4 Must-Ask Questions Before Buying A Used Piano

Buying a used piano is a practical way to save money while still finding a quality piano that will serve your purpose. Whether you're just learning to play piano as a hobby or are an experienced pianist looking to add to your collection, there's a lot to keep in mind when buying a used model. To help inform your buying decision and give you a little extra confidence with your purchase, there are a few questions you'll want to ask before you pay a dime for a used piano.

Why Are You Selling?

It's always a good idea to ask the seller up-front what their reason for selling is. This can help you get a better feel for how well the piano may have been maintained. For example, somebody who inherited the piano from a deceased loved one a few years back may simply be looking to free up space or make some quick cash; there's a good chance that the piano hasn't been properly cared for in the past several years. 

How Much Has the Piano Moved?

Being relocated frequently can really do a number on a piano's small internal parts, so you'll want to look closely and where (and how) the piano has been stored and ask about how often it has been moved in the past. Ideally, you'll want to find a used piano that has only been in one location--and that location should be somewhere temperature-controlled and dry.

What Type of Maintenance Have You Done?

Always ask about the maintenance schedule that has been followed on the piano. Ideally, all pianos should be tuned at least once a year--and possibly twice a year or more if it is played frequently. Aside from the frequency of a piano's maintenance, you'll also want to ask who has performed the maintenance. A professional piano technician will charge more to tune and maintain a piano, but he or she will do a proper job compared to a neighborhood handyman.

Can I Sit Down and Play?

You can learn a lot about a used piano by sitting down to play it for even just a few minutes, so don't hesitate to ask permission. Any serious seller should be willing to let you test the piano out for yourself before making a decision to buy, especially if they're asking you to pay several hundred dollars (or more) out of your own pocket.