Lessons With Shana

Buying a piano can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re new to the world of music. Whether you’re a parent looking for your child’s first instrument, a new piano teacher setting up your studio, or an adult beginner wanting to start lessons, the good news is: you don’t need to break the bank to find a decent piano.

Here’s a practical guide to help you understand what to look for, what to avoid, and how to make the best choice for your goals and budget.

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1. Decide: Acoustic or Digital?

Your first decision is whether to go for a real acoustic piano or a digital keyboard.

🎹 Acoustic Pianos:

Pros:
    •    Real hammer-and-string mechanism creates natural touch and tone
    •    Ideal for classical playing and dynamic control
    •    Can last decades if well maintained

Cons:
    •    Heavy and hard to move
    •    Needs regular tuning (1–2x/year)
    •    More expensive (even secondhand ones)

Best for: serious students, classical pianists, and those who love the feel and look of a traditional piano.

🎹 Digital Pianos:

Pros:
    •    Affordable and portable
    •    No tuning required
    •    Volume control and headphone option
    •    Some come with built-in metronomes and recording features

Cons:
    •    Touch and sound may not perfectly mimic an acoustic piano
    •    Lower-end models may lack full-sized, weighted keys

Best for: beginners, casual players, or anyone in a small space or tight budget.

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2. What Features Should You Look For?

If you’re buying a digital piano, make sure it has:
    •    ✅ 88 keys (not 61!)
    •    ✅ Fully weighted keys or “graded hammer action”
    •    ✅ Touch sensitivity (keys respond to how hard you press)
    •    ✅ Pedal or pedal input (sustain pedal is essential)
    •    ✅ Sturdy stand (not a flimsy X-stand)
    •    ✅ Polyphony of at least 64 (higher is better for layered sound)

For acoustic pianos, look for:
    •    ✅ A name brand with a reputation (Yamaha, Kawai, Baldwin, Heintzman, etc.)
    •    ✅ A piano technician’s inspection before you buy (especially for used)
    •    ✅ Strings, hammers, and pedals in good working order
    •    ✅ No musty smell or water damage
    •    ✅ Soundboard and keys intact (no dead notes or sticky keys)

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3. Where to Find a Decent Piano

✅ Digital Piano Options:
    •    Music stores: Yamaha, Roland, Casio, Kawai
    •    Online retailers: Sweetwater, Long & McQuade (Canada), Amazon
    •    Used: Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, Craigslist — but try before you buy!

✅ Acoustic Piano Options:
    •    Used pianos from private sellers
    •    Piano dealerships that sell reconditioned instruments
    •    Piano technicians sometimes know clients selling good pianos
    •    Churches or schools sometimes give away older models
    •    Online listings: Be cautious with “free pianos”—often in poor condition

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4. How Much Should You Spend?

You don’t need to spend a fortune, but you do get what you pay for.
    •    💸 Beginner digital piano: $500–$1,200
    •    💸 Intermediate digital (with stand and pedals): $1,200–$2,500
    •    💸 Used upright acoustic: $1,000–$4,000 (plus moving & tuning)
    •    💸 New upright acoustic: $4,000 and up

Avoid toy keyboards or models with fewer than 88 keys—they’ll limit progress quickly and may frustrate students.

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5. Red Flags to Avoid

🚫 Missing or broken keys
🚫 No weighted action (feels too light or springy)
🚫 Sticky pedals
🚫 Musty smell (could mean water damage or mold)
🚫 Sellers who can’t demonstrate the piano or let you try it
🚫 Very old uprights that haven’t been tuned or serviced in decades

If buying secondhand, always ask:
    •    When was it last tuned?
    •    Who owned it previously?
    •    Are there any known issues?

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6. Should You Rent or Buy?

If you’re unsure about committing to a purchase, renting a piano can be a great option.

Many music stores offer rent-to-own programs, so your rental fees go toward eventual ownership. This gives you time to see if piano lessons stick without a large upfront cost.

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Final Thoughts

A “decent piano” doesn’t mean the most expensive—it means the right instrument for your needs. Whether you go digital or acoustic, new or used, make sure it supports good technique, sounds inspiring, and suits your space.

Buying a piano is a meaningful step in your musical journey—take your time, do your research, and enjoy the process!

🎶 Have questions about choosing a piano? Drop them in the comments or share your piano shopping experience below!