Buying Your First Piano

Investing in a piano at the start of piano lessons is a logical step, whether for a child or an adult. If the student is a child, the decision-making responsibility often falls to the parents.

Deciding which piano to purchase can be a daunting task, especially for those new to piano lessons who may have little to no experience in selecting an instrument. As I frequently receive inquiries from students on how to buy a piano, I've chosen to write a blog post detailing the approach that I find effective. While there are numerous factors to consider, the budget often emerges as the primary concern. Let's begin by discussing the purchase of a brand-new instrument.

If you're initially hesitant to make a large investment or uncertain whether you or your child will take to piano playing, acquiring a 61-key digital keyboard might be the ideal choice. In Singapore, the starting price for a new one is approximately S$200 onwards. It's a suitable instrument for tinkering or practicing finger placement. It should suffice until an upgrade becomes necessary. Additionally, a keyboard is more compact, making it convenient if you have limited space at home. It can be placed on a desk and stored away when not in use.

Digital Keyboard (61-key)

The subsequent step involves acquiring an 88-key piano. Purchasing a digital piano is a more cost-effective option, with prices ranging from S$700 to S$2000, depending on the brand and features. Although the touch is lighter than that of an acoustic piano, many digital pianos now have weighted keys that mimic the feel of an acoustic, albeit not perfectly. The market offers a diverse selection of digital pianos. Opting for a digital piano with basic or simpler specifications should be sufficient, as there is no need to invest in additional features that ultimately increase the cost.

Digital Piano (88-key) - does not need tuning or 24/7 heater and can use headphone when you practice at night

Certainly, if the authentic touch of a piano is your priority, an acoustic piano would be your only consideration. As expected, it is also the costliest choice. The market offers a variety of brands from China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, and some European countries. Here, in Singapore, trusted and favored brands include Kawai and Yamaha, particularly those crafted in Japan. They are considered safe purchases due to their higher resale values. The Yamaha U1 and Kawai K300 are highly sought after by first-time buyers seeking that acoustic feel. Presently, both models are priced in the S$10k range. These pianos can serve a student well up to Grade 8, making them a potentially sound long-term investment.

Upright Acoustic Piano

More affordable new acoustic pianos are available too, typically starting at S$3500 for a decent quality one. During promotional periods, you might find better deals or additional benefits such as complimentary tuning, free delivery, and an adjustable bench. Factors like the piano's brand, country of manufacture, height, size, and materials used contribute to the pricing of a new piano. It's advisable to conduct thorough research and visit showrooms to test them personally. Additionally, acoustic pianos require consistent tuning and maintenance. For further details, please refer to my other posts.

Piano tuning - How often should you tune your piano?

Maintaining - Polishing your piano to perfection

The next step is to select an instrument from the secondhand market, which offers a wide array. Consider whether you prefer a digital piano, which is more affordable, or an acoustic one, which may have a longer lifespan before requiring an upgrade. A pre-owned digital piano can cost just a few hundred dollars, while an acoustic one typically starts at around a thousand dollars. The price varies based on the piano's age, brand, country of manufacture, and its condition.

When it comes to secondhand pianos, I prefer to search online on resale websites, unless there's an opportunity to buy from someone I know. Purchasing directly from the owner is ideal, as it allows me to understand the piano's history. The condition of the piano can be assessed by considering its age, tuning and maintenance history, and the manner in which it has been used.

Honestly, assessing the condition of a secondhand piano can be challenging if you're not certain what to inspect. Visually, you can examine the piano's exterior for scratches, and check if the keys are stained or chipped. It's also advisable to test each key to ensure they all produce sound.

Typically, secondhand pianos are unlikely to surpass the quality of new ones. Due to the numerous components inside a piano, wear and tear can cause them to deteriorate or malfunction. If you are uncertain about the condition of a piano you fancy, it might be wise to engage a technician for a comprehensive assessment.

On the other hand, I suggest considering purchasing a newer piano, ideally one that has had about only one to two previous owners. Some pianos might still be covered by a warranty.

Finally, make sure to test the piano you plan to purchase, whether it's brand new or secondhand. Each piano has a unique feel. Take your time, do some research, consult with your teacher or seek advice from a knowledgeable friend, and shop around. It's important that you enjoy the touch, sound, and overall appearance since you'll be using it for an extended period.