How to shop for a used piano

Buying a used piano can be a wonderful way to get a higher-quality instrument at a more affordable price. Many well-built pianos last for decades when properly maintained, making them a smart investment for students and families.

When inspecting a piano, bring along a few simple tools — a flashlight, a soft brush, a small screwdriver, and a tuning app or tuner.

These will help you check:

• the strings and tuning pins

• the bridges and pinblock

• overall tuning stability

If you can, play every note and pedal. Listen for buzzing, sluggish keys, or uneven tone. If you’re not comfortable playing, bring a friend or ask a technician to join you. Don’t hesitate to look inside. Ask the seller to open the lid and remove any decorations so you can inspect the internal parts.

Seeing the action, soundboard, and strings is essential before buying.

Key things to remember:

• Test the tuning and pitch stability

• Check the condition of the pinblock, soundboard, and bridges

• Examine the strings and pedals for damage

Northshore Tuning is happy to assist you in evaluating a used piano or performing a professional inspection before your purchase.