New or Used?

The next choice you'll have to make is whether to buy new or used. The market for used pianos is several times the size of the market for new ones. Let's look at the merits of each choice:

New Piano Advantages

• Manufacturer's warranty
• Little chance of hidden defects
• Lower maintenance costs
• Easier to shop for
• Usually more local choices
• Longer piano life expectancy
• Greater peace of mind after purchasing

New Piano Disadvantages

• Higher upfront cost
• Significant depreciation loss if resold within first few years
• Limited choice of attractive old styles and finishes

Used Piano Advantages

• Lower upfront cost
• Greater choice of attractive old styles and finishes
• Can be more fun and interesting to shop for (if you like shopping for old things)
• Restorer may detail instrument to an extent that rivals new piano
• Piano likely to be already significantly depreciated, resulting in little or no loss if resold

Used Piano Disadvantages

• No manufacturer's warranty (though there may be a dealer's or restorer's warranty)
• Greater chance of hidden defects (unless completely restored)
• Higher maintenance costs (unless completely restored)
• Shorter piano life expectancy (unless completely restored)
• Can be maddeningly difficult and confusing to shop for
• Need to pay technician to examine and appraise it
• Usually fewer local choices
• Possible need to size up restorer's ability to do a good job

Despite the longer list of disadvantages, most people buy used because of the lower upfront cost and because they feel they can manage the risks involved. The most important rule by far in managing risk is to have the piano professionally examined and appraised by a piano technician prior to purchase. This is especially important when buying from a private-party seller because there is no warranty, but it should also be done for peace of mind when buying from a professional seller, particularly if the piano is over ten years old. This will cost between $100 and $200 and is well worth the money. If you don't already have a piano technician you trust, hire a Registered Piano Technician (RPT) member of the Piano Technicians Guild (PTG). You can locate one near you on the PTG website, www.ptg.org. (To be designated an RPT, one must pass a series of tests. This provides the customer with some assurance of competence.)