• Rimmers Music Blog
What To Look For In A Secondhand Piano
There’s something timeless about an acoustic piano, the way it fills a room with sound, the way it connects generations, and the way it invites anyone, from a child to a professional musician, to sit down and create something beautiful. Buying a brand-new piano isn’t always in the budget, or maybe a scondhand piano within your budget rather than buying a new piano could mean you get a better piano without any extra cost.
That’s where the magic of second-hand pianos comes in. A well-chosen pre-owned instrument can offer incredible quality, rich tone, and lasting performance, often at a fraction of the price of a new piano. The key, of-course, is knowing what to look for to ensure you get a quality upright or grand piano that will stand the test of time.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a lifelong player, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know before you say yes to a used piano.
1. Start With The Brand, Model & Country Of Origin
Just like with cars, brand reputation matters when it comes to pianos. Some brands are known for their durability and consistent sound quality, while others are more temperamental or costly to maintain.
Reputable names such as Yamaha, Kawai, Steinway & Sons, Bechstein, Essex, Boston, Ritmuller, Young Chang & Steinbach are well made and can be a great buy secondhand . These manufacturers have built their names on craftsmanship and precision engineering, meaning even a 'decades-old' model can still perform beautifully when properly cared for. Often piano teachers tell their students that pianos made in Japan are better quality. They base this information on the parts used and exacting manufacturing processes you find in Japanese piano manufacturing by brands such as Yamaha & Kawai for example. Other brands can be OK too as long as the piano has been well cared for. Many well known brands use the 'Pearl River' piano manufacturer in China to make their pianos for export world wide, built to their specific specifications and high standards.
Before you buy a secondhand piano, take the time to:
- Look up the exact Make & Model number (usually found near the tuning pins or inside the lid).
- Research its production era and any known issues or strengths.
- Compare current market prices for similar models so you can recognize a fair deal.
A piano from a respected piano manufacturer is not only more likely to sound great, but it also tends to hold its resale value much better over time too!
2. Examine The External Condition Of The Piano
When you first see a used piano, its cabinet and exterior finish tell part of the story. A few scratches or dings are normal for an older instrument, but serious damage, water marks/damp can signal deeper problems.
Take a good look at:
- The cabinet finish: Is it faded, cracked, or warped? Sunlight and humidity can cause long-term damage to the wood externally. This may be limited to externally only, and internally the piano could be fine. If a piece of furniture does not matter to you, as long as everything else is OK, it could still be a piano you may like. In addition, check if there is any damp or water marks that could signify the wood swelling. I would not recommend getting a water damaged piano as there could be issues that have not yet to come to light.
- The lid and key-fall: Do they open and close smoothly? May not be a big issue to resolve if its not working correctly, just an annoyance initially.
- The pedals: Are they secure, functional, and not rusted or bent? This shows you whether the piano has been well maintained and not in a damp environment. They can be easily buffed up with the correct materials. If they are not functioning it could mean the piano has not been looked after or regularly tuned, because its important for the pianist that they work correctly. If the pedals are not working as they should, then its potentially not being played or serviced by a piano technician for some time.
- The legs and frame: Make sure there’s no wobbling or looseness. Very important for safety, particularly on baby grand pianos for example.
Water stains, swelling, or a musty smell might indicate the piano was kept in a damp basement or garage and that could mean internal damage to the wood or metal components. The 'pin block & pins' that hold the strings in tune for example may have become loose. A water damaged piano is almost certain a piano you do not want to buy. It would need a trained technician to evaluate the damage and do a report.
Remember, the exterior isn’t just about looks; it’s an indicator of how carefully the piano was stored and maintained.
3. Lift the Lid and Look Inside
A piano’s true condition is hidden beneath the surface. Carefully lift the lid or open the front panel and take a peek inside. Even if you’re not a technician, you can still spot some obvious red flags.
Here’s what to check:
- The soundboard: This is the main part of the piano and needs checking for cracks, damage or damp. A cracked soundboard can mean its living environment has not been good, and may well mean the piano has lost its durability (and may have other issues). Basically a cracked soundboard is a 'leave this one alone', unless you are a trained technician and able to evaluate the issue.
