Buying a used piano can really save you plenty of cash. But although there are lots of factors in play when it came to determining what’s the bargain for you, there are really some easy ways to decide what’s the best bargain for you. Let’s take a look at a few of those. You can effectively learn more about piano rental here.
A good way of determining whether an instrument is a bargain is by checking out its serial number. The serial number can be found engraved into the body of the instrument. If the serial number doesn’t appear to be easily readable, or if it is covered by rust or dust, then that’s a good indication that you’re not looking at a real bargain.
On the other hand, a piano whose serial number is clearly legible may still be a good deal as well. Another consideration when it comes to buying a used piano is the overall condition of the instrument. Take a close look at the pin block, which is the area where the strings pass through when they are plucked.
The pin block is usually made of thick, rust-resistant metal. If the pin block is cracked or chipped, or if it has even just minute cracks, then that tells you that the instrument has been exposed to a lot of neglect over the years.
That means that while it may have been played with some degree of skill, it is also probably unsuitable for any performance, let alone a good quality recital. Some piano stores will offer an inspection service for free, although it’s worth asking about this before signing up.
That way you can see firsthand whether your used instrument has any damaged spots or scratches. A fine specimen of the character can easily hide a number of physical blemishes. You can also check the fine-tuning pins and action screws if they are in good working order.
Many used instruments come with a warranty, so ask about this before purchasing, especially if the price includes return shipping. It’s important to note the moving parts of the instrument, especially the hammers and the strings. Moving parts are usually either wound down or up in order to make them effective.
If the hammers or other moving parts have developed cracks or breakages over the years, that tells you that they need to be replaced. Be very careful when handling these parts, since they can break very easily if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Do your best to match the brand name of the tuners that come with a piano to the ones used in the same brand. In general, the better-quality brands do not tend to use cheap, generic tuning tools. As an extra precaution, it’s always a good idea to check that all of the tuning keys are tuned exactly the way they should be for the given instrument.
Check the soundboard of a used piano for cracks, breaks, or any other damage that may indicate that the wood is distressed. Many used musical instruments come with a wooden soundboard but damaged soundboards make it difficult to properly tune most instruments.
Look at the soundboard very closely, making sure that all of the nails holding the strings in place are in good shape, and that there are no cracks where the wood has split. If you find any dents, scratches, or other signs of neglect, they may mean that the strings are constantly being damaged.
If the damage is minor, however, it’s probably not too much of a concern, since you can get away with replacing the keys without having to replace the entire soundboard. If you do decide to purchase a piano online, it’s best to purchase from reputable private sellers.
The Internet has revolutionized the way that people shop, so it’s much easier to find great deals on high-quality used pianos than it was in the past. Many private sellers have their own websites, which makes it easy to comparison-shop and choose from an extensive variety of used pianos.
In addition to comparing prices and features, you should also ask about the seller’s reputation. A great way to make sure that you’re buying from a reliable seller is to check out feedback ratings, which give buyers an idea of how well-known the seller is for his or her good customer service.
