One of the first decisions when buying a piano is “should I buy a new piano?” There are many reasons as to why the answer is yes or no. As with many non-perishable items, purchasing a new “anything” will depend on discretionary budget and personal use. So, a checklist of a person’s abilities and desires is the key to answering yes or no to purchasing a new piano.
Before we address the pros and cons, we must look at the ‘who’s” and whys.” Determining who will be playing the piano often dictates size, price, and condition. Few families match their toddlers with a full concert grand. The casual player may not realize the need for detail and nuance of a professional-level piano. Yet, only top-quality instruments will consistently sustain the requirements of professional use. Likewise, the accomplished player will be limited by an instrument that cannot perform and respond to their level of expertise.
The other aspect is the function of the instrument. Many open house displays look for the hallmark of fine home decor with a baby grand in the foyer. The necessity for new is secondary to the necessity of just looking good. Without casting any aspersions on this function, the need to look new and be new are two different needs and budgets. Conversely, schools and universities emphasize performance and longevity in their instruments. Extended use will require a high level of condition.
Once the user and the use are determined, the pros and cons of purchasing a new piano become more evident. Neither choice is right or wrong, just different. Yes or no depends on each individual circumstance.
Pros of Buying a New Piano
1] New pianos have no conditional use record. The new piano has the pedigree of being new from the factory. The hammers and the string are fresh. The wood used in producing the soundboard and piano action is at its peak condition. The environmental conditions of the piano’s short history are as nearly perfect as possible.
2] New pianos most often have the latest development of manufacture. The creation of the first piano was over 300 years ago. Since that time, new innovations have, at times, drastically improved or subtly changed the piano. New pianos have the best capacity to have the latest technology, providing a better piano.
3] New pianos have prestige and notoriety as the best money can buy. Each brand and each tier of quality in the manufacture of pianos has its best potential to be more impressive when it is new. As in many relatively expensive items, it is said, “There is nothing like new.” Fit and finish, sound and feel have the best opportunity to be near perfect for the level of the brand selected.
Cons of Buying a New Piano
1] New pianos have more cost in current labor and materials. It does not always apply across brands, but generally, new pianos cost more than those used by the same manufacturer. Factors of labor and material cost make a new piano more expensive to build than in years past. Availability and cost of living add to the purchase price.
2] New pianos have a wear-in time frame. Like a fine pair of shoes or a new car, there is a “break-in period” for new instruments. Some makers age wood, and others have playing sessions on their pianos to minimize the new feel and sound. It is, however, a fact that pianos change sound subtlety over years of playing.
3] New pianos have no history of reliability. As are the pros of no history, new pianos have no history of vetting the manufacturing. There have been mistakes of choice with the finest piano makers. The use of materials that are eventually problematic has occurred in all types of manufacturing. The piano is no exception.
This is not to persuade anyone to buy a new or used piano. The point is that with information at hand even a beginner can benefit from the knowledge of choosing the right piano for the right condition. Whether new or used, a good piano is a joy and inspiration to have in the home school or establishment. In a day and age where devices dial-up playlists with little or no interaction, the gift of performed music is as organic as it is irreplaceable.
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