Allegro Piano Service -- Woodstock, IL 60098
James Devona - Piano Tuner & Technician jimd150@comcast.net
815-337-2003 Buying a Piano 815-245-2772
Buying a New Piano
When you start looking for a piano, decide how much you want to spend and what kind of piano will meet your needs. If it's mainly a starting piano for your child's music lessons, you may decide to purchase an inexpensive console or spinet. You can upgrade later if you wish. On the other hand, if you're an accomplished pianist looking for a beautiful, substantial instrument, you might opt for a new vertical or grand piano that would sound great and serve as a fine piece of furniture in your home.
Consider the amount of space you have for the piano and the type of finish that would be suitable in the room it will be located. If you are seriously considering an expensive new piano, do some research to learn about the current manufacturers and the quality of their products. The piano market is changing rapidly these days with regard to quality, pricing and manufacturers' ratings. A good link to help you get started is the web site of the Hollywood Piano Company. Their online "Piano Buyers Guide" is quite helpful. The web address is shown in the "Links" section of my site.
Also be aware that some dealers are more reputable than others. It pays to investigate the retail dealers in your vicinity before making a purchase. You can check with the Better Business Bureau, your piano technician, piano teachers in the area, and anyone you know who has recently purchased a piano. In selecting a new piano, key criteria will include the type and make of the piano, the way it sounds to you by comparison with other instruments, the relative cost vs similar pianos, and the suitability of its finish and appearance for your home.
Buying a Used Piano
There are some great bargains in used pianos today, largely due to online advertising. Competition is stiffer when buyers have lots of choices instead of just one or two newspaper ads. If you are seeking a used piano, I recommend that you go to craigslist on line, where you'll find many pianos for sale. You should also visit piano stores to get a better feeling for values and compare their offerings to online choices.
In scouting for a piano to meet your needs, consider the type of piano (grand, upright, console, spinet), the make, age, suitability of the finish, and any defects or problems mentioned. Contact sellers to get information that isn't listed. Keep in mind that some pianos will be in worse shape than online photos indicate, and the asking prices may be higher or lower than the quality warrants.
When you go to see a piano, pay attention to the condition of the finish, the sound from its high notes to the bass, whether any keys are sluggish or inoperative, and whether the pedals work properly. Listen for buzzes or noisy rattles. Make note of where the piano is located. If it's not on the first floor, piano movers will charge extra. Before you buy, have a qualified technician inspect it. Pianos that have had heavy use can look good but be full of problems. I'm always available to do inspections and help you with your decision. Above all, take your time and don't rush into a purchase. It's a major decision and deserves careful thought.
