Purchasing a pre-owned piano can be a fantastic way to acquire a high-quality instrument without the price tag of a new one. However, it’s essential to know what to look for to ensure you’re making a wise investment. Here are some key factors to consider:
The brand of the piano can significantly impact its quality and longevity. Renowned brands like Yamaha, Bösendorfer, Steinway & Sons, Kawai, and Wm. Knabe & Co. are known for their durability and superior craftsmanship. These brands often retain their value over time.
A piano’s lifespan can vary widely, from 20 to 100 years, depending on its make and maintenance. Older pianos might require more frequent tuning and repairs. It’s crucial to know the piano’s age and history to gauge its remaining useful life.
Listen for any unusual sounds when playing the piano. Buzzing or rattling can indicate internal issues that might be costly to repair. Severely out-of-tune keys could suggest underlying problems with the tuning pins or soundboard.
Some parts of a piano can be repaired or replaced, while others cannot. Understanding what can and cannot be repaired will help you make an informed decision.
All our pre-owned pianos have been expertly inspected by highly qualified piano technicians.
Buying a pre-owned piano can be a rewarding experience if you know what to look for. By considering the brand, overall condition, feel of the keys and pedals, age, potential issues, and repairability, you can find a piano that will bring joy and music to your home for years to come.
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Every four years, Warsaw becomes the luminous heart of the classical piano world. The International Chopin Competition is more than a contest — it’s a global ritual of artistry and endurance. For pianists, it is the Mount Everest of performance; for listeners, it is two weeks of breathtaking musical devotion.
But while the audience follows the fate of each pianist, another drama unfolds behind the music — a quieter rivalry that has nothing to do with interpretation or emotion, and everything to do with sound.
Because in Warsaw, the pianists are not the only ones competing. The pianos themselves are.
For more than a century, Steinway & Sons has defined what it means to build a truly exceptional piano. But in 2025, the brand isn’t just honoring tradition — it’s evolving. At Northwest Pianos, we continue to see how Steinway’s balance of craftsmanship and technology keeps it ahead of the curve in a fast-changing industry.
Over the last few years, acoustic pianos have held the prestige. But the tide is shifting. More musicians, educators, and beginners are turning to digital and hybrid models for their flexibility, technological perks, and lower maintenance demands. According to industry reports, the global piano market is now incorporating “smart integration” and “compact designs” as key drivers for growth. The Business Research Company+2PR Newswire+2