to the amount of work and craftsmanship that goes into producing such amazing instruments that can often last for decades. However, many people who own pianos often end up selling their instruments after only several years of playing.
That’s why second-hand pianos are often excellent choices for lower cost pianos.
At Presto Studios, we collaborate with second-hand piano retailers so that we can offer quality selections for any of our students who need them.
Here are some things to look out for while you are selecting your very own second-hand piano.
1. Choose the Right Brand of Second-Hand Piano
Depending on the brand of the piano, you will be able to access if the instrument was made by a reputable and quality manufacturer.
In Singapore, common reputable brands that you might see will include Yamaha, Kawai and Steinways and Sons, just to name a few. While there are other brands that you may encounter, it is always good to do some research about the manufacturer’s reputation.
Each brand has its own unique feel and tone – some sound bright and resounding , some warmer. Simply put, you should like the way the instrument sounds.
As a Yamaha Piano Referral Partner, Presto Studios offers students exclusive discounts to Yamaha’s trusted pianos, as well as guidance in selecting Yamaha instruments that are both student-friendly and performance-ready.
If you are only keen in second-hand pianos, we have screened through and collaborated with second-hand piano retailers that offer these quality acoustic pianos. These retailers mainly offer Yamaha and Kawai pianos that not only offer good quality, but also good resale value.
Through this service, parents who go through us will also be offered an additional 3% discount on top of the price offered at the shop.
2. Consider the Age of Second-Hand Piano
Depending on the brand and manufacturer, a piano’s lifespan can vary from 20 to 100 years. For some of the finest pianos, they can perform well even after 70 years.
However, for most of the mass-produced pianos that we will more likely encounter, they can still last for 50-65 years.
Of course, while the condition of the piano will still be subjected to the care that it had in its use, the overall age can still be a good determinant of how the natural elements such as humidity and temperature may have impacted the instrument.
As price depreciation also comes into play, older pianos will also fetch more affordable prices. Having said that, you should always check the condition thoroughly.
3. Listen for Sound Issues in the Second-Hand Piano
While you are viewing a piano, it is important to listen for auditory abnormalities. If the piano is slightly out of tune, that is usually not a cause for concern as it can be solved by hiring a piano tuner.
However, be cautious of:
- Notes that sound extremely off or play two pitches at once
- Buzzing or rattling noises
- Uneven volume across the keyboard
These may indicate underlying mechanical or structural issues.
4. Inspect the Second-Hand Piano’s Condition
With normal wear and tear, it’s possible that the piano may have certain blemishes, like mild scratches. However, there are often other details that buyers should pay attention to:
Keyboard and Pedals
- Ensure all the keys return after being pressed
- Check all pedals for smooth operation and response
Strings
- Watch out for rust, broken or missing strings
- Mismatched or replaced strings may cause tuning instability
Hammer Felts
- Check for deep grooves on the hammer felt
- Severely worn felts may affect tone and are difficult to replace
Frame
- Avoid pianos with cracks in the frame which supports string tension
Soundboard
- Inspect for cracks that are caused by climate changes
- Cracked soundboards affect tone and are costly to repair
Especially in Singapore’s hot and humid climate, soundboards are prone to cracking. This should be a key part of the inspection checklist.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Second-Hand Pianos
When it comes to choosing a second-hand piano, follow the above tips. A second-hand piano can be a wonderful way to support your child’s musical growth while making a wise financial investment.
When chosen carefully, it can also give new life to an instrument that once brought joy to another musician.
If you need help, Presto Studios is ready to guide you through the selection process.
Contact us today to book a trial lesson or ask about our Yamaha Piano Referral Program benefits.