Why That Free Piano Could Cost You A Lot of Money

We frequently hear from people who seek to acquire a free piano that the owner no longer wants for various reasons, including:

• Downsizing of a home

• Lack of use

• Distribution of an estate

For anyone just starting to learn to play the piano or who may not have the funds to purchase a piano, getting a piano at no cost can seem like a dream. That dream can quickly turn into a nightmare once the piano's actual costs start to tickle in. Consider the following before accepting a piano for no charge.

Looks Can Be Deceiving

There is nothing wrong with choosing a piano with a finish and color that suits your style and decor. Still, it is necessary to remember that unless you want a piano to function solely as a decorative piece of furniture, its exterior is not a good indication of its ability to serve as an instrument.

Moving Costs Are Not Free

At the very least, a piano offered free of charge will cost you the price of moving it to your location from the space where it resides. The cost of moving either a grand piano or an upright piano can be hundreds of dollars for a local move and thousands for an inter-state move. You would also need to account for additional fees for moves that involve flights of stairs or other complex maneuvers.

Repair Costs Are Not Free

It is unlikely that you will find an offer for a free piano that is in mint condition. Even the most desirable pianos, including Steinway, Baldwin or Mason & Hamlin, will require some degree of repair work to become sufficiently functional. If you find yourself accepting one of these pianos, remember that you may need to invest thousands of dollars into restoring it, which may be worth doing if a skilled restorer performs the restoration work. Restoration work that can significantly restore the life of a piano and make it a sound investment includes:

• Soundboard replacement

• Action replacement

• String replacement

• Bridge, pin block and trap work repair

On the other hand, if the piano in question is one of the hundreds of different brands that once existed in the U.S., it would still require significant work because it would be pretty old, and the result would not be much of an investment. There is also a strong possibility that it would not be a quality instrument if it started with mediocre construction. If the piano has an old square structure, it would not be worth acquiring to use as an instrument.

A Piano Expert Can Help

If you are offered a piano at no cost, it is a good idea to have an experienced technician or appraiser evaluate it before you accept it. Although you would need to risk the price of the evaluator's fee if the piano turns out to be a lemon, this is far less than other costs of taking the piano, including the initial price to move it out of its current space. Suppose you are incredibly fortunate, and the piano offered is a Steinway. In that case, you might seriously consider taking it if you are willing to invest in its restoration, which would cost you significantly less than acquiring a brand new one.

When you consider acquiring a free piano or are looking for a Steinway for sale, turn to our knowledgeable piano experts for advice and guidance to help you acquire your dream piano.