I ride a motorbike I know it needs an oil change every 4K, greasing every 1k and new bits and pieces every so often.

But what about pianos?

I sometimes play a Bechstein model A grandpiano, its one of those 7ft ones. Over time this has made my digital piano feel a bit, you know inferior.

When playing the DP alone and never touching a real piano it seemed ok. But the super light touch of the Bechstein and the richness of the sounds coming from it

But now I'm wanting to get an acoustic piano.

There are a LOT of old pianos 20-30 years old, or even older which I can get for almost free.

Problem is a lot of them haven't been tuned in 3-5 years. Some of them have dead keys from snapped strings.



So generally what sort of costs am I looking at to keep a acoustic piano?

Regular tuning costs if there is nothing broken.

Even string replacements, apparently BASS strings cost more. I don't want to get something I can't maintain. I had a 1990s Ducati which was ALWAYS in the workshop and I simply couldn't maintain it and keep it on the road.


Thanks

There is no such thing as a free piano; they always cost something whether it be tuning, repairing or some other type of maintenance.

Depending upon your rate of play and how meticulous you are about maintenance will determine the annual cost involved in maintaining an acoustic instrument along with the standard rates for maintenance in your area.

Most likely around 200£ annually.

I doubt it will be as much as a Ducati. Talk to techs in your area. Have them help you pick your piano. Nearly every piano I service has a digital keyboard near by.

And it's usually standing on end collecting dust.

Thats exactly where my DP is, standing on end, in it's case, next to my Steinway......ha ha....