Why I’m Writing This Guide

Hi there! Let me tell you why I’m the right person to help you choose your next piano or keyboard. Over the years, I’ve played, owned, rented, and performed on just about every type of piano imaginable. From grand pianos to uprights, from shiny new models to well-worn relics, I’ve seen it all. I currently own two grand pianos, one Steinway D model and a George Steck baby grand. I have worked with countless digital keyboards, and even helped some of my online students purchase their dream instruments—including a beautiful Yamaha grand and a stunning 100-year-old Steinway Model B.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: choosing between a grand, upright, or digital, where to shop, what to look for, how to handle transportation, and more. Let's dive in!

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Understanding the Types of Pianos on the Market

When shopping for a piano or keyboard, it’s important to understand the main categories available and how they differ mechanically. Here’s a quick breakdown:

1. MIDI Keyboards (Not Weighted)

2. Semi-Weighted and Fully Weighted Keyboards

3. Hybrid Pianos

Hybrid pianos combine digital technology with acoustic elements. Some models include real hammers or wooden keys for an authentic feel while still offering the convenience of digital features like volume control and headphone outputs.

4. Upright Pianos

Upright pianos are acoustic instruments with vertical strings and hammers, making them the standard choice for piano practice. While their mechanics differ fundamentally from grand pianos (primarily due to the vertical string arrangement), many high-quality uprights deliver exceptional sound and responsiveness. These pianos can be ideal for musicians of any level, from beginners to seasoned professionals, and their compact design makes them perfect for homes with limited space.

5. Grand Pianos

Grand pianos are the pinnacle of piano craftsmanship. Their horizontal strings and longer keys offer superior sound quality and precision. They come in various sizes, from baby grands to concert grands, and are best suited for those with the space and budget to accommodate them.

Key Takeaway: Avoid MIDI Keyboards

While every other category can work depending on your needs, MIDI keyboards should be avoided at all costs for learning or serious playing. Without the ability to play dynamics, they hinder the development of essential piano skills.

Now that you know the differences, let’s explore which type might be best for your specific situation!

How Do I Know Which Piano Is Right for Me? 

When choosing a piano, the first thing to consider is your budget, followed closely by the space available in your home. In my experience, it’s always worth compromising on space to prioritize the quality of the instrument. The mechanical and sound advantages of a grand piano over an upright, or an upright over a digital keyboard, can significantly enhance your playing experience. A piano isn’t just a piece of furniture—it’s an instrument you’ll want to play daily and build a meaningful relationship with. For this reason, it’s important to aim for the best quality possible within your budget.

If you can invest more than $3,000, exploring second-hand baby grand pianos is a great option. These instruments provide the superior touch and tonal depth that only a grand piano can offer. With careful selection, you can find excellent value in the used market. However, if your budget is under $3,000, grand pianos may be out of reach, and you’ll need to focus on upright pianos or fully weighted digital keyboards. Upright pianos, particularly high-quality models, offer a fantastic balance of sound, touch, and compactness, making them ideal for most homes.

While hybrid pianos may seem appealing due to their modern features, their high cost often makes them less practical. With the same budget, you could purchase a high-quality acoustic upright or grand and install a silent system, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of both an acoustic and a hybrid instrument.

Key Takeaway: Decide Your Budget 

Start by determining your budget, then assess your available space. If possible, prioritize quality over space—an excellent piano will inspire you to play every day and develop your skills. For budgets above $3,000, consider a second-hand baby grand. For tighter budgets, focus on a good-quality upright or fully weighted keyboard. Always aim for the best instrument you can afford to foster a long-lasting connection with your piano.

New or Second-Hand?

When it comes to buying a piano or keyboard, second-hand instruments are almost always a better option. They allow you to access high-quality instruments at a fraction of the cost of new ones—sometimes for less than half the price. Additionally, pianos and keyboards are instruments that age exceptionally well. In fact, even top-tier grand pianos straight from the factory often don’t match the tonal richness of those that are 15 to 20 years old. Much like fine wine, pianos need to mature with use to fully develop their sound and character.

Second-Hand: Private Market vs. Resellers

Private Market

Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Wallapop can be goldmines for finding incredible deals. People often sell their pianos at low prices because they’re moving or simply want to free up space. Upright pianos in good condition are relatively easy to find, but if you’re considering a grand piano, it’s essential to proceed with caution.

