Purchasing a Keyboard or Piano
Purchasing a musical instrument can definitely be overwhelming when there are so many options!
It is important to choose an instrument that suits your needs. Consider all that it needs to do. If you can only practise at night, live in an apartment or townhouse where the neighbours are close or you don’t want to disturb others as they work or study from home, a keyboard, digital piano or electric piano might be the right choice for you! You can plug in your headphones and practice silently. If you are planning on relocating in the future, a keyboard is far easier and less expensive to move. However, if you are preparing for a big performance and aim to really level up your skills as a musician, a piano might be the right choice for you.
Continue reading to see what I suggest to purchase based on your requirements.
Beginner Students aged 4 - 8 years will need:
A small keyboard (66 keys). The keys of these small keyboards are often slightly narrower, which is great for little hands and fingers. Bonus - If you purchase a keyboard that is touch sensitive (you can play loud and soft depending on how fast you press down), it will last you a few more years.
A keyboard stand
A free-standing music stand (if a detachable music stand does not come with the keyboard)
A chair / stool
Intermediate / Advanced Students will need one of the following:
Keyboards:
Option 1 - A full sized keyboard (88 keys) with fully weighted, hammer action keys that more closely mimic the feeling of playing a real piano. You will also need a keyboard stand, a music stand, a full sized plug in pedal and a piano stool will also be necessary.
Option 2 - A full sized Digital piano or electric piano. (hammer action, fully weighted keys etc). You will possibly still need to purchase a piano stool separately, but all other extras listed above should be included.
Acoustic Pianos - Upright or Grande?
There is nothing quite like playing an acoustic piano. You can feel the sound waves vibrating through the body of the instrument and hear how the sound bounces around the space. Many of the better quality acoustic pianos have a dramatic dynamic range, a beautiful warm tone and a nicer touch. Not all pianos are built equally. The quality of the instrument varies by brand, model, and even material. Each piano has a slightly different tone and feel, so I always suggest playing and comparing them before making such a big purchase.
Option 3 - An upright piano is the choice when you have limited space. The strings run vertically inside the instrument, and it would be best placed up against an internal wall.
Option 4 - Grand piano’s strings run horizontally, meaning they take up much more room. They look great placed in a central location such as a grand room, living room or open plan living space. This is the right choice if you want the best and require an instrument that is professional performance quality.
Get Advice from a Professional
It’s best to consult a professional before buying. I would suggest speaking with Levi at Foleys Pianos, located inside Musos Corner, Newcastle. Call to see when he is in store. Let him know I am your teacher, and he will look after you.
Purchasing a Second-Hand Piano
If purchasing a 2nd hand piano, you will need to hire professional furniture or piano removalists to move it safely into your home.
Ask the seller these questions:
How old is the instrument?
A - Younger than 25yrs is preferable, but you are likely safe with most pianos under the age of 50. Older pianos tend to go out of tune faster and may have other age related issues that on first glance, go unnoticed.
2. Has this piano ever been underwater / in a flood?
A - This is one that people will lie about. Be mindful of the instrument’s age and the suburb it is located in. Check flood records for the area. If the instrument has been moved from another location, it may have been flood damaged there.
3. Do any of the notes not sound, or buzz when played?
This can be a simple fix - it may just be that the felt underneath the key has worn out. However, it could have been eaten by mice, so check for other damage.
4. How often have you had this piano tuned?
Pianos - The answer should ideally be once a year, every year.
5. Has the piano been played regularly?
A - Pianos - If yes, fabulous! If not, be careful. Mice like to live in unused pianos and can cause problems
Get a Second Opinion
If you want a second opinion on a piano, it may be a good idea to have a professional piano tuner check the piano over. You will need to pay them, but it may save you from a lot of future problems. Think of it like paying a Building Inspector to check for pests and structural defects when purchasing a house.
Purchasing a Second-hand Keyboard
If you are wanting to buy 2nd hand, my suggestion would be to speak with an expert at a piano store first. Once you have gained some insight, take your new knowledge with you to look for something that fits the bill on facebook marketplace or gumtree. Keyboards usually last around 15 - 20 years if looked after, so the newer, the better.
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask your tutor.
Happy shopping!