- The strings, tuning & tone: Play every note to check they are 'in tune' and at 'concert pitch' (ie its at the correct pitch for each note). Check if any of the notes sound dull and look at the strings, do they look old and rusty. If a piano has lost its 'tone' and sounds muffled it could indicate it now needs a new set of strings, which can be an expensive job, and potentially more the piano is worth. If it sounds muffled and the strings are dark in colour rather than 'brassy' looking (particularly on the bass strings) then unless you are a technician I would avoid this piano.
- The Hammers: These felt-covered parts strike the strings when you play a key. Deep grooves or uneven wear can affect the sound and touch. Does the colour look OK, or do they small moldy for example. Do all the hammers 'sit in line', or are some closer to the strings than others? If they are not 'even' this may mean a technician will need to correct the issues with the hammers. Press the keys down and hold them down, do the hammers look even now? If they are not a technician will need to correct the issue. Its not necessarily very expensive but a job that will need to be done to ensure when you play the piano the 'key-action' feels as it should and balanced.
- Action Mechanism: Press a few keys and watch the movement inside. Everything should move smoothly and quietly with no sticking, sluggish parts, or excessive clicking sounds.
A torch can help you spot dust, debris, or even insect damage. Pianos that have been neglected or stored in poor conditions often show it here first.
Avoid Straight-Strung & Over-Dampered Pianos
Here is an example of a 'straight-strung over-dampered' upright acoustic piano. The 'damper' is the mechanism that stops the note from playing, ie it puts a felt against the string to stop it from resonating, in this case its 'above' the hammers, this is why its called 'over-dampered'. This method is was abandoned in approximately the 1920's as 'over-strung under-dampered' pianos emerged. Over-dampered pianos were difficult to maintain and keep a solid connection to prevent string resonance and unwanted sustain.
In addition a piano that is 'straight-strung' means that the strings go straight up and down on the frame. This method of piano manufacturing was abandoned around the 1920's too due to difficulties keeping the piano in tune, the tension created in one direction on the frame and the fact that an 'over-strung under-dampered' piano was much more reliable, longer lasting and would stay in tune for longer. They also created a better tone and string resonance.
Due to the points mentioned above we would recommend you do not purchase a piano that is 'over-dampered' and 'straight-strung'.
Over-Strung & Under-Dampered Pianos
Here we have an example of an 'over-strung under-dampered' piano. This method of upright piano manufacturing emerged from approximately the 1920's and is still the way new upright acoustic pianos are made today. The 'damper' mechanism is under the hammers and creates a much more reliable contact than the previously 'over-dampered' pianos. The damper stops the note from making a noise and is released as a string is struck by the hammer, enabling the string to resonate to make the sound. When the key is released the damper goes back to the string to stop the sound, unless the sustain pedal is pressing preventing the damper from going back to position ie allowing 'sustain'. Because the damper mechanism in under the hammers on the piano it makes a much more reliable contact to prevent unwanted 'sustain' (notes ringing out) and requires much less attention over the years.
In addition an 'over-strung' piano means the strings 'cross over' each other allowing the piano to be smaller but maintain long strings. It also means the tension is put around the frame rather than in one direction as with 'straight-strung' pianos, meaning that is better at holding itself 'in-tune' and less likely to have issues in the future, as long as you keep it regularly tuned (you must keep any acoustic piano tuned regularly to maintain the correct pitch and longevity).
Ideally 'over-strung under-dampered' pianos from 1970 to present day will be OK if its well cared for.
4. Test the Keys and Pedals
Now comes the fun part, lets play the piano!
Even if you’re not an experienced pianist, it’s important to test every key from one end to the other. You’re checking for:
- Consistent sound: Each note should ring clearly without buzzing, rattling, or fading too quickly. Check the bass notes are not muffled and look at the strings. Many older pianos lose their 'tone' on the bass notes first. If they sound 'dead' but playable, you may want to consider getting the piano strings replaced to get a brighter tone and resonance back, but this can be expensive.
- Even touch: The keys should respond evenly, with no sticking or uneven resistance. Check that the keys are all at the same height and in line. If they are not the piano will need a technician to correct the issue. This is not too expensive in most cases and part of a tuning and regulation check.
- Pedal function: Sustain and soft pedals should operate smoothly and create the proper effect.
