<$500

[pianochick93]

My friend is looking to buy either an old piano or a digital piano just to muck around and learn on. He's never had lessons but is quite good at teaching himself, and he's asked me to ask you guys the best option for him - a second hand upright or a digital piano, possibly second hand as well.
He has $500 or less to spend, and lives in Australia. What are the best places to look?

Thanks.

[Bob]

I wonder about both, being second hand.  You probably won't get much for under 500 for an upright.  Maybe 'at' 500 for an upright that cost double or more?  I've seen a lot for under 500 but they don't look worthwhile to me.

Maybe a digital, buy why would someone get ride of a digital?  Are the keys worn out?  That would probably be 500 to replace, and you don't know the stress on the electronics already.  But you won't have to have an digital tuned. 

Acoustic is more live though and has a better feel.

In either case, if you hit the right person who was upgrading from their slightly used instrument to something better, that's what I would look for.  And look everywhere.  A digital might work for shipping across continents if they want to risk it.

I would look everywhere.  Classified.  Music stores.  Piano stores.  Universities or performance halls selling off their rehearsal instruments.  Call piano teachers.  Or put out an ad himself and see who replies.

[pianochick93]

Thanks Bob, I've been keeping an eye out for him and there was something in the paper today for $500.

[Bob]

Good luck.  Sounds tricky.  1000 might do it though for either.

I have heard of a few people who want to get rid of their uprights.  If it's free, they don't move because people think it's junk (which it probably is).  But if they stick a $200 pricetag on it and haggle, it gets sold. 

[rc]

My thought is to try and find a decent digital, just because it's more convenient (easy to move, low maintainance, can plug in headphones).

Then, after he's become a junkie for it, he'll be wanting to spend his life savings on the nicest piano he can find