Hiring a piano technician to evaluate a grand piano is highly recommended. For $100 to $150, a technician can assess critical aspects like:

• Rust on the strings
• Damage to the soundboard
• Signs of water damage
• The overall state of the mechanics

This small investment can save you from costly mistakes. For instance, one of my students was about to purchase a Kawai baby grand from a jazz club. Luckily, they hired a technician who discovered significant damage caused by spilled drinks—a detail the seller tried to conceal.

Resellers

If you choose to buy from a piano reseller, expect to pay a higher price, but you’ll benefit from added security. Resellers typically provide:

• A warranty for the instrument
• Documentation detailing its condition, including the state of strings, soundboard, and mechanics
• Delivery services

While more expensive, buying from a reseller can be a safer and more convenient option, especially for those new to the piano-buying process.

How Old is Too Old?

When buying a second-hand instrument, age is an important consideration, as it can greatly affect the quality and lifespan of the piano. Here’s a general guide to help you decide:

• Digital Pianos: For digital pianos, stick to models no older than 5-10 years. Technology advances rapidly, and older models may lack the features, sound quality, or reliability of newer instruments.

• Upright Pianos: Upright pianos have a longer lifespan, and well-maintained instruments up to 25-30 years old can still be excellent for practice and performance. Beyond this range, there’s a higher risk of wear and tear affecting the sound and mechanics.

• Grand Pianos: For grand pianos, the situation is more nuanced. The acceptable age depends heavily on the brand and the level of care the piano has received over the years. Renowned brands like Steinway, Bösendorfer, or Yamaha can remain in excellent condition for 50-60 years or more if properly maintained. However, age is not the only factor, and an older grand may still require significant restoration to meet its full potential.

If you’re considering a grand piano older than 50-60 years, it’s crucial to evaluate the instrument’s condition thoroughly. In the next section, we’ll discuss how brand and maintenance play a significant role in determining whether an older grand is worth the investment.

Key Takeaway

Second-hand instruments offer the best value for your money. If you’re buying a baby grand from a private seller, hiring a technician to evaluate its condition is essential. For uprights and keyboards, this may not be necessary, but always ask for the instrument’s history and thoroughly test it for any issues. Whether buying privately or through a reseller, take your time to ensure you’re investing in an instrument you’ll enjoy for years to come.

Choosing the Brand

When it comes to choosing a piano brand, the options vary greatly depending on whether you're looking for a digital piano, an upright, or a baby grand. Here's a breakdown of the best brands for each category and why they stand out.

Digital Pianos

For digital pianos, focus on models with a sturdy leg structure and three pedals, like Yamaha's Clavinova series. These are ideal for mimicking the feel and functionality of an acoustic piano. The top brands (in this order) to consider are:

1. Yamaha: Known for their advanced technology, Yamaha digital pianos provide excellent sound quality and realistic touch.
2. Kawaii: Offers a slightly different feel, with their models excelling in rich tonal quality.
3. Roland: Known for innovative digital features and a smooth, responsive key action.

Budget Upright Pianos

For upright pianos, Yamaha and Kawai dominate the market for their consistency and reliability.

1. Yamaha: Yamaha uprights from the last 25-30 years are excellent, combining balanced mechanics and pleasant sound. Some models may have a slightly bright or metallic tone, but this is subjective.
2. Kawaii: Similar in quality to Yamaha, Kawai uprights sometimes have heavier keys, which may not suit all players.
3. Other Brands: Some European brands like Schimmel or Petrof can also be good options but are less common in the second-hand market.

Budget Baby Grands

If you’re looking for a second-hand baby grand, the same names come up for good reason:

1. Yamaha: Their baby grands are well-engineered, durable, and provide a balanced sound and touch.
2. Kawaii: Slightly heavier keys but still a great option with warm tones and solid construction.
3. Other Brands: Other reputable options include very old American Steinways, or Boston and many others though they may vary in availability and quality.

Why Yamaha and Kawai Dominate the Budget Categories

Yamaha has made incredible advancements in piano technology over the past 25-30 years. From my experience owning, renting, and performing on countless Yamahas, they consistently deliver balanced mechanics and a pleasing sound. The only drawback is that some models may have a tone that's too bright or metallic for certain tastes.

Kawai, on the other hand, provides a similar level of quality but leans towards a warmer tone. Their keys tend to be heavier, which can be a pro or a con depending on personal preference.

