From the above chart, it is clear that due to the large variety of options, choosing the right piano is not an easy task. Points to consider when choosing a piano for a beginner:
Digital upright piano
• Digital pianos are intended to provide an accurate simulation of an acoustic piano.
• The price range of a new digital piano is equivalent to that of a used modern design acoustic piano.
• People tend to consider a digital piano for its price, space, weight, no tuning is required, silent when practicing with headphones.
• When purchasing a digital piano, a client is entitled to government VAT refund.
• Buying a used digital piano that has expired it’s warranty cover, is not recommended, and if viewing one, should be purchased with great care. Like all electronic devices, parts are more likely to be obsolete. Also technology is always improving and a five year old model could have a lot of features and qualities missing.
Acoustic upright piano
• Acoustic pianos retain their value much better over the years, than digital pianos.
• The sound is amplified by a spruce sound-board, which give full harmonics, that are almost impossible to replicate, and produce by the speakers in a digital piano.
• Requires periodic tuning.
• When purchasing an acoustic piano, a client is entitled to government VAT refund.
• Used antique design upright pianos are not recommended for higher exam levels. When viewing one of these pianos always ask a technician to evaluate it for you, so you do not get surprises after. Moth and woodworm infestation are common on these pianos. Tuning can be below today`s standard pitch. Action may need a lot of work including rebuilding and regulation.
The best option is always to own a new acoustic piano.
Viewing pianos and ultimately buying one, can be very time-consuming and risky.
The acoustic piano is an instrument that has been around, and in constant development, for well over 200 years.
Most antique pianos have very beautiful cases and are sold at very low prices, usually around €500. These make them very attractive for a first time buyer. Yet, most of these pianos have obsolete scale and action design, which leads to poor performance. It is much more likely that a student practicing on one of these below-standard instruments, looses interest in studying piano at a very early age.
With all theses pianos around, we always recommend to consider a modern acoustic piano, or a new digital piano, as the first option.
Used modern pianos (between 2> 60 years) and new digital pianos are the place to start, if on a tight budget.
Used acoustic pianos have a similar price range to new digital pianos. Both acoustic and digital have their advantages. But the main advantages of purchasing a digital piano are for the buyer/parent not the child/student. As far as the student is concerned, an acoustic piano is the desirable option.
Modern acoustic pianos produce the complete full piano sound spectrum, with deep bass, wide middle section and crystal clear treble, and a touch which is responsive and controllable. These are the traditional instruments that have been perfected and evolved for over two centuries.
A modern used acoustic piano may still require further work including voicing, action rebuilding, regulation and fine tuning, for the best touch and tone. After these services are complete, a used upright piano will be recommended for up to diploma level.
This hidden expense is usually required, when the student is past grade 4 practice, and if rebuilding , may cost between €500>€1,000.
