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BUYING A USED PIANO FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

How old is the piano - How much is it - What condition is it in - When was it tuned last -  How often was it tuned.  You should be aware  the details that make up a good piano. By knowing what to look for, you will be able to determine the best value.
 
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  • Find  the serial number, we will tell you how old  the  piano is without charge. On a vertical piano, the serial number should be somewhere on  the  plate above the tuning pins,  or in the  back  of  the piano. On a grand, right on top near the tuning pins. Once  you have  found it simply look up the serial number under the  name brand  shown on the plate or the key cover.  This number will give you the date the piano was manufactured 
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LOOK "UNDER THE HOOD"
  • The  first thing to do when looking at an old piano is to check  the  condition of the finish on the  case.   If  the finish is to badly checked, the piano may have been standing near a window, and the mechanical parts may have been  affected unfavorably.  Pass on it!
  • Open the lid on the piano and look at the condition of the hammers, see if they are worn or  have  been reshaped.  Check  to see  that they are  all  there, and that they all work, look  to  see if there are deep creases in  the hammers or show any signs of moth or mouse damage.  Pass on it!
  • If the piano has a "musty" smell - pass on it right away - this could be a sign of mold - which is not only unpleasant, but it can be a danger to your health. Pass on it!
  • Open the piano completely, including the bottom board, it is usually just snapped into place by two metal clips. Examine the instrument for insects, mouse droppings, small piles of sawdust - if any of these things are present - pass on it, the piano may have termites.  Pass on it!
PASSING THOSE INITIAL TESTS:
  • Check to see if hammers strike all of the strings of all notes. If not, Pass on it.
      
  • Inspect  the  strings  for  even spacing  (not  touching  another string)  and  proper   alignment with the dampers.  Bass strings may be “tired and tubby,” totally devoid of tone. [If so, Pass on it.]
  • Remove bottom board,  inspect the bottom  for  mouse  droppings,  nests, or  termites. [If so, Pass on it.]
  • While you are there look at  the  pedal mechanism to see if everything appears to be in order.
  • Look at the inside of the back wall, the flat surface, that's the soundboard,  inspect for large cracks, small ones are not desired but they are  not serious.  May be badly cracked, or worse yet, may have lost crown to become tonally deficient. [If so, Pass on it.]
  • Look everywhere for signs of rust, or moisture this will show  up on  the  strings  or other metal parts.  Tuning pins may be loose, may have been previously “doped,” may require oversized pins, may require new pin block. Avoid any piano with pins showing evidence of having been pounded.
  • Play  each  note  once again, listen for unwanted vibrations or rattles, listen to the tone,  once again is  it  "tired and/or tubby"  devoid  of  musical  tone.
     
  • Inspect  the  metal plate from top to bottom for any  signs  of cracks, could become serious.  The ribs May be broken or pulled away from soundboard. [If so, Pass on it.]
  • Inspect  the  design  of the case, does it  have  a  nicely designed  case  that by current standards will be  called  good looking or correct and does it possess a "timeless" appearance, and will it "fit" according to design in any small room.
  • Is  the tonal output powerful enough, at  least  impressive enough  that  you  should expect from a  "classic"  piano,  but capable, nevertheless, of filling a room no larger  than 15 square feet or of a volume not more than say, 2500 cubic ft.
  • Is  the tonal output reasonably mellow (very  bright  indicates hardened  hammers from age or dry climatic conditions), is  the tone  even  and with a fair singing quality May be worn out or improperly filed so as to require replacement – another costly repair. [If so, Pass on it.]
  • Is  the  action satisfactory,  that is, does it give a fairly elastic  response to your touch. May be literally worn out rendering the piano useless. If re bushing is required, this is very costly. A complete regulation requires much time of an expert and is expensive if properly done. [If so, Pass on it.]
  • Beware of any signs of rust or mold - almost anything else can be repaired - but not rust or mold. cracked or broken plates cripple the piano musically and renders it useless. [If so, Pass on it.]

The prospective buyer of a new or used piano who, relying on his own judgment, attempts to select an instrument soon discovers that very many arguments may arise to perplex him in his choice. As a rule, and with rare exceptions, it is wise to buy of local dealers to whom you can, at any time, have access should there arise necessity for explanations or advice. And in dealing with the local piano dealer, do not begrudge him a fair profit. The piano dealer is familiar with the instruments, and if he is a man who is honest and reliable, you may depend upon what he tells you concerning them.

  "What's the difference - guidelines"  

 

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