Frequently Asked Questions

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There are many factors as to why a piano is priced in a certain way. Here's a simple answer to this question:

• Used uprights in very good condition will run between $3,000 and $5,000.  More if the brand is one of the big 3 (Kawai, Yamaha or Steinway).
• Used grands in very good condition will run between $5,000 and $12,000.  More if the brand is one of the big 3 (Kawai, Yamaha or Steinway).
• New uprights will run between $5,000 and $17,000.
• New grands will run between $10,000 and up.

Condition and age are the number one factors for how much a used piano will cost.  Brand and model will be the number one factors for how much a new piano is priced at.  

Whether you're purchasing a new or used piano, you should always work with a reputable dealer, or have the piano inspected by a Registered Piano Technician prior to purchasing.

A used piano can be a great option especially if price is one of your top concerns. What is the secret to buying a good used piano?

The best used piano to select is one that is:

1.  Less than 15 years old 
2. Has been well taken care of. Specifically, not stored in a garage or storage facility without climate control and tuned at least once a year or every two years.  

It's that simple. If it fits that criteria then it will very likely be a decent piano.  

What about the price? 

A piano that is less than 15 years old can sell for 80% of the original retail price. A piano can last well over 50 years, so a 15 year old piano is a relative youngster by comparison.  

Don't forget about other costs that come with purchasing a used piano! 

1. If you find a piano on Craigslist or Facebook, you have to get it home yourself. This can be a significant cost if you're unable to move the piano on your own. Moving costs can range from $300 - $600 or more depending on the piano. 
2. The piano will need to be tuned and possibly repaired, which will also add to the price. 

Though it may take time to find the right piano for you, its worth it to do your due diligence to find a piano you can trust.

What do you need to know if you've decided to buy an older used piano?

CLICK ON OUR VIDEO:  BUYING AN OLDER USED PIANO AND THE MISTAKES TO AVOID” to discover more answers to your questions.

This is the number one fear of all parents who want to buy a piano for their child.  What options do you have if your child quits lessons and you have invested in a piano? Rest assured, there are many options for you. 

1. Sell your piano back to the dealer. Not all piano dealers are able to offer this service, but some do.
2. Consign the piano. Many piano dealers offer consignment services, where you can sell your piano on their sales floor. This option often allows you to receive a good chunk of what you paid back, but it can take many months for the piano to sell. When the market is hot, used pianos that are less than 15 years old can sell for 80% of their original retail price. Please contact us if you have a piano you are wanting to consign.
3. Trade-up your piano. Like car dealerships, many piano dealers offer trade-up programs. This is a great option if your child is succeeding at piano and is ready for a better instrument. At our gallery, we will give you all the money you spent, minus the tax, towards the purchase of a new piano, as long as the new piano is twice as much as the original. Many families use this option when they are ready to upgrade from an upright piano to a baby grand piano.
4. Add a QRS Automated Player system to your piano. This system can be added to any upright or grand piano, and allows the piano to play by itself. These systems last for decades and helps you to enjoy the piano even if you don't have a student playing on it. This also increases the value of your piano on the resale market and makes the pool of interested buyers larger. 

We understand there is concern over purchasing a piano for a young student. We hope this article shows you that there are many options for you, especially at PianoWorks Gallery. 

In general, the only service your piano will need is tuning. You should tune your piano every 6 months, but yearly is also acceptable. It is crucial to tune your piano, as it keeps the piano at correct tension and prolongs its life. Tuning prices can be found here. Every 10 years, your piano could use a deep cleaning to get rid of the dust and debris that accumulates inside. We charge $275 for a deep cleaning. 

There are a few add ons that help prolong the life of your piano. You can add a DamppChaser Humidification System, which keeps your piano more stable and in tune longer. This system costs $650. You can also purchase a dust cover, which keeps the inside of your piano dust-free. A custom-fitted dust cover costs $415.

. You can view our piano services by clicking here.

Like all activities, piano lessons require supplies. Lets face it- a piano is expensive. But it is also a necessity. 

Many well-meaning parents decide to purchase their child an inexpensive keyboard from Walmart or an old piano from a friend, and say they will upgrade to better piano for their child when they progress in their studies. In our experience, this is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Without a quality instrument, the child will never succeed. They will get frustrated and quit before they had a chance to progress, not to any fault of their own, but because the instrument cannot do what is asked of it.

This is why we recommend individuals invest in the best piano they can afford. There are many options that will help students succeed. These options include:

1. Piano rentals, starting at $85 per month. 
2. Quality digital pianos, which start at around $1,500.
3. Used pianos that have been vetted by a dealer or Registered Piano Technician. These will cost $3,000 & up, depending on size and brand.
4. New pianos with a Manufacturer's Warranty. These will cost $5,000 and up, depending on size and brand.

If you purchase a quality piano at the beginning of your child's career, it will possibly be the last one you will need to buy. Pianos can last more than a lifetime. With a little bit of care, your grandchildren may play on the piano you select today.

You can view our full piano inventory with prices by clicking here.