Buying A New Piano

How To Buy A New Piano

So you finally decided it’s time to buy a new piano.  Oh My!  What now?

Buying a new piano can feel like a chore. Each dealership has a different way of doing things. Sometimes you walk away thinking you made a mistake by not buying right then and there and the next time you can’t wait to get away from the slick-talking salesman and the endless gimmicks.  I know exactly how you feel.

A piano can be a great addition to any home. It is a great source of entertainment and can provide a lifetime of enjoyment. There are many things to consider when purchasing a piano. The following may help you with the process.

Simple Solutions – Easy

Decision On Buying A New Piano

First, you need to decide what type of piano you want. There are three main types of pianos: grand, which would include smaller “baby” grandS measuring 4’10” to the concert grand which is generally 9 feet. The upright is often thought of as a “wall piano” because it usually is placed against a wall and comes in sizes between 43″ and 52″. Finally, there are digital pianos or sometimes called electric pianos. There are many options for digital pianos from very basic to very complicated.

Buying a New Piano

Buying A New Grand Piano

Grand pianos are generally the most expensive, but they can also offer the best sound. I often tell people that I would rather have a good upright than a “not-so-good” grand piano.  It depends on what you want and your expertise.  If you are a player and want to have a professional experience then the grand piano is the right choice. I discuss the space you need a little later in this article.

Buying A New Upright Piano

In our area, upright pianos are the most common type and are a good option if you have limited space. There are some things to consider

Buying a New Piano

when deciding on an upright piano vs. a grand piano.  A lot of the decisions will be based on your level of expertise and what you are expecting from your piano. Upright pianos are a very good option if you are looking for a piano but don’t want to spend as much or if you simply don’t have the room for a baby grand.  However, if you are a more advanced player you may want to find a way to make a grand piano fit into your space.

Buying A New Digital Piano

Digital pianos are the least expensive, and they “can” be a good option. You may find some pushback from teachers and some institutions if your only piano-playing experience is on a digital piano. I do not generally recommend digital pianos because I don’t personally feel they offer you the exact experience of playing an acoustic piano.  However,  if you want to be able to move the piano around, if you plan to use headphones, or if

Buying a New Piano

you are interested in using the recording features, etc. then the obvious choice might be a digital piano.

How Much Space Do I need?

Space can also be a determining factor.  Generally speaking, you can measure the width (from side to side) at around 5 ft. Occasionally, it may measure a couple of inches wider or slimmer but 5 feet is normally the width.  The depth of an upright is usually around 2 ft.  Some models will be a little thinner and some might be up to 2 1\2 ft deep. Grand pianos will measure from 4’10” to 9′ with some exceptions from the front of the piano to the very rear.

How Much Is Buying A New Piano

Luxury at its Finest

Next, you need to decide how much money you want to spend. Pianos can range in price from a few hundred dollars to many thousands of dollars. It is important to set a budget and stick to it or at least get in an acceptable price range. My advice is to spend as much as you feel comfortable with. Don’t overdo it in the beginning because you always have a trade-in opportunity later if you want to move up in size or perhaps from an upright to a grand.

Pricing Is Difficult To Understand Sometimes

Grotrian Upright Piano

A quick Google search will tell you that prices are all over the map. It has to do with the individual dealership and what they offer.  Some offer basic sales while others go to the additional steps of servicing the piano in the house after delivery, etc. Of course, buying from a dealership is more expensive than going to Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace but remember that you don’t know anything about the piano and just because it sounds okay to you doesn’t mean that you won’t have major trouble down the road because of things you didn’t know. Trust me – it’s happened to me and I am experienced.

Most Important In Buying A New Piano

In the end, you have to be satisfied with your choice.  If you don’t like it in the showroom – it’s not your piano. If it checks all the boxes – buy it. Regardless of what the salesman tells you – be happy with what you bought AND who you bought it from. Feeling comfortable with your purchase is the most important. Having confidence in the person you are buying it from and that they will take care of your needs after the sale will make you feel a lot more satisfied that you made the right decision.

Where To Buy?

R. Kassman
Purveyor of Fine Pianos
Berkeley

Obviously, if you are reading this far you realize that I would like for you to visit R. Kassman in Berkeley.  People usually shop near where they live but we do get a lot of people from outside the area.  My suggestion is “go with your gut”. If you feel comfortable with the company you are shopping with and you feel as if you are going to have a good relationship with them then you should buy from them.  Look around for signs that make you uncomfortable, whether it is clean, are the pianos represented well, etc. Are you being pressured to buy today? Don’t hesitate to walk away if you feel as if you might be taken advantage of.

Let Me Know How I Can Help

Take the time to look at the information I have shared with you and if I can help you, I am more than happy to help you.  Feel free to email me with any questions you may have.  Rico@rkassman.com 

You can also take a look at our offerings at www.rkassman.com