Information you need before you buy

The Piano Book Buying & Owning a New or Used Piano

2007-2008 Annual Supplement to The Piano Book

Dealing with the Dealer

Warranties - Financing - Repairs

Once you've decided on your piano, inspect the warranty. A reasonable warranty comers a five-to-ten-year period under one owner only.
It does not cover tuning or action regulation, and may not extend to the finish. Find out if the purchase price includes the bench and delivery. Beware of "special deals;" a real bargain in a new piano is rare. If the dealer offers his own monthly purchase plan, you might want to check with your own bank to see what they can offer. Make sure the dealer offers the same price to either cash or installment buyers. Also make sure the dealer has repair facilities and trained technicians on hand for continuing maintenance.

Make Ready

If you decide you want a piano in the showroom that may not have been tuned, don't hesitate to ask the dealer to do so. Besides tuning, final make-ready before delivery should include thorough cleaning, and regulation of the action, if necessary.

Rentals

A good way to buy a piano for a beginner is a rental-purchase plan. Under this arrangement, you rent a new piano for a monthly fee plus delivery charges. If you decide to buy the piano, most dealers will let you apply to the purchase price the delivery and rental charge for a specified length of time. This is usually available only on vertical pianos.

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Buying a Piano Continued Buying a Piano - Style and Price | Buying a Piano - Questions to Ask | Buying a Piano - Dealing with the Dealer | | Buying a Used Piano | Buying a Piano - Caring for Your Piano |