High-End Options

For high-end pianos, the world of brands becomes far more complex, and it’s a topic that could fill an entire blog post on its own. However, the top contenders are:

1. Steinway: The gold standard for grand pianos, with unmatched craftsmanship and sound.
2. Fazioli: Known for their stunning tonal clarity and precision.
3. Bechstein: A blend of traditional European craftsmanship and modern innovation.

These brands cater to professional musicians and concert settings, so we won’t delve into the details here, as they are less relevant for most buyers.

Key Takeaway: Yamahas and Kawaii are the best budget options.

For most of the cases, stick to Yamaha or, Kawai. For digital pianos models like Yamaha's Clavinova series. For upright and baby grands, Yamaha and Kawai remain the top choices for their consistent quality, reliability, and affordability on the second-hand market. When buying, always prioritize models made in the last 25-30 years to ensure you get the benefits of recent advancements in piano design and technology.

How Much Should I Spend?

When buying a piano, understanding the price range for each type of instrument can help you set realistic expectations and prioritize your budget. Whether you’re buying new or second-hand, here’s a guide to how much you should expect to spend for a good-quality piano:

Digital Pianos (Clavinova or Equivalent)

For a reliable digital piano like Yamaha’s Clavinova series, you should budget between $800 and $1,500. This range will get you a model with fully weighted keys, realistic sound, and a sturdy structure with three pedals. Second-hand options can often be found on the lower end of this range, while newer models may cost closer to $1,500.

Upright Pianos

A decent second-hand upright piano typically costs between $1,500 and $3,500. At this price point, you can find models from trusted brands like Yamaha or Kawai that are under 30 years old and in great condition. These pianos will provide a rich, authentic sound and excellent mechanics suitable for players of all levels.

Baby Grand Pianos

For a quality second-hand baby grand piano, expect to spend between $3,000 and $5,500. Within this range, you can find well-maintained instruments from reputable brands like Yamaha or Kawai. It’s essential to consider additional costs, such as hiring a piano technician for an evaluation and delivery fees.

Key Takeaway

Here’s a quick summary of how much you should spend based on your needs:

• Digital Piano (Clavinova or equivalent): $800–$1,500
• Upright Piano: $1,500–$3,500
• Baby Grand Piano: $3,000–$5,500

Remember, while these ranges provide a good starting point, the exact price will depend on the brand, condition, and seller. Always take the time to thoroughly research, inspect, and test any instrument before making your purchase.

Conclusion

Decide Your Budget Range

Begin by determining your budget, which will guide your decision:

• Digital Piano (Clavinova or equivalent): $800–$1,500
• Second-Hand Upright Piano: $1,500–$3,500
• Second-Hand Baby Grand Piano: $3,000–$5,500

Avoid MIDI keyboards and hybrid pianos. Always aim for the best and biggest instrument in your range—a grand is better than an upright, and an upright is better than a digital piano.

Second-Hand is Better

Second-hand pianos offer high-quality instruments at a fraction of the cost of new ones. For baby grands, consider hiring a piano technician to evaluate the instrument before purchasing.

Where to Buy

1. Private Marketplace: Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Wallapop.
2. Resellers or Galleries: Yamaha, Kawai resellers, or piano galleries. These options provide added security, including warranties, documentation, and delivery services.

How Old is Too Old?

• Digital Pianos: No more than 5–10 years old.
• Upright Pianos: No more than 25–30 years old.
• Grand Pianos: Stick to 50–60 years at most, depending on the brand.

Choosing the Brand

• Digital Pianos: Yamaha Clavinova (CLP-600 or 700 models), Kawai CA49, or Roland FP series and similar
• Upright Pianos: Yamaha U Series (U1, U3), B Series (B1, B2, B3).
• Baby Grands: Yamaha G1, C1 or similars; Kawai GL-10, RX-1.
  For high-end pianos (e.g., Steinway or Fazioli), consult a professional, as these require specialized knowledge.

Prioritize Sound Over Mechanics

The tone and timbre of a piano are unique and irreplaceable. Prioritize sound quality when making a decision, as mechanics can be adjusted by a technician for a relatively low cost.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Piano?

Buying a piano is an exciting journey, but it can also feel overwhelming. If you’d like personalized advice tailored to your needs and budget, I’m here to help! Whether you’re deciding between models, navigating the second-hand market, or simply want an expert opinion, don’t hesitate to contact me for support with your piano purchase.

If you’ve already found your dream piano, why not take your playing to the next level? I offer online piano lessons designed to help musicians of all levels grow and enjoy their instrument. Let’s make music together! Sign up for online classes today.