How to Choose a Good Used Piano for Your Family

Buying a used piano can be a wonderful investment for your home and your children’s musical journey, but choosing the right instrument requires more than just finding a beautiful cabinet or a low price.

A quality piano should feel stable, responsive, and capable of staying in tune over time. Before purchasing a used piano, there are several important things every family should look for.

1. Check the Piano’s Ability to Hold Tuning

One of the most important signs of a healthy piano is whether it can maintain tuning stability over time.

A piano that quickly goes out of tune may indicate problems with:

• the tuning pins

• pinblock condition

• structural stability

• humidity damage

A well

maintained piano should be able to stay reasonably close to pitch for an extended period after tuning.

2. Test the Keys Carefully

Play every key individually and slowly.

Watch for:

• sticking keys

• uneven movement

• slow return

• clicking noises

• inconsistent touch

Keys should move smoothly and evenly across the entire keyboard.

3. Inspect the Piano Action

The action is the mechanical system inside the piano that transfers motion from the keys to the hammers.

A healthy action should feel:

• responsive

• even

• balanced

• predictable

Poor regulation or worn action parts can affect control, tone, and the overall playing experience.

4. Examine the Soundboard

The soundboard is one of the most important acoustic parts of the piano.

Carefully inspect the soundboard for:

• visible cracks

• separation lines

• loose ribs

• unusual buzzing sounds

In many upright and grand pianos, cracks can sometimes be seen around molding areas or along the wood grain.

Not every small crack is serious, but larger structural cracks should always be evaluated by a professional piano technician.

5. Listen to the Tone

A good piano should produce a tone that feels:

• warm

• balanced

• clear

• pleasant across the keyboard

Avoid instruments with excessive harshness, buzzing, or dramatic tone differences between sections.

6. Ask About Service History

Whenever possible, ask:

• how often the piano was tuned

• whether repairs were performed

• if the piano has been moved frequently

• how it was stored

Pianos that have been maintained consistently usually perform much better over time.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right used piano is about more than appearance, it’s about finding an instrument that is mechanically healthy, musically inspiring, and reliable for years to come.

If you have questions about selecting a used piano or would like professional guidance, feel free to contact LA Pianos. We are always happy to help families, students, and musicians find the right instrument for their home.