Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Piano Forum Looking for recommendations on first piano purchase under 4k

I am looking to purchase my first upright piano and need advice on models. I am looking for an upright with a 4000 budget, new or used. I am looking for a piano for myself (intermediate player) and it will also be used for my young kids (under 10) to learn on.

I would prefer getting the best sound so would rather have a better used model then new if that means getting a better piano. I have been playing a digital so action to me would all be new so have no preference in one model versus the other.

What size should I look for, any particular models? Thanks for any advice you can provide.

45-52". Many makers' "professional" series uprights start at 48", while others have the same level of quality throughout their lines, with the possible exception of an entry-level vertical or grand model.

For new pianos, try the database function on the Piano Buyer site, and insert a reasonable % discount (try something like 20) and see what results are returned. It's kind of a fun tool to use.

You might have some luck getting a nice used upright from Craigslist or local want ads, but I would advise hiring a technician to check it out before signing the check. There are a lot of good uprights out there. I would probably try to avoid spinets and look for a 48" or taller piano. Some of the really old ones will need a lot of work, so be careful. Good luck.

Size: I think there is a significant sound quality increase when you move up from the "console" size to the "studio" size, and another when you move to the full size upright (around 50"). So try looking for a larger size.

Speaking of larger size, you'll find plenty of vintage full size uprights out there. Some of these pianos have superb potential, but it's very likely in your price range you wouldn't be able to afford the needed repairs. But who knows, there might one out there that was fully rebuilt 10 years ago...

In your price range, one of the pianos to look at is the Yamaha U3 (used).

Where are you? Piano availability and models do vary from continent to continent and country to country.