If a few keys sound a bit dull or out of tune, that’s normal, especially if the piano hasn’t been tuned recently. But if entire sections sound muted, dead, or produce metallic noises, that’s a sign of internal wear or damage.
5. Ask About Its History
Every piano has a story, and knowing it can make a big difference in your buying decision. Unlike cars, acoustic pianos are not registered with owners so getting a full history may not be possible, but you can at least know how long the current owner has had the piano and how its been care for.
Questions you can ask:
- How old is the piano? (In many cases you can verify the age by the serial number)
- Has it been tuned regularly? (At least once a year is ideal.)
- Has it been moved often, or kept in one location?
- Was it ever in storage, near a radiator, or in a damp room?
A piano that’s been well-maintained in a climate-controlled home will last decades longer than one left neglected in a garage or basement.
If the seller can provide maintenance records, that’s an excellent sign of care and reliability.
6. Have It Professionally Inspected
Even if the piano looks and sounds good, it’s always smart to bring in a qualified piano technician before finalizing your purchase.
A technician can:
- Measure string tension and tuning stability
- Check hammer alignment and action regulation
- Evaluate soundboard integrity and bridge condition
- Estimate repair or maintenance costs
This small investment can save you from unexpected expenses later. Many piano shops, including ours (Rimmers Music), offer pre-purchase inspection services, or even certified used pianos that have already been professionally restored and tuned.
7. Consider The Overall Total Cost, Not Just the Purchase Price
A used piano may need additional work to bring it to its full potential, so you need to take this into account. A low price on a secondhand piano in a private house may not be as good a buy as slightly more expensive acoustic piano sold in a piano shop that's been tuned, checked and inspected by a trained piano technician with a guarantee!
Here are common follow-up costs to budget for:
- Piano Tuning: After moving a piano, it will need tuning after approximately 6-8 weeks, following what piano tuners refer to as a 'settling in' period for the piano after its move and getting used to its new environment. After this initial tuning piano tuners recommend a piano it tuned every 6-8 months thereafter, depending on its environment and how much you play it too.
- Voicing and regulation: Adjusting the hammers and action for optimal touch and tone. This should be checked by your reputable piano tuner technician at regular intervals without your request being needed, unless you want the hammers adjusting to a particular 'voicing', this requires a specialist piano technician. For example, some concert pianists may use a particular technician that knows how they like the piano.
- Delivery and setup: Professional piano movers are worth every penny; improper handling can cause permanent damage.
When you buy from a reputable shop such as 'Rimmers Music 'The Piano People', rest assured that all acoustic pianos are checked & tuned by a qualified piano technician to the highest standards, saving you both time and hassle.
8. Think About Size and Space
Before you fall in love with a piano, make sure it fits your home both physically and acoustically.
Upright pianos are great for small to medium spaces and can offer surprisingly rich tone quality. Baby Grand & Grand pianos are visually stunning and produce a fuller sound, but they require more space.
Don’t forget to consider:
- The temperature and humidity of your space. Pianos thrive in stable environments.
- The floor strength and location (avoid placing it near radiators, vents, or direct sunlight).
- Noise levels - especially in shared living spaces or apartments.
If you’re unsure, our team at Rimmers Music can help you measure your space and recommend the best type and size for your needs.
9. Buy from a Trusted Piano Shop
There’s a big difference between buying a used piano privately and buying from a reputable piano dealer.
At a trusted shop like Rimmers Music, every piano is:
- Inspected and serviced by certified technicians
- Tuned and regulated before sale
- Guaranteed for quality and condition
You also get peace of mind knowing that professionals stand behind the instrument. In addition, you can visit our stores to try multiple models side by side to discover what feels and sounds right for you.
At Rimmers Music 'The Piano People', we carefully curate our second-hand selection to include only instruments that meet strict performance standards. Each piano is evaluated, tuned, and prepared by experienced technicians before it ever reaches our showroom floor.
We believe every player from beginners to concert performers deserves a piano that inspires confidence and joy.
10. Trust Your Ears and Your Heart
After all the technical checks, remember this: The best piano is the one that will inspire you to play it the most!
Every piano has its own personality with unique tone, feel, and resonance. Some sound bright and crisp; others are mellow and warm. Spend time playing, watch our piano videos, or listening to someone play different pianos, until one truly connects with you.
