How to Buy a Used Piano in New Mexico
Tips for navigating the used piano market, evaluating instrument condition, and avoiding costly mistakes.
The hidden risks of "free" pianos
Online marketplaces often feature "free" or very cheap pianos. Approach these with extreme caution. Moving a piano costs hundreds of dollars, and a neglected instrument may require thousands of dollars in repairs to hold a tune or play evenly.
A piano that has sat un-tuned for decades, or has been stored in a garage, may have a cracked soundboard, loose tuning pins, or a compromised action. These issues render the instrument useless for a student.
What to look for when inspecting a piano
Play every single key to ensure they all work and return promptly. Listen for wildly out-of-tune notes or buzzing sounds. Inspect the hammers for deep grooves, which indicate heavy use. Test the pedals to ensure they function properly without squeaking.
Ask the seller about the piano's history: when was it last tuned? Has it been kept on an interior wall away from direct sunlight and air vents? A well-documented maintenance history is a very positive sign.
Hire an independent technician
The most important step in buying a used piano is having it inspected by a qualified, independent piano technician (such as a member of the Piano Technicians Guild) before money changes hands or moving is arranged.
A technician can evaluate the structural integrity of the pinblock and soundboard, estimate the cost of necessary repairs, and tell you if the instrument is a wise investment or a money pit.