Hundreds of second-hand pianos transform hands privately just about every year. Only a mall quantity are in fantastic playing condition. We know for shopping for second-hand pianos and preparing them for resale is an important aspect of our organization. Of the lots of pianos presented to us we basically buy fewer than one particular in ten of them – and just about every 1 requires perform on it to a greater or lesser extent
When looking for a piano it is critical to keep in mind two items.
Pianos are not all of the similar high quality.
Before 1914, in the boom years of piano sales, substantial numbers were produced in modest workshops to satisfy the demand for low cost pianos. They have been of poor excellent when new and hundreds are nonetheless around, numerous generations later, in dreadful situation.
There were some superb pianos made in the 1920’s and 1930’s. Piano classes in vasant vihar are now 60,70,80, years old – nearly old age in the lifespan of a piano. If they have been properly maintained through their life they can still be excellent instruments, but if they have been neglected or abused they will be tired, second price pianos.
Some will be “the loved ones heirloom” passed down via a number of generations, substantially loved but typically unplayed and neglected. Such pianos may well have sentimental value to their owners but their true worth, as a playing piano, might be nil.
Pianos do not final forever
A piano is made up of around 5000 parts many of which move. While enormously powerful and heavy it is really complicated and sensitive to damp, dryness, modifications in temperature, put on and tear and neglect.
A great piano, effectively maintained, has much the exact same helpful lifespan as a human – handful of are in seriously great shape after 80 years! Try to remember that the piano you get will possibly be the only one particular you ever purchase so appear for the youngest and most effective top quality instrument you can uncover.
So What Ought to I Appear For In A Second-hand Piano?
Incredibly couple of men and women have any technical knowledge about pianos. The list beneath will give you an idea of some of the troubles often discovered in second-hand pianos.
Sticking keys or hammers
This is generally the result of getting in a damp atmosphere. The felt absorbs moisture, swells and movement is restricted. If only 1 or two notes are sticking it may perhaps be achievable to ease them. If lots are sticking the action (i.e. the moving components inside the piano) likely desires to be dismantled and rebuilt. Highly-priced!
Noisy keys or noise from the action
A sign of put on. A tuner may be in a position to make adjustments to lessen the unwanted noises but if it is badly worn a rebuild will be necessary.
Really hard Tone
Possibly the outcome of worn and compressed hammer felts. If they are not too badly worn they may well be capable to be reshaped. Genuinely heavily worn hammers cannot be treated in this way and new hammerheads need to have to be fitted.
Dull, dead tone
This might be partially due to worn hammers but is a lot more most likely to indicate that the piano strings have lost their original suppleness and will need replacing. This is a major undertaking and only high quality pianos can justify the expense.
The dull tone may perhaps also be the result of splits getting developed in the wooden soundboard. These can be repaired but, again, it is only worth undertaking this to genuinely excellent pianos.
Out of tune
Every piano goes out of tune as the tension in the strings changes slightly. If the entire piano is out of tune it is probably simply because it has not been tuned for some time. Based upon how far it has fallen below pitch one or much more tunings ought to put this proper.
If, Nevertheless, only 1 section of a couple of notes is truly pretty badly out of tune and is clearly pretty significantly worse than the rest of the piano, this signals really challenges. IT si probably that the tuning plank has lost its potential to hold the tuning pins tightly sufficient to maintain tension on the strings. It is common on pianos created just before the 1960’s. They were not built to withstand the dry atmospheres designed by modern day central heating systems. The timber loses moisture and shrinks, the pins go slack and the piano is beyond economical repair and useless for playing purposes. Keep away from at all costs.
Woodworm
Additional widespread in older pianos. They attack the timber – appear for small holes and tiny heaps of wood dust. To check, the piano requires to be dismantled as far as practicable and closely examined with a torch. Look behind it and below the keyboard. Stay clear of anything that has or has had woodworm.
Moths and mice
Harm the felt hammers, dampers and essential washers. Minor harm is not significant but substantial harm is costly to put right.