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Originally Posted On: https://www.sanantoniomusicschools.com/common-mistakes-that-youll-want-to-avoid-when-buying-a-piano/

Studies have shown that learning to play an instrument can benefit your mental and cognitive health. Piano, in particular, can be a soothing instrument to study and play.

If you’re getting ready to learn how to play the piano–or to brush up on old skills–you may be considering buying a piano. Practicing on a small keyboard is better than nothing, but nothing quite compares to playing on a full set of of weighted keys.

That being said, buying a piano shouldn’t be done without care. After all, you’re investing in someone’s commitment and growth as a piano player, whether it’s your own or your child’s.

Unfortunately, there are some mistakes people make when buying a piano. Keep reading for the most common mistakes to avoid as you pick out a piano of your own.

Not Measuring Commitment First

Before you invest in a piano, it’s important to think about commitment, especially if the piano is for your child. It’s natural for parents to want their children to learn–and even master–an instrument. However, you should talk to your child and see how they really feel.

If your child is uncertain, you may want to start with a rental or lower-cost electric keyboard. Then, come back to the question of buying or upgrading a piano after a few months of lessons, when your child can better assess their own interest and commitment.

Many retail piano shops offer programs where your rental cost is rolled into the purchase price of a new piano or electrnic keyboard when you upgrade.  That way you don’t loose your investment on your rental once you or you child start having fun with piano lessons.

Buying Acoustic or Electric When You Wanted the Other

Nowadays, there are all sorts of electric or digital options that are worth checking out. If what you really want is the opportunity to play with different features and connect your piano to your computer, you’re going to find yourself disappointed with an acoustic piano.

On the flip side, if what you really want is an acoustic piano, don’t waste money on an electric piano. It can seem tempting when there are so many cheap options for electric pianos. However, even a higher-end electric piano can’t provide an accurate simulation of an acoustic piano.

Not Assessing the Cost of Moving and Maintaining a Piano

If you’re thinking about buying a piano, you may want to consider the long-term implications. With an electric piano, you may not accrue as many costs down the road. With an acoustic piano, however, there could be some additional costs in the coming years.

For example, it costs an average of $400 to move a piano from one home to another. Because it requires expertise and special equipment, piano moving isn’t usually lumped in with other moving company costs.

Acoustic pianos will need to be tuned at least 2 times a year.  Finding a reputable piano tuner in a large city is pretty easy.  If you plan to live in a less populated area finding a piano tuner can be difficult.  So if you plan to move often or will need to place your piano in a location that has a lot of stairs you may want to go with a digital piano.

We don’t bring up these costs to deter you. It’s just something you’ll want to keep in mind when deciding on the type of piano you want to buy.

Overspending For Features You Won’t Use

Let’s talk about those electric pianos for a moment. If what you want is a good, affordable option for practicing, a nice electric piano with weighted keys will do the trick. Going beyond that really isn’t necessary unless you know those extra features hold appeal for you.

Some people get caught up in the allure of the best-rated or most-loved by professionals. The reality is that electric pianos run the gamut from simple to extremely technical. If the technical side of things doesn’t interest you, don’t waste money on an electric piano with tons of different gadgets and gizmos and modes.

Undercommitting to Quality–or to Lessons

This goes back to the question of commitment. This time, we’re not talking about the player’s commitment to playing. We’re talking about your commitment to quality and practice.

On the one hand, it can be a huge deterrent to the learning process if a pianist doesn’t have access to a quality piano. We don’t mean a baby grand piano. We just mean something of a decent size that has weighted keys and produces good sound.

On the other hand, there’s nothing sadder than buying a piano that sits, unused, because the pano player doesn’t take lessons. Playing around with a piano is fun, but it doesn’t compare to taking regular lessons to learn the basics and advance as a piano player.

Buying Used Without Knowing Potential Flaws

If you’re looking for a specific model but you want to save money, buying used can be a good option. The problem is that you’re taking on the risk of purchasing a damaged piano. Most significant damage is either very costly or impossible to repair.

If you’re going to buy a used piano, make sure that you buy from a reputable seller. You may also want to add the safety net of knowing the return policy or exchange policy if you change your mind.

Making a Purchase Without Asking Your Piano Teacher’s Advice

Your piano teachers are here to help and that includes helping with the process of buying your first piano. Having worked with you or your child, we can make recommendations based on skill level, specific interests, and more.

Plus, we tend to know how to read between the lines of what’s worth it and what’s just flashy. Like we mentioned earlier, what a professional musician considers the best piano may not align with your actual needs.

Don’t Make These Mistakes When Buying a Piano

Buying a piano can make a world of difference when learning or brushing up on how to play. Having something of quality to practice on can make lessons smoother and more fun for the piano player. The key is to avoid making these mistakes that we often see people making when buying their first piano.

Now that you’re in the market for a piano, it’s time to find the best lessons for your family. If you’re looking for great piano lessons in San Antonio, you’ve come to the right place. Learn more about our piano lessons and find out about our availability.