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Rimmers Music - Used Digital Piano Buyers Guide

May 21, 2026 • Rimmers Music Blog

Buying a Used Digital Piano

Purchasing a pre-owned digital piano can be an overwhelming process. There are a whole host of things you need to think about when buying a second-hand instrument, such as its appearance and history, and where to purchase it from. In this guide, we will share the factors you should consider when buying a used digital piano to make sure you choose the right one for you.

Choosing The Right Used Digital Piano

One of the most important decisions in the piano buying process is choosing the right brand and model for you. There are many variations available, each with its own character and flair, so it can be difficult to take in. It is important to determine your own instrumental needs and understand how different brands and models might compare. This is vital when finding a pre-owned digital piano which suits your needs, goals and budget.

Choosing a Used Digital Piano Brand

As a first step, you should determine the budget you are working with, as this will have a big influence on the brand of digital piano that you choose. Roland and Kawai are both brands recommended to beginners, due to their structure, performance and price tag.

For more advanced players, a second-hand Yamaha is a good option. Both brands have an admirable reputation for their authentic and superior sound, while maintaining a reasonable price.

We recommend carrying out research for each brand, as this will help you decide which one will meet your particular needs the best. Feel free to visit one of our Rimmers stores to receive some advice from one of our experts.

Choosing a Used Digital Piano Model

Once you have determined which brand is right for you, you should also establish which model will be suitable. Again, the budget can have a big influence on this part of the process, as the performance level of each model can vary. For example, beginners may choose to invest in a second-hand digital piano model with a realistic, heavy-key feel, as this allows for building proper technique when learning.

Long-term costs are also an important factor to consider. Although some models may retain their value and performance better than others, they may require a more expensive investment initially. However, this can depend on how well-maintained the used digital piano is.

Another vital factor in the decision-making process is the storage space that is available for your instrument. Digital pianos are typically around 130-145cm in width, 80cm in height and 45cm deep. This is so they can comfortably accommodate the standard 88 keys on a keyboard. More compact models are available, although they are less common.

Examining The Condition of a Used Digital Piano

The condition of a pre-owned digital piano is one of the most critical considerations in the buying process, as it indicates the instrument’s true value, performance level and reliability for the long-term. When examining a used digital piano’s condition, the most important thing to focus on is its electronic functionality and key action. Of course, it is also advised to look over the exterior of the instrument, too, as any damage can indicate neglect or potential interior issues.

All second-hand digital pianos available at Rimmers have been thoroughly checked and expertly restored by our qualified technician. Each piano is sold at an affordable and fair price, helping to support sustainability in music retail.

Examining The Exterior of a Used Digital Piano

There are a few red flags to look out for when examining the exterior of a second-hand digital piano. You should start with the piano’s cabinet, keeping an eye out for any scratches, dents or chips. While these may not necessarily affect the instrument’s performance, it does suggest that the piano may have been handled roughly or neglected.

In addition, any fading of the colour of the piano’s panels indicates that the instrument was stored close to a window or heat source. This can damage the plastic components of the piano, which may lead to issues with its performance. On the other hand, any swelling in the wood or a musty-smelling odour suggests that the piano has been stored in a damp environment.

It is also important to examine the piano’s keys. All keys should be level, with none noticeably higher or lower than the others. Yellowing on the keys can suggest a few things, such as heavy use, age or exposure to nicotine or grease.

Examining The Interior of a Used Digital Piano

Digital pianos do not need tuning like acoustic pianos do. However, their internal mechanisms can still become worn, which may affect performance. The electronic components of a used digital piano should be inspected thoroughly, including the speaker, port and LCD screen.

Some aspects that indicate rough handling of these components are a loose power supply connector, dented metal speaker grills, torn cloth speaker covers and a cracked or not fully visible LCD screen.

Examining The Performance of a Used Digital Piano

One of the most critical aspects of examining the performance of a second-hand digital piano is assessing the key action. You should play every individual key to ensure that they all produce sound at a consistent volume. Any keys that make a rattling or clicking noise indicate worn-out damping felt. To allow for proper piano playing technique, the keys should also feel weighted, with the lower keys feeling heavier than the higher ones.

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The piano’s speakers should be tested at both low and high volumes, so you can check for any distortion. It is also recommended to take a pair of headphones with you when examining a pre-owned digital piano, so you can check the audio output independently from the speakers.

The piano’s pedal functionality should also be examined. If you are considering a three pedal model, test them all to ensure an even sound and performance.

Finding Out The History of a Used Digital Piano

One step of the process that is often overlooked when buying a second-hand digital piano is finding out its history. This can be incredibly valuable when choosing the right piano, as it gives a glimpse into how the instrument has been treated and maintained.

Firstly, you should locate the piano’s serial number. This 5-8 digit number is typically found on the back or underside of the piano and is often accompanied by the model name. After finding the serial number, you will be able to determine the used digital piano’s age by using an online tool or contacting the manufacturer directly.

It is also a good idea to ask the seller some investigative questions, such as the following:

How long have you owned the piano for, and were there any previous owners?
Has the piano had any repairs or restorations? If so, what work was done and when?
Where has the piano been stored?
Has the piano been moved often or transported long distances?
Does the piano come with the original power supply?

You can also ask questions about the digital piano’s appearance and performance if you spot any concerns. However, it is recommended to carry out inspections of these aspects, regardless of the seller’s answers. The more information you can gather about the used digital piano, the better.

Choosing The Right Place to Buy a Used Digital Piano From

Typically, second-hand digital pianos are available to purchase from specialised dealers, private sellers and qualified technicians. Although budget plays a big role in the decision-making process, all three purchase options come with their own advantages and drawbacks.

For example, while you can often get a good deal on a pre-owned digital piano through a private seller, this option does come with heightened risk, as you are not entitled to return the piano or receive a warranty if you discover any issues.

We suggest purchasing your used digital piano from a respectable retailer, like Rimmers, to ensure you are receiving the best service and quality possible.

While buying a used digital piano from a specialised dealer or qualified technician brings less risk, the instrument is likely to come with a higher price tag. Nevertheless, the extra money you are likely to spend ensures that you have more rights as the buyer.

Regardless of where you choose to purchase your pre-owned digital piano from, it is important to obtain as much information about the instrument as possible. A thorough inspection of the piano should also be carried out, preferably by a qualified professional.

Frequently Asked Questions When Buying a Used Digital Piano

How old should a used digital piano be?

Ideally, a second-hand digital piano should be between 3-7 years old. Used digital pianos within this age range are more likely to provide the correct balance of modern features for an affordable price. While you can still purchase a pre-owned digital piano that is more than seven years old, this is only recommended if it has been well-maintained.

Should you have a professional inspect a used digital piano before purchasing?

Qualified piano technicians are able to thoroughly inspect a digital piano and identify any potential problems that the untrained eye might miss. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you ask a professional to inspect a pre-owned digital piano before you purchase it, to ensure you are making a good investment.

How much should a used digital piano cost?

The price of a second-hand digital piano is determined by factors such as age, condition, model, brand and size. Mid-range used digital pianos typically range from £500-£900, while higher-end models are usually priced between £1,000-£5,000. However, it is important to weigh up the pros and cons of each digital piano, as a younger mid-range model might have more advanced features than an older high-end model.

Browse Approved Secondhand Digital Pianos Available From Rimmers Music HERE

Blog By Graham Blackledge
Rimmers Music 'The Piano People'

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