Jump to Questions for Acoustic Pianos | Jump to Questions for Digital Pianos / Keyboards
Many families look for an acoustic piano, which offers natural sound vibrations and an authentic playing experience. While acoustic instruments are ideal for developing touch and musical sensitivity, digital pianos and keyboards can also be excellent options, especially when portability, space, or budget are considerations.
If you’re searching for an instrument, online marketplaces such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace can sometimes offer great deals. However, it’s important to proceed carefully. Ask plenty of questions and review our guidelines below to ensure the instrument you choose is in good condition and meets your needs.
Questions to Ask When Considering an Acoustic Piano
When shopping for an acoustic piano, especially through private sellers or online marketplaces, it’s important to gather as much information as possible. Asking the right questions can help you avoid costly repairs and ensure the instrument will serve your student well.
Key Questions to Ask
1. How old is the piano?
Check for dates inside the piano or on the manufacturer’s plate.
2. How tall is it?
Height matters for upright pianos, as taller instruments generally offer better sound and touch quality.
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Console Piano: typically 40–43 inches
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Studio Piano: 44–48 inches
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Upright Grand Piano: 49–60 inches
Avoid spinet pianos.
Spinets are the shortest uprights and often marketed as “great for beginners,” but we strongly recommend a quality digital piano (not a basic keyboard) instead. A digital instrument will usually serve a student far better than a spinet.
3. How many owners has it had?
Knowing whether the piano was owned by a musician or piano teacher can offer insight into how well it was maintained.
4. Where has it been stored or played?
Humidity and temperature fluctuations can be damaging. Instruments kept in garages, basements, or very humid climates may have underlying issues.
5. What is the serial number?
Use it to research the piano’s age and history (e.g., through the Blue Book of Pianos).
6. When was it last tuned?
Ask for tuning or maintenance records if available.
7. Do all the keys and pedals work?
Every key should play, and all pedals should function properly.
8. Are there any cracks in the soundboard or pinblock?
Avoid pianos with these issues—repairs are often costly or impossible.
9. Is it a reputable brand?
Review our recommended piano brands in the list provided below.
10. Check the condition of the bridal straps and felts.
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Bridal straps: Located behind the kick plate; if they appear brittle, broken, or moldy, this may indicate poor condition.
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Felts: These thick, cream-colored pads strike the strings and sit on the dampers. Look for no more than about 1/16″ of permanent indentation. Deeper grooves mean the felts may need replacement soon.
Before You Buy
We strongly recommend hiring a professional piano technician to inspect any acoustic piano before you purchase or even accept one for free. A small upfront inspection fee can prevent significant expenses later and help you avoid ending up with a piano that’s better suited for “firewood” than for music-making.
Questions to Ask When Considering Digital Pianos or Keyboards
Digital instruments can be a great option for families who need portability, volume control, or a more affordable entry point. However, quality varies widely, so it’s important to know what to look for when shopping.
Key Questions to Ask
1. How old is the instrument?
Age can affect reliability, sound quality, and available support.
2. What warranties are included?
A solid warranty is especially important for electronics.
3. How many keys does it have?
A full 88-key, full-sized keyboard is preferred for developing proper technique.
4. Do the keys light up?
Avoid light-up keys – these features generally indicate a toy-like instrument not suited for real musical development.
5. Are there musician-reviewed endorsements?
Look for reviews from actual musicians commenting on realistic piano sound and feel. Claims like “weighted keys” in advertisements are not always accurate, so independent reviews are helpful.
6. Is it a reputable brand?
We recommend established brands such as Roland, Kawai, Casio, and Yamaha. Many off-brand models, often with no warranties or quality assurances, are not suitable for long-term study.
Additional Considerations
Digital pianos vs. keyboards:
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High-quality digital pianos ($1,000–$4,000) are best for developing proper playing technique and long-term use.
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Most entry-level keyboards ($200–$800) can work for short-term, “learn the notes” purposes but may limit progress over time.
Accessories matter:
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Ensure you have a proper bench and speakers if the digital piano does not include built-in speakers. (The Roland Cube monitor is one good option.)
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For keyboards, make sure you have a sturdy stand and seating that supports correct posture: knees and hips at a 90-degree angle, and elbows slightly above the wrists when playing.
Investing in the right setup from the start helps students develop healthy technique, better sound control, and a more enjoyable playing experience.
Recommendation
One specific recommendation for new, young students who are not ready to invest in a more expensive piano or keyboard: