PIANO RATINGS

Before you can even begin to choose a piano between the many sizes, models, brands and prices  you must first determine what you want the piano for and believe it or not, if you really want a piano. Who will use the piano? Is it for a beginning student who might give it up after a few short time? Is it for a serious or advanced student or for someone who just plays for fun?  How much room do you have for a piano? How important is furniture styling? How much do you wish to spend?  Should you buy, rent, lease, pay cash or finance?  Have you considered the cost of lessons? Do you have a good teacher? Finally, who and where are you going to get your piano from?

The other factors to be considered are size, new vs. used, tone quality, action, appearance, and durability. You must consider the beauty of what you see, the beauty of what you hear, and the value of your investment. The final answer to each of these considerations depends largely on each personal situation, and there are a few guidelines and resources that can be helpful when making these decisions. They will have a bearing on the price and quality of the piano you eventually get. By knowing what to look for, you will be able to determine the best value for the dollars you are going to spend.

Your ears are different than anyone else's and piano sound different to you than to someone else.  Trust what you like. Use your piano players to play for you and give their opinion on what they think the piano feels like. Find a good sales person that knows their pianos to tell you how the piano is built and where it fits in the market place. Almost all piano stores have a piano in every price range and quality level so don't get sold on a brand, get sold on a piano.

1.    The most important part of buying a piano is playing the piano and listening to the tone of the piano. There are ways to adjust the tone of a piano and the feel to a certain extent, but not every dealer is willing or has a capable technician to do so. Because every piano is a little different and ought to be prepped coming out of the box, be weary of the dealer that promises a new piano out of a box.  Pianos should be bought off the showroom floor.

2.    Most sales people keep up with what is going on in the piano industry and can explain differences that may make an impact to the piano you ultimately decide to choose. Choose a sales person that is knowledgeable about piano construction and can find the best fit for you. If you decide to use a third party in your decision making process, be aware that, for the most part, individuals that play the piano, do not have a vast knowledge of piano construction.

Most piano players only recognize a few of the top piano brands in the world. There have been more changes in the piano industry in the last 6-8 years than there have been in the last hundred and most piano teachers and players are not aware of these changes. What was a great piano for the money 10-20 years ago is most likely the case in today's piano market. Stick to well known brand names with a large market share like: Baldwin, Kawai, Samick, Steinway, Yamaha and Young Chang. They all have sold the most pianos for over 20 years in the US and all have USA facilities to cover warranty and service. They all enjoy a good market share. The Public's acceptance of a good piano is the only chart you need.

3.    A good rule of thumb is to buy a less expensive instrument of the same size.  You may find a less well known piano maker to be of equal or even better quality because the piano that is not as well known has to rely on their quality to sell their pianos and not their brand name. Don't listen to the salesman, listen to the piano. Can you see, hear and feel the $$$ difference. Then the extra money justifies the purchase. If not don't spend the extra money. You be the judge.

4.    Be cautious when you hear sales jargon. Unfortunately, there are sales people they prey on the uneducated piano shopper claiming this study or that study shows their piano to be superior to the competition.  Be wary of the guy who pulls out a book or tip sheet to give you the low down on a piano, especially the other guys piano. I can show you many Piano Buyers Guides, printed and published by a retail dealer, the highest "rated" instruments are the ones he sells. Consider the source of information.

5.    Avoid sales people that use such tactics.  Remember if they lie about one thing they will surely tell you what you want to hear to get a sale. There are plenty of good pianos out there.  There is no reason to have to buy from a company that lies about their product or a competitor.  Here are some sales hype statements that you will hear:

"We sell more pianos in this area than anyone else." (There is no way of a company knowing this.)

"It is not where the piano is built that matters, it's the manufacturer that matters."

"Don't Buy a piano until you read this book." "The Idiots Guide To Buying a Piano"

This Piano Buyers Guide" was probably written by the salesman trying to sell you a piano. (Somewhat Biased)

"We deal in actual Manufacturers List Prices" Just before he offers you a big discount.

"We carry 3 of the top 5 brands in the world, right here in our store."

"Because we are so big, we could carry brand "x" if we wanted, we just choose not to."

"Manufacturers choose the dealers, we were chosen by brand "x" because we have the market share."

"If you really want brand "x" I'll get one in for you." "Make me an offer"

"We used to carry brand "x" and we had all sorts of problem, so we got rid of them."

"Brand "x" doesn't cure their woods for this climate."

 

If you hear these comments, pass on this dealer. The sales person is dishonest and misleading. Don't deal with that company.

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