Pianos
A piano  is one of the larger purchases consumers can make. However, prices aren't the only things buyers are left to sort through, as you'll be faced with a vast variety of brands, models, styles, competing claims and strange terminology.
Grand vs. Upright
There are two basic configurations of pianos - Grand and Upright.
| Grand Piano |
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- Typically used for concerts and concert hall performances.
- Horizontal frame and strings make for a louder "performing tone."
- If you have the room, a baby grand piano is a good option where you have more than ample room for an upright, yet still want the effect of a grand.
- You can usually find better values on uprights than baby grands.
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| Upright Piano |
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- More compact than a grand, with vertical strings and frame.
- Considered harder to produce a sensitive piano action like a grand, but modern uprights have come very close to duplicating the feel of their larger counterparts.
- A great choice for families looking to keep a piano in their home.
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Things to consider
When shopping for a piano, take your proficiency level into consideration. Similar to buying a pair of shoes, it's a good rule of thumb to buy a piano slightly better than you feel you deserve, which will give you room to grow into it. Even if your family decides that a piano is not in its future, good pianos hold their value extremely well and are easy to re-sell. Try to buy the tallest upright or longest grand piano that you can afford. Longer strings and bigger soundboards provide better tonality.
You should also take the available space of your home into consideration. Upright pianos need about a 5 feet wide x 5 feet deep area (including space for the pianist and bench), and grand pianos need a space about 5 to 7 feet wide. The length your piano will need will range from anywhere between 4 to 9 feet, plus an additional 2-3 feet for the piano bench and player. Your piano should be located away from radiators, heating vents, air conditioners, direct sunlight and fireplaces.
Popular Piano Manufacturers
Below is a short list of some of the more popular piano manufacturers.
Consider this, Consider that - Let's shop!
The first thing you should conceed to doing is making several trips to several different piano shops. This will give you a chance to play a number of different pianos to help you find out what exactly you're looking for in a piano. Also, playing a few different pianos will give you a better idea of what may be too expensive or what may not be good enough for your needs.
Unlike most other instruments, buying a secondhand piano is not highly reccomended. Used pianos generally have not been taken care of well, so the idea of saving a few dollars goes out the window after you're done paying for repairs and tuning. If you are going to buy a secondhand piano, bring an expert or your teacher with you. You may be tempted by the aesthetic appeal of a certain piano, but your companion will be able to point things out that you would have otherwise missed. In general, be careful when shopping for a secondhand piano.
Once you've found something you like, don't be afraid to negotiate with the salesperson. You can usually knock off anywhere between 10 to 20 percent from the price tag, so be willing to walk away empty handed a few times before you find a dealer who's willing to sell you a quality piano at the right price. Also, make sure that the warranty that comes with the piano includes parts and labor. Otherwise, when something goes wrong, the dealer or the manufacturer will just mail you a part that you'll be left to install on your own. Ask the dealer if the warranty is transferrable. If it is, this increases the resale value of your investment, in the event that it doesn't work out for you.
Lastly, when you get the piano home, have it inspected by a certified piano technician. It is well worth the money to find out that something is wrong with the piano before the warranty period ends.
External Links
Concertpitchpiano.com - Piano Buyers Guide: Tips on Buying a Piano
eBay Guides - Piano Buying Guide
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