Buying pianos from private sellers
There are two options that people take when buying a second-hand piano.
1. Buying from a reputable second hand piano store. These stores have pianos that are restored or refurbished to “like new” condition. Usually they are above budget by several hundred dollars due to the warranty, free tuning and delivery included.
2. Buying from a private seller. You must check whether the piano is in good working condition and hire your own movers. There is no warranty or a receipt either, but you can stay within budget.
If you decided on Option 2, here are some steps on how to go about it and assist in your purchase.
Try as many pianos as you can.
If you are a pianist, all the better. You should try as many pianos as you can to get a feel for it. Remember to focus on how it sounds, feels and looks before moving on with the purchase.
If you know little or nothing about pianos, you should write down a list of pianos that are within your budget.
Bring a qualified piano technician to inspect the piano.
After you have listed down the pianos that you want to try, its time to get an expert to inspect the piano with you.
But why? Why do I have to pay someone to check the piano? Can’t I do it myself?
You can. However, it is risky to do so. Here’s an article excerpt from Piano Buyer to explain why.
“Keep in mind that while a piano might sound and feel fine to you, it may have significant problems of which you are unaware. It takes an experienced piano technician to know with certainty that a piano is in good condition”. – Piano Buyer
A thorough inspection of a piano must really be a joint effort with a technician, because some crucial parts of the piano, such as the pin block, can be tested only by feel or with special tools, and an overall judgment of the condition of the piano requires some experience.
In short, whatever you finally decide to go for, be sure to have it inspected so it doesn’t have any hidden issues or expensive maintenance looming!
Price for a consultation/appraisal from a piano technician typically cost $90 SGD.
I have decided to buy the piano. How much do I pay for the deposit?
We recommend not to pay a deposit. Try to steer away if possible. Your good faith is evidenced by the fact that you will book and confirm movers in advance.
This will ensure that just in case the seller is not genuine or a scammer, you will not lose any money.
However if the seller requests for it, pay a small amount about 10% to 30% max with a note to make clear that it is refundable in the event that the transaction fell through.
When do I pay the remaining amount?
Before paying the remaining amount, inspect the piano again first on the day of the pickup. You can always back out or ask for a price adjustment if you see something you don’t like.
Once done, pay the remaining amount the moment the piano is taken away and out of the direct/private seller’s house.
Things to do after receiving the piano
1. Turn on the piano heater immediately. This will protect your piano’s sound quality and lifespan from changing humidity levels.
2. If you brought a piano technician with you to inspect the piano before, follow his/her advice on how to take care of your piano.
Since there are no warranties, receipts, tunings and repair services included, it is wise to follow an expert’s tips to keep your piano in good condition. In future, if the piano is well maintained, you can still resell it at a good price.
Conclusion:
Take your time when shopping to find a piano you know you’ll love. It is a large investment that will be with you for potentially the rest of your life. It should be the piano you love to practice on, not a compromise.
