What to Look for When Buying a New or Second-Hand Piano
A Complete Guide from McLarens Pianos
Buying a piano is an exciting investment. Whether you are searching for a new piano, a second-hand acoustic piano, or your very first instrument, making the right choice requires research, expert advice, and careful inspection.
At McLarens Pianos, we often speak to customers who have purchased privately and unfortunately discovered hidden problems. This guide explains what to look for when buying a piano, how to avoid costly mistakes, and why working with a trusted local piano specialist matters.
1. Always Do Your Research Before Buying a Piano
Before purchasing any piano, take time to research:
- The difference between upright and grand pianos
- The benefits of buying new vs second-hand
- Typical pricing in your area
- Long-term maintenance costs (tuning, servicing, regulation)
A piano is not just a piece of furniture — it is a complex acoustic instrument with thousands of moving parts. Proper research helps ensure you choose a piano that suits your space, skill level, and long-term goals.
2. Speak to a Trusted Local Piano Specialist
One of the most important steps when buying an acoustic piano is speaking with a trusted local piano dealer.
At McLarens Pianos, we provide tailored advice based on:
- Your playing ability
- Room size and acoustics
- Musical goals
- Budget
A piano specialist can assess internal condition, explain the instrument’s history, and provide aftercare support — something private sellers typically cannot offer.
3. Always Have a Technician Inspect a Privately Purchased Piano
If you are considering buying a piano privately, we strongly recommend paying a qualified piano tuner or technician to inspect the instrument before committing to the purchase.
A professional inspection can identify:
- Whether the piano is tunable
- Structural damage
- Loose tuning pins
- Cracked soundboards
- Worn or damaged action parts
- Hidden repair costs
This small upfront cost can save you hundreds — or even thousands — in unexpected restoration work.
Most importantly:
Do not feel pressured into buying or accepting a piano you are unsure about.
If something does not feel right, walk away. A reputable seller will understand. Buying under pressure often leads to regret and unnecessary expense.
4. Be Careful When Buying from Marketplace or Gumtree
Websites such as:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Gumtree
can occasionally offer genuine opportunities — but they also carry risks.
Common Issues with Private Piano Sales
- Pianos that are untunable
- Severe pitch drop that cannot be corrected
- Internal structural problems
- Instruments advertised as “just needs tuning” when major work is required
- “Free pianos” that become costly after delivery and repairs
We have supported customers who purchased privately, paid for delivery, and later discovered the piano could not be tuned to standard pitch. In some cases, they were then faced with:
- Expensive repair bills
- Restoration work
- Or even disposal costs
If something appears too good to be true, it usually is.
5. Check That the Piano Is Tunable and Structurally Sound
One of the biggest risks when buying a second-hand acoustic piano is whether it will hold tuning.
A poorly maintained piano may:
- Struggle to reach pitch
- Have slipping tuning pins
- Require major work before it is playable
These problems are not always visible to the untrained eye, which is why professional advice is so important.
6. Ask About Warranty and Aftercare
When purchasing a piano — especially pre-owned — always ask:
- Does it come with a warranty?
- Has it been serviced and tuned?
- Is delivery carried out professionally?
- Is aftercare support available?
At McLarens Pianos, we offer:
- Fully inspected pre-owned acoustic pianos
- Expert specialist advice
- Warranty with every purchase
- Professional delivery
- Ongoing support
- Flexible payment plans
This provides reassurance and long-term value that private sales cannot match.
7. Consider Your Budget — But Think Long Term
While budget is important, the cheapest option is not always the most cost-effective.
We stock a wide selection of quality pre-owned pianos, allowing customers to access reliable instruments at more affordable prices. Our payment plans help spread the cost without compromising on quality.
A well-maintained acoustic piano can last generations — making it a meaningful long-term investment.
Final Thoughts: Buy with Confidence
Whether you are buying a new piano or a second-hand acoustic piano, always:
- Do thorough research
- Speak to a trusted piano specialist
- Arrange a technician inspection for private purchases
- Avoid high-pressure sales situations
- Ensure the piano is tunable and structurally sound
- Focus on long-term value
At McLarens Pianos, we are here to provide honest advice, expert knowledge, and quality instruments you can trust.
If you would like personalised guidance on choosing the right piano for your home, school, or performance space, get in touch with our team today.
