How to Inspect a Used Piano

Buying a used piano can offer exceptional value, but it requires careful inspection to avoid costly surprises. This comprehensive guide will help you evaluate a used piano like a professional, whether you're shopping at dealers, private sales, or auctions.

Before You Begin

Essential Tools to Bring

• Flashlight or phone light: For examining internal components
• Cloth: To wipe dust and reveal finish details
• Notebook: To record observations and measurements
• Camera: Document any concerns for later reference
• Tape measure: Verify dimensions for your space

Basic Knowledge Requirements

Understanding piano fundamentals will help you identify issues:

• Action: The mechanical system that translates key presses to hammer strikes
• Soundboard: The large wooden surface that amplifies string vibrations
• Strings: Steel wires (treble) and copper-wound steel (bass) that create sound
• Frame: Cast iron structure supporting string tension

External Inspection

Case and Finish

What to Look For:

• Finish condition: Minor scratches acceptable, deep gouges concerning
• Structural integrity: Check for cracks, loose joints, or warping
• Hardware condition: Hinges, locks, and pedals should operate smoothly
• Matching components: All parts should appear original to the instrument

Red Flags:

• Multiple refinishing attempts (uneven texture/color)
• Water damage (warping, staining, or lifting veneer)
• Extensive deep scratches or impact damage
• Missing or broken hardware that affects function

Pedals and Mechanics

Upright Pianos:

• Sustain pedal (right): Should engage and disengage smoothly
• Practice/muting pedal (middle): Should noticeably reduce volume
• Soft pedal (left): Should create subtle tonal change

Grand Pianos:

• Sustain pedal (right): Test with scales and chords
• Sostenuto pedal (middle): Should hold only pressed notes
• Una corda pedal (left): Should shift hammers to fewer strings

Testing Method: Play scales while engaging each pedal individually to verify proper function.

Internal Inspection

Strings and Tuning Pins

String Condition:

• Rust: Light surface rust acceptable, heavy rust problematic
• Breakage: Count broken strings (more than 5-10 indicates neglect)
• Uniformity: Strings should be properly spaced and tensioned

Tuning Pin Assessment:

• Tightness: Pins should hold tuning without slipping
• Corrosion: Check for rust around pin areas
• Professional opinion: If pins are loose, factor in major repair costs

Action Inspection

Key Response:

• Consistency: All keys should depress with similar effort
• Return speed: Keys should return quickly after release
• Sticking: No keys should stick or respond sluggishly
• Alignment: Keys should be level and properly spaced

Hammer Condition:

• Felt quality: Hammers should have firm, ungrooved felt
• Alignment: Hammers should strike strings evenly
• Wear patterns: Deep grooves indicate need for replacement

Soundboard Evaluation

Visual Inspection:

• Cracks: Small cracks acceptable, large splits concerning
• Ribs: Supporting ribs should be intact and properly glued
• Bridges: String contact points should be solid and well-maintained
• Crown: Soundboard should have slight upward curve

Sound Quality Test:

• Tone consistency: Notes should have similar quality across range
• Sustain: Notes should ring clearly and fade gradually
• Volume balance: No dead spots or overly loud sections

Playing Test

Systematic Evaluation

Scale Testing:

1. Chromatic scales: Play from lowest to highest note
2. Listen for: Dead notes, buzzing, inconsistent volume
3. Feel for: Uneven key resistance or sluggish response

Chord Testing:

1. Major chords: Test in all 12 keys
2. Full chords: Use both hands to stress the action
3. Sustained chords: Check for sympathetic vibrations or buzzing

Dynamic Range:

1. Pianissimo: Test ability to play very softly
2. Fortissimo: Verify power and projection capability
3. Gradual changes: Ensure smooth crescendo/diminuendo possible

Common Problem Identification

Action Issues:

• Sluggish keys: May need regulation or cleaning
• Double-striking: Hammers bouncing and hitting strings twice
• Non-repeating keys: Action timing problems

Tonal Problems:

• Buzzing sounds: Loose hardware or debris
• Dead notes: Broken strings or action malfunction
• Uneven tone: Worn hammers or soundboard issues

Age and Manufacturing Assessment

Dating Your Piano

Serial Number Location:

