Telling a 2nd hand piano from 1st hand ones

[dana_minmin]

my question is simple: how? without prior knowledge to model or serial no.


Thanks.

[allthumbs]

You're kidding, right?

[dana_minmin]

oh I'm sincerely asking this question.

I'm thinking to rent a piano at dorm, probably for 2 years, and I saw an ad on the internet.

the rental program says:
-choose a (new) piano
-rent it to see if your kids (it's myself in my case) really love piano
-so you have a second thought to invest on an upright (ie. buy the rented piano)

My concern is what if they rent me an old piano. How could I tell a piano is a used one if I don't know about the model thing?

[alessandro]

If there Candle-holders on the outside it's probably an older one ... 

Dust inside could tell something, dust that sticks around the place where the string is pulled in (around) the pin on the frame.   The state of the hammers tells something about how much the piano has been played on, or the intensity of the playing...

But why would you like to know.  Fear of paying to much ? In the first place, follow your heart, an old piano has often a more characteristic sound, a uniquer sound, a new one is not often the best piano available near you, or when you compare price and quality...  Once you've made your choice and you still have a hesitation hire an expert...  Very old piano's, with a lot of woodwork inside could be checked on cracks or freshness of the wood...  I also should play at least a few pieces on it to check if there's something interesting, the beginning of a love affair between you and the instrument...  Gives it good piano, good forte, good bass, good treble, good singing, good harmonies all over...

Good luck.

[dan101]

If your concern is quality, then take a technician shopping with you. Aside from the age of the instrument, an expert with assess the soundboard, hammers, pins, strings and all other concerns.

My tuner had a special catalogue whereby he could surmise the year when my piano was made, etc... The bottom line here is that if you're unsure, seek help. Good luck.

[dana_minmin]

Thanks for all your replies.

My concerns are quality and price. I'm worrying about the rust on strings and cracks. I'd probably take a used one if it sounds and feels good, but not in the price of a new piano. I'm feared to be cheated on price. I'll look for quality .

My mom's concern, a rather ________(fill in a word of your choice) reason. She thinks it doesn't worth it to take a piano for displaying purposes, not knowing if it's old or used.


btw, there's someone who wants to take my crappy, out-of-tuned, non-repairable piano. I don't know if it's a bless or a curse to the next pianist .

[richard black]

the rental program says:
-choose a (new) piano
-rent it to see if your kids (it's myself in my case) really love piano
-so you have a second thought to invest on an upright (ie. buy the rented piano)

My concern is what if they rent me an old piano. How could I tell a piano is a used one if I don't know about the model thing?

Well, they're unlikely to try to rent you something that isn't at least very nearly new - i.e. still shiny, clean inside, nice clean keys etc. etc. In that case, even if it has actually been used before, why worry?

[nancyjane]

Why not ask them what the serial number and brand is? If it doesn't have a serial number forget it. If it does you can google piano serial numbers and look up the age for free.

[dana_minmin]

If it does you can google piano serial numbers and look up the age for free.

Really?

Thank you all of you again 

[dana_minmin]

How could I check the soundboard? Do I need to take off the lid in the front? 

[rob_the_dude]

Just look to see if there are catches near the top of the piano and undo them before you start wrenching the front off  wouldn't be good if you found out the piano was new!

[dana_minmin]

Thanks dude!

One of the pianos interests me looks like it should be expensive. It has a tall soundboard, I think 131cm maybe, but the price is cheap relative to its quality. It has been there for quite a few months, or half a year. The price is further reduced from the "bargan price" set half a year ago. My guts tells me there maybe something wrong with it.

I hope I found out that piano is new. 

[stars1234]

You can expect the price of a new piano to be about 1/2 that of the MSRP.

A new piano is fine, if it is quality, just the same for a used piano.

You may be better buying a less expensive, but better used piano and having it rebuilt if you eventually decide to buy it.

It does take--at least for good pianos, a few years to come to there peak. A Steinway Grand begins to find it's voice at about age 7.  So I wouldn't shy away from a piano just because it is used.

But a dealer is not going to put up a "good" upright, used one, for nothing. They know the value.

Rust on the strings is a BIG no-no. You really need to pay a technician a $100 to look at pianos with you.

[lhorwinkle]

One of the pianos interests me looks like it should be expensive. It has a tall soundboard, I think 131cm maybe, but the price is cheap relative to its quality. It has been there for quite a few months, or half a year. The price is further reduced from the "bargan price" set half a year ago. My guts tells me there maybe something wrong with it.

Someone here said earlier that you should look over the piano, and also have a piano technician look at it. This is not just good advice ... it's absolutely mandatory!

There are a few things that you can look at yourself, but a tech knows more. So ... have a look at the unit.  If it looks good to you and sounds good and feels good, then plan for another visit with a technician at your side. His fee will be nominal, and you'll have the satisfaction of knowing just exactly what you're buying.