Pianos exist by the millions in every conceivable size, shape, style, and condition. We will give you helpful information on how to evaluate the quality and condition of a pre-owned piano so you know exactly what you're getting into.
Factor 1: Brand Name & Pedigree
The brand name is an indicator of the quality of a pre-owned piano, implying how expensive and how well-built it was when new.
- Tier 1 (Premium): Steinway & Sons, Bösendorfer, C. Bechstein, August Förster, Sauter. Quality is excellent, but prices are premium.
- Tier 2 (Professional/Advanced): Yamaha, Kawai, Knabe, Schimmel. Excellent for both hobbyists and advanced students.
- Tier 3 (Entry/Consumer): Young Chang, Samick, Baldwin, Aeolian. Great for beginners on a budget.
Factor 2: Size and Space
The rule here is simple: Pianos with longer bass strings and larger soundboards usually have a better tone. Buy the largest piano you can afford and accommodate.
| Grand Pianos (Length) | Vertical Pianos (Height) |
|---|---|
| Baby Grand: Shorter than 5'8" (173cm) | Spinet: Shorter than 38" (96cm) |
| Medium Grand: 5'8" to 6'4" (173 - 193cm) | Console: 38" to 44" (96 - 112cm) |
| Large Grand: 6'4" to 8'10" (193 - 269cm) | Studio/Professional: 44" to 51" (112 - 129cm) |
| Concert Grand: Longer than 8'10" (269cm+) | Upright: Taller than 51" (129cm+) |
Keep in mind that a large 52" upright piano actually has longer bass strings than a tiny 4'11" baby grand! If space is limited, a high-quality, tall upright will often sound significantly richer and deeper than a small, inexpensive baby grand.
Factor 3: The Importance of Age
Many people falsely believe that the older a piano is, the better it is ("like fine wine"). In reality, a piano is a mechanical device under immense tension. The era from 1905 to 1929 saw the production of many fine-quality pianos, but those instruments are now a century old and usually require a complete, expensive rebuild (new pinblock, soundboard, strings, and action) to function properly.
The best way to date a piano is to look up its serial number. You can usually find the serial number stamped on the plate near the tuning pins.
Factor 4: Preservation vs Pedigree
A badly abused Tier 1 brand (like a neglected Steinway left over a heating vent) is worth significantly less than a perfectly preserved Tier 2 piano (like a well-maintained Yamaha U1). Condition always trumps brand name in the used market.