Quick answer

Do not buy or move a used piano until you understand whether it can hold tune, whether the action works, whether humidity has damaged it and whether the moving cost makes sense.

Major red flags

  • Mildew smell, water stains, swollen wood or rust.
  • Many sticky, dead or uneven keys.
  • Buzzing, rattling, missing strings or broken hammers.
  • A seller who says it has not been tuned for many years.
  • Piano stored in a garage, shed, damp basement or unheated space.

Hidden problems photos may miss

Online photos can show cabinet condition, but they usually do not show pinblock health, tuning stability, action regulation or humidity history.

Hidden issueWhy it matters
Loose tuning pinsThe piano may not hold tune even after paying for service.
Weak actionTouch may feel uneven, slow or impossible to regulate affordably.
Humidity damageWood movement can affect keys, soundboard, bridges and cabinet parts.

When to walk away

Walk away when repair, moving and tuning costs exceed the musical value of the piano. This is common with very old upright pianos offered for free.