The piano is the most popular instrument to play, and it’s easy to see why – these versatile instruments are used heavily in almost every style of music. That said, few people who play piano own one. Most pianists own electric pianos or hire a piano as it is much cheaper. Buying a traditional piano is much more of a financial commitment, so you must be sure it’s the right decision. This post lists a few things to consider to help you decide whether buying a piano is a good idea.
Should You Buy A Piano: How long have you played piano?
You should only buy a piano if you have been playing for three years. Many people who start playing piano swiftly give it up. You don’t want to buy a piano only for it to sit gathering dust in the corner. You’ll also appreciate owning a piano if you’ve been playing for over three years and may have a better idea as to the type of piano that is best suited for your playing preferences.
Will you play it regularly?
You may have been playing piano for several years, but do you actually play it regularly? Because pianos can be expensive, buying one is best suited to those who will get a good amount of use out of them. If you’re likely to play the piano every day, then a piano is a good purchase. If you only play it on the odd occasion, an electric piano may be a better option (especially as pianos can fall out of tune over time).
Have you got the space for a piano?
Pianos take up a lot of space. Grand pianos take up the most space and can vary in length, making them only suitable for larger rooms. Upright pianos are more common – although higher, they take up less floor space and can be more easily slotted into most rooms.
Access can be one of the biggest obstacles for many eager piano owners – getting a piano into certain buildings with narrow staircases or corridors may be impossible without assembling it on-site. Pianos are also very heavy, and you’ll typically need to hire local movers to help. It could be worth asking professionals for their advice if you are not sure how you are going to get a piano into your home. If it seems unlikely that you’ll be able to maneuver a piano, an electric piano may end up being a more sensible option as these are often designed to be portable.
Can you afford a piano?
Brand new upright pianos generally cost upwards of $3000, while you won’t be able to find a brand new grand piano for less than $8000. Choosing renowned brands like Fazioli, Steinway, Bosendorfer, or Yamaha will increase the price tag even more so – however, such pianos do hold their value more, making them popular investments.
Used pianos can be bought much more cheaply, with some available for as little as $100. You need to be wary of the condition of these pianos before buying – look out for warping and check there are no keys that stick or make no sound. When purchasing from a trusted piano seller, you will usually have the option of payment plans. Renting a piano can work out cheaper and be less of a commitment – some companies allow you to rent a piano for as little as $35 per month.
