Hi,
We have recently moved to Guildford and finally have the space for a piano.
I would like to buy a second hand one to teach our child how to play.
I will also use it occasionally to unwind - I used to play untl my early twenties and did Grade 8 but stopped when I left home and didn't have a piano.
Any advice on what/where to buy would be gratefully received.
Thanks
looking for a 2nd hand piano
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Barrie Heaton
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Re: looking for a 2nd hand piano
All depends on your budget and taste. I would start with the links to the left
"Pianos for Sale by Shops" quite a few of the main retailers have their stock on this site - the advantage of buying from a retailer is you have a guarantee
if you buy second hand of the "Pianos for Sale by the General Public" or Ebay I would get a tuner to look at if, or find out who tuned it last then ask them about the piano most tuner keep upto date notes on their clients pianos
Barrie
"Pianos for Sale by Shops" quite a few of the main retailers have their stock on this site - the advantage of buying from a retailer is you have a guarantee
if you buy second hand of the "Pianos for Sale by the General Public" or Ebay I would get a tuner to look at if, or find out who tuned it last then ask them about the piano most tuner keep upto date notes on their clients pianos
Barrie
Barrie Heaton
Web Master UK Piano Page
Web Master UK Piano Page
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Withindale
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Re: looking for a 2nd hand piano
Go out and play as many as you can to get a feel for the market. Do a bit of homework. Look out for a lightly used piano from a good manufacturer that plays well.
Re: looking for a 2nd hand piano
You should look out for Knight, Chappell, Welmar, Broadwood - preferably models that have been made in the last 30 years. Sometimes you can find a piano that's older and is playing well, but pay a lot less for them. Challens can be decent instruments too, if you get one with a full schwander action rather than the floating centre action which isn't very good imho.
Fazer is also a very good choice for a learner. They're generally quite solid, and they aren't so expensive. Most of the ones in this country were made in the 1980s, so they're relatively young pianos. Usually selling for under £2000.
Sometimes you can find an older piano, 1920s etc, from one of these makers, that's in good condition, but it's rare and will probably need extensive reconditioning - which is expensive unless you happen to own the workshop that's doing it (and is still expensive even then!).
If buying privately you should probably think about spending £800-1500, if from a shop then start at £1500. If you're buying from a good shop then you'll get a guarantee with the piano.
If you want to spend less than these amounts then you'll have to be very lucky. It's not impossible, by any means, but you'll wait a bit longer.
Fazer is also a very good choice for a learner. They're generally quite solid, and they aren't so expensive. Most of the ones in this country were made in the 1980s, so they're relatively young pianos. Usually selling for under £2000.
Sometimes you can find an older piano, 1920s etc, from one of these makers, that's in good condition, but it's rare and will probably need extensive reconditioning - which is expensive unless you happen to own the workshop that's doing it (and is still expensive even then!).
If buying privately you should probably think about spending £800-1500, if from a shop then start at £1500. If you're buying from a good shop then you'll get a guarantee with the piano.
If you want to spend less than these amounts then you'll have to be very lucky. It's not impossible, by any means, but you'll wait a bit longer.