How to identify a quality used piano
Buying a used piano privately can be one of the best ways to acquire a high-quality instrument without paying new prices. However, not every second-hand piano is a good investment. Some older instruments may have hidden issues that affect tuning stability, tone, and playability. The Piano Restorer offers specialist piano restoration and repair in Somerset, Bristol, Exeter, and the South West; we regularly help clients evaluate and restore older instruments.
Of course, if you’re buying from a reputable dealer, take their advice. But the vast majority of private sellers will be entirely unaware of any issues; if you’re scrolling through ads wondering how on earth to choose, these pointers may be helpful to narrow down your options before calling in a professional.
Check the brand
A good starting point is the manufacturer’s name on the fall (the lid above the keys). Reputable makes including Steinway & Sons, Bechstein, Blüthner, Bösendorfer and Yamaha are generally built to high standards and can last for generations if properly maintained.
There are many other less well-known brands that also produced fine instruments, including older British brands such as Broadwood, Challen, Chappell, Rogers and Welmar. Even if you haven’t heard of the maker, it may well be worth restoring, but if you’re unsure about a company’s reputation, always consult a piano technician before purchasing. They will also be able to advise on commonly seen issues with particular brands.
Inspect the exterior
The tougher the life a piano has had, the more extensive (and expensive!) any restoration job is likely to be. Examine the casework, keytops, and pedals:
Deep scratches, missing veneer or mouldings, or faded polish suggest the piano has seen heavy use or poor storage
Yellowed or chipped keys may indicate age, but can usually be restored
Loose or noisy pedals are common, but do they still work as expected?
Purely cosmetic flaws may not be a deal-breaker — they can often be addressed through professional piano refinishing, or you may be focused solely on performance rather than appearance — but serious structural issues could be another matter.
Listen for tone and resonance
A quality used piano should have a clear, even tone across the register. Listen for:
Buzzing or rattling sounds
Dull or uneven tone
Notes that sustain too long or not enough
If you can, play a short piece or a few chords and scales at different dynamic levels. A responsive, balanced tone suggests that the piano’s soundboard and action are still in good condition.
Test the touch and action
The feel of the keys tells you lot about a piano’s mechanical health. Each key should return smoothly when released, and there shouldn’t be excessive noise, stiffness, or looseness.
A few sticking notes are unlikely to be an issue in themselves, but could well point to previous damp issues. A sluggish or inconsistent action might just need regulation — a highly skilled process where we adjust thousands of small components to optimise response and consistency — but could also mean it’s time for an action rebuild. If in doubt, ask an expert to check for you!
Check the tuning and stability
If the piano sounds noticeably out of tune, it may simply be overdue for a tuning. If it’s been a long time since it was last tuned, bear in mind that you’ll probably need to budget for several tunings before settling into a regular pattern. However, if the piano cannot hold its tune (especially around concert pitch, A440), there may be deeper problems:
Loose tuning pins caused by a worn wrest plank
Cracked soundboard or separated bridges affecting string tension
If a piano can’t be tuned, there is no point spending anything on the action, keys or case without first rectifying this. A professional piano technician inspection is the best way to identify these issues before purchase. Repairing them can be well worth it, but it’s important to know in advance.
Look inside the piano
Lift the lid and take a peek inside (or ask a technician to do it for you). You’re looking for:
Clean, rust-free strings
Intact soundboard (fine cracks are common, but should not buzz)
Tight tuning pins that resist turning easily
Even hammer wear across all notes
Dust and age are normal; corrosion, damp, mould or mildew are more of a concern.
Consult a piano restorer or technician
If you’re buying privately, it’s wise to have the piano professionally inspected before making a final decision. A trained piano restorer can spot issues invisible to the untrained eye and advise whether the instrument is a good candidate for tuning, repair, or full restoration.
The Piano Restorer regularly provides pre-purchase piano assessments in Somerset and the South West. We can also attend auctions by arrangement. Our detailed inspection covers everything from soundboard health to action regulation, giving you peace of mind before you buy.
And finally…
A used piano can offer outstanding quality, history, and musical character — but only if you know what to look for. By checking the instrument’s build, condition and tone, and seeking expert advice, you can find a piano that not only plays beautifully but will last for decades with proper care.
If you’ve found a piano you’d like assessed, or you’re considering restoring a family instrument, The Piano Restorer can help. Based in Taunton, Somerset, we specialise in antique grand and upright piano restoration, piano repairs and servicing throughout the South West.
Contact us today to arrange a professional inspection or piano restoration consultation.