When you’re learning how to play the piano, regular practice is key (pun intended). Having access to your own set of keys at home can make all the world of difference.
Don’t let the exorbitant price tag of a brand-new piano stop you from becoming the next Mozart. Second-hand pianos not only offer beginners a much more affordable entry point but can also come with a rich history – your fingers joining a long line of piano players who have touched those keys.
Thankfully, South Africa’s marketplaces are teeming with second-hand pianos, many coming from family homes, schools, and churches.
But what makes a good second-hand piano? This article guides you through the ultimate checklist for buying a second-hand piano, from knowing which questions to ask to all the nooks and crannies you should check.
Let’s take it from the top…
Before you even touch the keys, ask the seller a few basic questions. A piano’s age, storage conditions, and maintenance history can tell you a lot about its condition (and whether it’s worth investing in).
You can often tell the age from the serial number or the case style. Enter your serial number and brand here, or check out this index to find out what year the piano was made.
Ask about:
The owner may be emigrating, downsizing or moving into a retirement home, and simply doesn’t have space for it anymore. Or, asking this question may reveal hidden issues. Either way, it’s good to know.
Never buy a piano without first trying it yourself.
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Expert tip: Ask the seller if you can bring a tuner with you.
Look carefully at the keyboard:
The dampers stop the strings when you release the key
Check the action:
Check the hammers inside if possible:
Dead notes are not always a deal-breaker, unless there are a lot of them. But many small or minor faults will add up quickly. The cost of the repairs should be added to the price.
Check that both the sustain and soft pedals work. Press each pedal several times:
If the seller allows, look inside the piano.
Though missing strings can be replaced, they’ll rarely sound the same as the other strings, and it will cost 3–6 tunings to stabilise them.
Look to see if there is an overdamper (birdcage), as this is the sign of a very old upright and is something you should avoid.
They usually have low value, are harder to repair, and were even considered budget pianos when they were new. So take this as a red flag.
You can tell if there’s an overdamper if a damper rail blocks your view of the hammers.
Buying from a professional piano dealer usually comes with:
Private sellers may often be cheaper, but they also come with more risks and complications.
Very cheap or free pianos may sound like a bargain, but they may actually end up needing expensive repairs.
Plus, there are a lot more costs to factor in than just the price. Remember to budget for:
While you can’t always rely on the big fancy brand names to promise a solid second-hand piano, there are some popular, high-quality brands that you can trust more and are likely to last longer:
Yamaha and Kawai are very common in South Africa, and you’ll mostly find older British uprights in homes. Learn more about the different types of pianos here.
Sure, you can spend time checking to make sure it works, and everything is in order – but do you actually like how the piano looks, sounds, and feels?
Though this isn’t a question many people ask while piano-hunting because they just take the first option that comes with them, it’s an important question to ask.
If it doesn’t bring you joy, keep looking.
Pianos are very heavy. So if you’re looking to bring a piano home, you actually have to consider how you will actually bring it home. While professional dealers may offer their own delivery service, this isn’t always the case – particularly with private sellers who expect you to collect it.
You can either choose a small, mobile second-hand piano that’s easy to move. Or you can hire professional piano movers. When it comes to second-hand pianos, you’ll probably want to opt for the latter, as they may be a bit more fragile or harder to repair if things get damaged in the move.
You’ll also have the added protection of moving insurance, which will protect you from any damage while in transit.
If you need some guidance, read our full guide on how to move a piano safely (and when to call professionals).
If you are going to view a second-hand piano from a private seller, it may be worth bringing a professional piano tuner or technician with you. While this checklist gives you everything you need to know, you may feel more comfortable having a professional by your side to spot anything your amateur eye may miss.
That said, bringing a technician isn’t always necessary, especially if the piano is inexpensive, you’re just starting out, or you’re confident using a checklist like this one. Many buyers prefer to do an initial inspection themselves and only call a professional if the piano seems promising.
If you’re unsure, a good compromise is to view the piano yourself first, then arrange for a technician to check it before you commit to buying, flagging any concerns you spotted but aren’t sure about. A small inspection fee can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Once you’ve found the perfect new (old) piano that checks all your boxes, all you have to do is get it home. Wise Move makes that fast, affordable and effortless.
With just a few clicks, you can book a local piano mover that suits both your needs and your budget. And before you know it, you’ll have a stunning second-hand piano set up in your space, bringing with it a rich history and a world of musical possibilities!
