Piano help needed

[MerryPoppins]

Anyone know much about pianos? My DD has been taking lessons for a couple of years and her teacher thinks she shows a lot of promise. We only have a keyboard at our house, so we are considering investing in a piano. It's just a lot of money to lay out when the economy is so bad. We worry about layoffs at DH's work, too.

My mom is willing to let me buy my dad's old piano. My dad was a very talented musician, and I know he purchased a good piano. It is over 30 years old, but has been well cared for. Mom remembers that it was purchased after I was born. I know we had it when I was 4 and I'm 41 now. It has never been on an outside wall or near an air vent, so it hasn't dried out or been subject to temperature swings. It probably hasn't been tuned as often as it should in the last few years, but it sounds good. If I were to buy a used piano, at least I know this instrument's history.

My problem is that I know pianos have a life expectancy. Would I be buying something I would be sorry about? DD is almost 12 and I'd like something that would at least get her through school. Would any of you who are musical be hesitant? I also don't have a clue what to pay Mom for the piano. Know where I could look? Should we have it appraised? It's an Elburn upright. It's beautiful and looks almost new.

Help me out. Any web sites that might point me in the right direction? I figured someone here might have an answer for me.

 

[newmousecateer]

Merry

If someone else here can't help you, I will ask DH tomorrow (he is asleep for the night )

He not only is a musician, he sold pianos and organs for years.

Just PM me if you want me to ask him tomorrow, and I will get back to you.

 

[helenabear]

From what I remember, most pianos can last about as long as a person lives, if not longer. I think I have heard they average about 80 years. I think if the piano of your dad's is only 30 years old, that you will be more than fine if you want it to last only 10 or so more years. I know my piano at my dad's is older than that and it still is in great shape (though out of tune).

 

[damo]

Have a piano tuner in to look at it. They will be able to tell you if it is worth the investment. Different pianos age differently. If it has been moved, not tuned, exposed to a lot of humidity,etc. it could be in bad shape. It could have a cracked soundboard or many other problems. It could also be in fantastic shape.

It probably will cost you $50 or so to have it looked at but it could save you $$$ in the long run.

DD is a very talented musician and there is nothing worse to listening to people play on a bad instrument. It is worth getting something that both you and your child will enjoy.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

I think you'll be OK. My mom's piano is about that old and still in good shape. My sister has my grandma's piano from the 30s and that is very hard to tune at this point.
We got a yamaha clavinova--it was about $2000, but we got 12 months same as cash and then used our home equity line at the end of that time to pay it off. It is just like a "real" piano but electronnic--lighter, never needs tuned, and best of all there is a volume control! We have DD#1 in lessons and will probably add DD#2 next year.
Robin M.

 

[KimR]

While pianos can last a lifetime, it's my understanding that they need to be rebuilt after a certain point, (maybe 20 - 30 years?), which is very expensive. I agree with damo - have a piano tech look at it and determine what kind of shape it is in. If your DD is showing promise, you really want to make sure she plays on a quality piano with good sound, I've been told it really makes a difference.

My oldest DD started taking piano lessons a few years ago, so we went through the whole piano shopping thing. ARRGGHH!!! DH and I knew absolutely zilch about pianos and it took us months to finally decide, talking to various people, etc. but we've been very happy with our purchase!

Kim

 

[Pembo]

Coming from a piano family....certain "brands" of pianos are definitely better lasters than others. Do call a reputable piano tuner to take a look at your dad's piano. My guess is since he bought a good piano it will still be good. I'm not familiar with Elburn pianos however. My mom has had her piano for over 35 years and it is still in excellent condition and has been used ALOT!!!!

I say go for it! As for price, we paid $500 for our piano to a lady who just didn't want it anymore. My mom paid about the same for a piano for my niece.

You could always call a local music store and ask the value?! A reputable store should give you a fair $.

Good luck!

 

[MerryPoppins]

Thanks so much for all the advice. I think I will contact a tuner and see what he says about the piano. Maybe he could give me an idea of what it is worth as well as if it would be a smart purchase. I may also talk to our local music store. We know them well since we have purchased 2 guitars, a flute and a trumpet from them for our children. Maybe they could help me with the price.