There’s nothing like learning an instrument. Starting out as the world’s worst player and then as the months go by gradually seeing yourself improve and then finally getting to the point where you can wow all your friends.
If you’re interested in learning an instrument then why not consider the piano? It isn’t the easiest instrument in the world to learn but it’s so rewarding. They’ve played a prominent role in music throughout the ages and pretty much any song can be played on them.
For the uninitiated though buying your first piano can be a daunting task. Where do you start?
This is where I come in. In this blog I’m going to offer brief beginner’s guide to buying your first piano.
The type
The two most common types of pianos are the concert grand piano and the upright. There’s quite a big difference between the two.
The concert piano – When you hear the word piano, this will be the one you think of. The huge instrument you see on TV or in the homes of the rich and famous. Unless you have lots of space and lots of money, the concert piano probably isn’t for you, especially if you’re a beginner.
The upright piano – This is the type that most people go for when buying for their home. They’re much smaller than their concert brothers and can be found in varying sizes so whatever the size of your home, you’ll find one right for you.
If you’re still unsure then get in touch with a specialist. They’ll be able to advise you on what will be best for you.
Quality
When purchasing a piano quality is everything. The instrument is an extremely intricate thing and so if care hasn’t been taken in its creation it isn’t going to perform as well as you’d like.
For a beginner it’s hard to differentiate between a quality piano and a poorly made one. I always advise to go for establish brand names. I also say that you should take someone more experienced along with you when purchasing to assess the instruments quality.
New or second hand?
Just because an instrument is second hand doesn’t mean that it isn’t as good as a brand new one. Obviously a second hand piano could have picked up some damage at the previous owners hands so if you’re going that route have it checked over. Piano repairs can be extremely costly.
I don’t need to tell you that a brand new piano is going to be more expensive so if you’re on a budget go second hand. Before you buy though, always have an expert check it over to ensure there’s no damage.
Transportation
A piano isn’t like a guitar, trumpet or flute. You can’t just put into the back of your car when bought and drive away. They’re big. You need to ensure that it’s safely stowed away during transit.
There are companies that you can hire to help your transport the instrument just make sure that you incorporate their price into your budget.
Have fun learning your new instrument!