Lantana Community Music

Are you looking at used pianos? Here are a few questions to help you evaluate an instrument!

➼ Has it been tuned recently?
A piano that hasn’t been tuned for many years can be difficult to rehabilitate. Look for an instrument that has been loved and cared for!

➼ Are there signs of water damage?
When you open the cabinet, does it smell musty inside? Also keep an eye out for a bubbling exterior, keys with loose veneers, or a warped or rusty soundboard.

➼ Are the keys level with each other?
If one or two keys are stuck in the “down” position, that is easily fixed! However, if several keys are just slightly uneven with the rest, it may be a sign of more significant damage.

➼ Is the soundboard intact?
Check the large metal plate inside the piano for any obvious cracks or attempted repairs. A buzzing sound when keys are played can also be a red flag (or it might just be a misplaced paper clip... ask me how I know! 😉)

➼ Does the felt have grooves where it hits the strings?
While it’s not a dealbreaker, this can be a sign of heavy use. Plan to budget a little extra for having a technician reshape the felt if you want to keep the instrument in tip-top shape.