That emotional connection is what turns a second-hand purchase into a lifelong partnership.
Final Thoughts
Buying a second-hand piano is not just about saving money. It’s about finding a piece of history that can bring music into your life for you for years to come.
With the right approach, you can discover an instrument that sounds beautiful, feels wonderful under your fingers, and adds warmth and elegance to your home.
To recap, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Choose a reputable brand and model.
- Check the piano’s exterior and interior condition.
- Play every key and test the pedals.
- Ask for maintenance history.
- Get a professional inspection.
- Consider the total cost and space requirements.
- Buy from a trusted, transparent piano shop.
At Rimmers Music, we’re passionate about helping people find pianos that truly fit their lives and goals. Whether you’re just starting out or rediscovering your love for music, we’d be delighted to help you choose the perfect second-hand piano.
Ready to find your dream piano?
Visit our showroom or explore our collection 'online'.
Let’s find an instrument that not only sounds right, but feels right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Secondhand Piano
1. Is it worth buying a secondhand piano?
Yes, a well-maintained secondhand piano can offer excellent quality and tone at a fraction of the cost of a new one. Many premium brands like Yamaha, Kawai, and Steinway hold their value for decades if properly cared for. At Rimmers Music all our used piano are checked by our piano technician to ensure they are of a good standard.
2. How can I tell if a used piano is in good condition?
As we explain in this blog, check both the exterior and interior. Look for signs of damp, cracks in the soundboard, rusty strings, or uneven keys. Always play every note and pedal, and if possible, have a piano technician inspect it before buying.
3. How much does a good secondhand piano cost?
Prices vary depending on the brand, age, and condition. You can find secondhand uprights from around £800 upwards, while high-quality baby grands, or reconditioned models, may range from around £3,000 upwards.
4. How often should I tune a secondhand piano?
Pianos should be tuned at least once a year. Piano technicians recommend a tuning every 6–8 months if played frequently. After moving the piano, allow 6–8 weeks for it to 'settle in' before the first tuning.
5. What brands are best for secondhand pianos?
Reliable brands include Yamaha, Kawai, Steinway & Sons, Bechstein, Boston, Essex, Ritmuller, Young Chang, and Steinbach. These are known for their consistent tone, build quality, and longevity. There are many other brnads that would be OK. If you contact Rimmers Music 'The Piano People' we can advise you.
6. Should I buy a secondhand piano privately or from a piano shop?
Buying from a trusted piano retailer such as Rimmers Music is safer because the piano will have been inspected, tuned, and come with a guarantee too. Private sales can be cheaper but carry more risk if you don’t know the piano’s full history or what you are looking for to evaluate its condition.
7. What’s the difference between over-dampered and under-dampered pianos?
Over-dampered pianos (common before the 1920s) have the dampers positioned above the hammers and are harder to maintain. Under-dampered designs, used in modern pianos, are more reliable, produce better sound, and hold their tuning longer. We explain this in detail in this blog.
8. How do I find out how old a piano is?
Locate the serial number (usually near the tuning pins or inside the lid), then look it up online by brand. This can tell you the year and location of manufacture.
9. What size piano should I buy for my home?
Upright pianos are ideal for smaller spaces and apartments, while baby grands or grands work well in larger rooms. Make sure your room has stable temperature and humidity, and avoid placing the piano near heaters or windows if you can.
10. Can a secondhand piano be restored or refurbished?
Yes! Skilled technicians can restore old pianos by replacing strings, repairing soundboards, and re-voicing hammers. However, restoration costs should be weighed against the piano’s overall value.
11. How can I tell if a piano has been kept in good conditions?
A clean, even tone, firm tuning pins, smooth key action, and lack of musty odour usually mean it’s been well cared for. Pianos that have been in damp environments often show rust, swollen wood, or sticking keys.
12. What should I do before moving a piano?
Always use professional piano movers. They have the right tools and know how to handle the weight and mechanics safely, avoiding costly damage during transport.
View & Purchase Secondhand & Refurbished Pianos From Rimmers Music 'The Piano People'
CLICK HERE
Blog By Graham Blackledge
Rimmers Music 'The Piano People'