When you’re in the business of buying a luxury car, it is likely that before you part with your hard earned money you will examine the vehicle to ensure that it’s in a pristine condition and to find out more about the history of the car from the seller. When buying pianos whether brand new or second hand you should visit the seller with the same mind-set. Here at Steinway, we understand that like cars, pianos can be a minefield of terminology and that every piano is different, which is why we’ve provided a beginners guide containing advice for buying a handcrafted masterpiece.

Before you see the instrument:

This is one of the crucial stages in ensuring the instrument you purchase is of a high quality – and despite some misconceptions, this stage doesn’t just involve looking for people selling a piano.
Instead, before you buy a piano, you should have a clear idea of:

•    Do you want a brand new piano or a second hand one? This may depend on how experienced a piano player you are.

•    How much you’re willing to spend. The price of a good second hand piano can vary between £220 to £18,500 whilst a brand new handcrafted Steinway piano could cost £138,000.

•    What type of piano do you want – Grand or Upright?

•    Brush up on your terminology – after all you’ll want to know the whether the piano is overstrung or straightstung/overdamped or underdamped.

After you’ve answered these questions and found a suitable candidate, then it’s time to view the instrument. There shouldn’t be any issue when buying a brand new piano from a reputable supplier, but if buying second hand, make sure your check:

•    If there’s any rust on the iron frame.

•    For cracks in the wood/frame/soundboard.

•    Are all the strings there and in a good condition?

By following these few tips when looking to buy pianos, you’ll be certain of purchasing an instrument which will give you a lifetime of pleasure.

When looking to purchase a piano, there are a number of elements that you need to take into consideration to ensure that you are purchasing the best piano for you. That is why we here at Steinway strive to be on hand to offer you all the advice and guidance you will need to take into consideration when purchasing pianos from our luxury, handcrafted selection.

Our pianos are very delicate musical instruments that require you to consider a number of different factors in order to get the best out of them;

Location

With pianos being such large instruments, it is vital that you have the appropriate amount of space available before you buy. Sound quality is directly affected by the size of the piano, so the larger the piano, the better sound it will produce. Therefore if you have the available space and budget to match, we recommend the purchase of a Grand Piano for the best sounding music possible.

Style and Finish

Pianos vary in style and finish depending on the user’s needs. Furthermore, the styles can be matched to your current decoration to create a stunning and elegant feature in any room of your home.

When purchasing any piano from us at Steinway, you are assured of the highest levels of workmanship on every aspect to guarantee an attractive appearance both inside and out.

Sensitivity

The touch and sensitivity are further important aspects to consider when buying a new piano. Again this varies on taste as some prefer the lighter touch whilst others prefer more resistance when they press down on the keys.

On trying out a variety of pianos, you will be able to see which suits your playing style best so that you then purchase a responsive piano that will allow you to feel comfortable along with offering a greater ease of playing.

The most important factor when buying a piano is to purchase an instrument that you feel comfortable sitting at. If you take every aspect into consideration, pianos can be a great addition to any home and the source of beautiful music for years to come.

Buying a Steinway piano isn’t a regular purchase—it’s a life-long investment into a classic design, built on one hundred and fifty seven years of history. For over a century, we have carefully designed and handcrafted beautiful Grand Pianos, enhancing our timeless designs, to bring you pianos of the finest quality. As an instrument which will undoubtedly become the centrepiece of your home, it’s meticulously assembled components, incomparable sound and stunning finish will become an heirloom to be passed down throughout generations. As such a significant purchase, it is essential to choose the piano which is right for you, and we at Steinway, are able to guide you along the way.

The Grand Pianos come in seven different designs. Each is as beautiful as the next, and to select your perfect piano, it is important to consider the following aspects;

Environment

The room which your piano will be placed within will have a great effect on the overall sound produced. Make sure it isn’t lost within your room, as everything from plush carpets to upholstered furniture will absorb the sound.

Sound

Each different piano has its own unique voice, based on its age, methods taken during preparation and general maintenance. The larger the Grand Piano, the greater the sound you will receive within your room. Some may have greater resonance or depth, but it is your preference which counts when choosing.

Style & Finish

As tastes differ from person to person, we produce our pianos in a variety of styles – from polished or satin ebony and mahogany, to an exotic or limited edition wood and art casing.

Touch & Sensitivity

Whilst some players like a softer touch, others prefer more resistance when touching the keys. Why not try out different models and see how they make you feel.

A Steinway isn’t just a piano. For music lovers and professionals alike, our Grand Pianos are a source of beauty, inspiration, and a way to fill your home with the joy of music at its very finest.