• Uprights: Usually inside, on the back frame or soundboard
• Grands: Often on the plate near the tuning pins
• Research: Use manufacturer databases to determine age

Age Considerations:

• Under 20 years: Likely minimal major repairs needed
• 20-50 years: May require some regulation and maintenance
• 50+ years: Expect significant restoration needs
• Vintage (100+ years): Consider as restoration project

Brand and Model Research

Reputable Brands:

• Premium: Steinway, Bösendorfer, Fazioli
• Excellent: Yamaha, Kawai, Baldwin (older models)
• Good: Many European and American brands from quality eras
• Avoid: Console pianos from 1960s-1980s, some commercial brands

Professional Assessment

When to Hire a Technician

Recommended for:

• Pianos over $5,000
• Instruments showing potential major issues
• When buying from unknown private sellers
• Vintage instruments requiring extensive evaluation

What Professionals Check:

• Pin block condition: Critical for tuning stability
• Plate integrity: Cracks in cast iron are deal-breakers
• Action timing: Precise measurements of mechanical adjustments
• Structural soundness: Professional assessment of major components

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Typical Inspection Costs:

• Basic assessment: $100-200 AUD
• Comprehensive evaluation: $200-400 AUD
• Written report: Additional $50-100 AUD

Potential Savings:

• Avoid $5,000+ restoration surprises
• Negotiate better prices based on findings
• Make informed decisions about major purchases

Pricing and Negotiation

Fair Market Value

Research Comparable Sales:

• Check online marketplaces for similar instruments
• Contact dealers for trade-in value estimates
• Consider age, brand, and condition factors

Cost Calculations:

• Purchase price + immediate repairs = true cost
• Factor in moving, tuning, and setup expenses
• Consider depreciation vs. new piano prices

Negotiation Strategies

Based on Findings:

• Minor issues: Request 5-10% price reduction
• Moderate problems: Negotiate 15-25% adjustment
• Major concerns: Consider walking away or deeper discounts

Additional Considerations:

• Included services: Delivery, tuning, basic cleaning
• Accessories: Bench, music, covers, or humidity control
• Timing: End of month/year may yield better prices

Red Flags to Avoid

Deal Breakers

Structural Issues:

• Cracked soundboard with open seams
• Loose or cracked pin block
• Cracked cast iron plate
• Severe case damage or instability

Action Problems:

• More than 20% of keys non-functional
• Hammers worn down to wood
• Extensive moth or rodent damage
• Missing or broken major action parts

Environmental Damage:

• Water damage with ongoing moisture issues
• Extensive rust throughout string and pin areas
• Mold or mildew in case or action
• Fire or smoke damage

High-Risk Situations

Avoid When:

• Seller pressures immediate decision without inspection
• Piano stored in basement, garage, or outdoor areas
• No opportunity to play or properly examine
• Seller unwilling to discuss known problems

Documentation and Follow-Up

Record Keeping

Document:

• Serial number and manufacturer information
• Date and location of inspection
• Digital photos of any concerns
• List of needed repairs and estimated costs
• Contact information for seller and any professionals consulted

Purchase Preparation

Before Finalizing:

• Secure professional moving services
• Schedule initial tuning (often needed after moving)
• Prepare space with proper humidity control
• Review warranty or return policies

Post-Purchase Steps

Immediate Actions:

• Professional tuning within 2-4 weeks of delivery
• Basic cleaning and polishing
• Humidity control setup if needed
• Schedule any necessary repairs promptly

Conclusion

Inspecting a used piano thoroughly can save thousands in unexpected repairs and ensure you get an instrument that will provide years of musical enjoyment. While this guide covers the essential points, don't hesitate to seek professional help for expensive purchases or when you're uncertain about major issues.

Remember that every used piano will have some wear and minor issues – the key is distinguishing between normal aging and problems that will affect playability or require expensive repairs.

Quick Inspection Checklist

• External case and finish condition
• All pedals function properly
• All keys play and return correctly
• No excessive string breakage or rust
• Hammers in reasonable condition
• Soundboard intact without major cracks
• Tuning holds reasonably well
• No structural damage to frame or case
• Price reflects true condition and needed repairs

Ready to inspect your next piano purchase? Contact Piano Insider for professional inspection services and expert guidance throughout the buying process.

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