Hello Everyone,
Thank you for your advice regarding the used Kawai RX2 that I wrote about. I am playing the piano this Saturday at the current owners home.

My question today is, if I decide to purchase the piano, how do I do the transaction? I live about 150 miles from the current owner. Do I hand over a check? Do I get a local third party involved? What are the ramifications regarding the actual move of the piano?

As always, I appreciate the excellent advice given on this website.

Thanks.

Bill

i did personal check. The lady also wrote down my driver license for her protection.

Hi Bill,

I would suggest you go prepared to buy the piano. If you look at the piano in person and like it, it would be nice to go ahead and either offer some earnest money (like they do with real estate transactions) or discuss it with the seller.

As much as I don't like handling large amounts of cash, that is how a lot of private sales are done these days. A lot of people are scared of personal checks or even cashiers checks.

I would suggest offering the seller a down payment to secure the sale and tell them you will pay the balance when the movers come to move the piano. If need be, ask the movers to make final payment on your behalf (you provide the funds, of course) before they touch the piano (if you are not able to be there at the time).

When you meet the sellers you will get a feel of what kind of people they are and you will know what to do...

What about a tech inspection of the piano (before you buy)?

Good luck, and keep us informed!

Rick

As Rick already mentioned, put some money down on it first, then pay the balance when the movers arrive.

Some people like to take a part of the piano with them when they put the money down. I've heard of a number of variations on this theme: the keyslip (some pianos have the serial number there), the whole action, the music rack, the bench.

Anyway, for a nice piano like this that is of significant weight, hire professional piano movers.

I agree with the downpayment/earnest money thing. Also, write up a receipt that details the terms of the transaction, and make two copies of it where both of you sign each just to have everyone on the same page.