Hundreds of second-hand pianos change hands privately each and every year. Only a mall quantity are in superior playing condition. We know for acquiring second-hand pianos and preparing them for resale is an significant component of our company. Of the numerous pianos provided to us we really invest in fewer than 1 in ten of them – and pretty much every single one demands work on it to a higher or lesser extent
When seeking for a piano it is crucial to bear in mind two things.
Pianos are not all of the exact same high quality.
Just before 1914, in the boom years of piano sales, substantial numbers had been created in smaller workshops to satisfy the demand for low-cost pianos. They had been of poor quality when new and hundreds are nevertheless about, numerous generations later, in dreadful condition.
There were some superb pianos produced in the 1920’s and 1930’s. They are now 60,70,80, years old – nearly old age in the lifespan of a piano. If they have been properly maintained in the course of their life they can nevertheless be excellent instruments, but if they have been neglected or abused they will be tired, second price pianos.
Some will be “the household heirloom” passed down via various generations, considerably loved but frequently unplayed and neglected. Such pianos may well have sentimental worth to their owners but their correct worth, as a playing piano, could be nil.
Pianos do not last forever
A piano is created up of about 5000 components several of which move. Even though enormously sturdy and heavy it is incredibly difficult and sensitive to damp, dryness, adjustments in temperature, put on and tear and neglect.
A very good piano, effectively maintained, has substantially the similar valuable lifespan as a human – handful of are in truly excellent shape soon after 80 years! Try to remember that Piano Clearance purchase will in all probability be the only one particular you ever buy so look for the youngest and ideal excellent instrument you can come across.
So What Should really I Look For In A Second-hand Piano?
Extremely couple of people today have any technical expertise about pianos. The list under will give you an concept of some of the challenges often located in second-hand pianos.
Sticking keys or hammers
This is typically the result of being in a damp atmosphere. The felt absorbs moisture, swells and movement is restricted. If only one particular or two notes are sticking it may possibly be possible to ease them. If lots are sticking the action (i.e. the moving parts inside the piano) probably needs to be dismantled and rebuilt. Highly-priced!
Noisy keys or noise from the action
A sign of put on. A tuner may possibly be in a position to make adjustments to lessen the undesirable noises but if it is badly worn a rebuild will be needed.
Difficult Tone
Most likely the outcome of worn and compressed hammer felts. If they are not too badly worn they might be in a position to be reshaped. Actually heavily worn hammers cannot be treated in this way and new hammerheads will need to be fitted.
Dull, dead tone
This may possibly be partially due to worn hammers but is far more probably to indicate that the piano strings have lost their original suppleness and need replacing. This is a major undertaking and only higher high-quality pianos can justify the expense.
The dull tone could also be the outcome of splits obtaining developed in the wooden soundboard. These can be repaired but, once again, it is only worth performing this to seriously superior pianos.
Out of tune
Each and every piano goes out of tune as the tension in the strings changes slightly. If the entire piano is out of tune it is most likely because it has not been tuned for some time. Depending upon how far it has fallen under pitch 1 or a lot more tunings must place this appropriate.
If, Nonetheless, only one section of a few notes is seriously quite badly out of tune and is clearly quite a great deal worse than the rest of the piano, this signals genuinely problems. IT si likely that the tuning plank has lost its potential to hold the tuning pins tightly enough to hold tension on the strings. It is typical on pianos made before the 1960’s. They have been not constructed to withstand the dry atmospheres created by contemporary 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. Stay clear of at all costs.
Woodworm
A lot more popular in older pianos. They attack the timber – appear for small holes and tiny heaps of wood dust. To check, the piano demands to be dismantled as far as practicable and closely examined with a torch. Appear behind it and under the keyboard. Keep away from anything that has or has had woodworm.
Moths and mice
Harm the felt hammers, dampers and important washers. Minor harm is not crucial but extensive harm is pricey to place appropriate.