OT: Calling all piano owners!

[floridascgirl]

My son used a keyboard with weighted keys until his teacher said that we had to make the leap. We found a great deal in the newspaper for a small Baldwin upright for $400. The woman was relocating across the US and could not afford to move it. We had a friend who is a piano tuner check it out and he whispered "grab it now" My husband and friend moved it themselves with rented equipment. It was the best $400 we have ever spent!!!

 

[oceanrose]

We bought our piano from a music store used. We went to their warehouse and picked it out. They started at about 200.00 and went up from there. Ours is a very nice older piano and we let the student pick it out. I believe it cost around 1000.00 with delivery and a free tuning once we got it in place. Unless you want a baby grand, the price isn't too severe.

My nephew's piano teacher will not allow them to practice on electric keyboards for several reasons, a lot of which has to do with the pedals I believe. But she's a very traditional piano teacher as well. I have seen pianos for free quite a bit, just look for no warping, or sunken keys and you'll be fine.

 

[tttessa]

Hi,

my electronic piano is just that - it has the pedals too. Keyboards are not the same thing. An electronic piano can be used for piano exam practise up to level4 - beyond what most of us achieve, so I don't see there would be any problems with that for a beginner - my daughters both do their piano lessons on our electronic piano as our piano teacher travels....

For ease of use and transport without having to retune, electronic pianos cannot be beaten, for tone and advanced playing a GOOD upright is better.

Tessa

 

[seashoreCM]

Before you buy it you should at least feel that it works perfectly. No keys sticking. Each and every key should be able to play repeat notes rapidly and clearly, as in Ma-ma-ma-ma-ry-ry-ry-ry ha-ha-ha-ha-had a-a-a-a-a lit-lit-lit-lit-tle-tle-tle lamb... Keys not loose or rickety feeling, test using adjacent notes: Mary-mary-mary ry-had-ry-had-ry-had etc. Also the notes should be of equal loudness when you play scales.

Like a used car, a piano should be avoided if it is not working perfectly and the owner makes the excuse it needs a tuning.

 

[emma'smom]

We bought ours from a friend who was redecorating and her kids were all grown-up and no longer used it. We paid her 200.00 which was about what she thought she would have taken as a tax-deduction had she donated it to the schools (which was her plan originally). We then paid 200.00 bucks for a piano mover---but for 400.00 it looks great in our "music room" and the girls enjoy playing it. My dd7 actually takes lessons on a keyboard at school---but she is able to practice at home on our piano.

Also, for that price---I don't get too bent out of shape when neighbor kids start playing it.