What Piano Should I Never Purchase and Why

In the world of acoustic pianos, the choice of instrument can significantly impact your musical journey. From lesser-known brands to old, poorly maintained pianos, certain types of pianos are best avoided due to their low quality and potential issues. This article outlines the reasons why certain pianos should be on your ‘never purchase’ list and offers guidance on how to select a reliable and enjoyable instrument.

Why Avoid Certain Brands?

Some budget-friendly or lesser-known brands offer pianos that are often of lower quality and are prone to issues such as inconsistent tuning, key action problems, and premature wear. Researching customer reviews and seeking advice from experienced musicians can help you avoid unreliable brands. These pianos may not just affect your playing experience but can also be a financial burden in the long run.

Examples of Budget Brands to Avoid: Samick, Young Chang, Pearl River, Gulbransen.

Why Avoid Old or Poorly Maintained Acoustic Pianos?

Acoustic pianos that are old or poorly maintained with significant structural or mechanical issues should be avoided at all costs. These pianos can be a source of frustration and can negatively impact your playing experience. Similarly, extremely cheap pianos from unknown brands may lack quality and reliability. Investing in a piano with good build quality and a proper maintenance history is essential for a more enjoyable playing experience.

Signs of an Unmaintained Acoustic Piano: Clicking sounds, uneven key responsiveness, corroded strings, and loose screws.

Understanding the Differences Between Grand and Spinet Pianos

If you have a small Baldwin spinet, chances are it’s serviceable but may not be able to match the quality of a Steinway Grand. Spinet pianos, being smaller, are inherently limited in their capabilities. They have a slower action, which can affect the expressive range of your playing. A grand piano, on the other hand, has a faster action, allowing for more nuanced and dynamic performances.

The action on a grand is much faster, contributing to the beautiful riffs one hears. A Baldwin spinet might weigh around 1,600 pounds, while a Steinway grand can weigh up to 1,000 pounds more, due to the massive frame needed to support the tension of the strings, which can reach up to 30 tons in a Steinway.

Why Avoid Cheap Electronic Pianos?

Electronic pianos, while widely available and relatively inexpensive, are often inferior in sound quality and playability compared to acoustic pianos. Making a "cheap" electronic piano is not as self-defeating as making a "cheap" acoustic piano, but the result is still poor performance. Many people have experienced the disappointment of going through multiple low-quality electronic pianos, such as Casios or Yamahas, which may not meet their expectations or needs.

Electronic Piano Pitfalls: Weak sound, poor touch response, limited polyphony, and lack of sustain.

What to Do Next?

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, it’s essential to play several pianos, both in stores and on Craigslist, to determine which ones you like and which ones you don’t. From there, hire a technician to evaluate the pianos you’re interested in. The age of the piano is not the primary factor; some ten-year-old pianos might have high mileage, while some seventy-year-old pianos might be well-kept in a good climate. Texas, for instance, is considered a good climate for pianos due to its consistent temperature and low humidity.

Key Considerations: Sound, touch, sustain, and overall playability.

Conclusion

Choosing the right piano is a critical decision that can greatly enhance your musical journey. By avoiding certain brands and ensuring a good build quality and maintenance history, you can ensure that your piano will serve you well for years to come. Remember, investing in a quality instrument is worth the time and effort, as it will provide you with a better playing experience and a more fulfilling musical future.

Final Advice: Seek out reliable brands, play several pianos, and hire a professional to evaluate your choices to ensure you make an informed decision.