Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before visiting our showroom or choosing your piano. If your question is not answered here, call us on 01367 244554 or email sales@thepianogallery.co.uk, and we are always glad to help.
Buying a piano
How many pianos do you have in stock?
We hold over 100 pianos in our Faringdon showroom at any one time, making us one of the largest piano showrooms in the UK. The range covers new pianos, pre-owned uprights, grand pianos, silent pianos, traditional restored instruments and digital pianos, for every ability and budget, with prices from 1,000 pounds.
Do you sell new pianos?
Yes. We are an authorised Yamaha dealer and stock a range of brand new upright and grand pianos. Every new piano includes free mainland UK ground floor delivery, a free matching stool, a complimentary first tuning once it has settled, and finance options are available.
Do you sell used pianos?
Yes. Pre-owned pianos are a large part of what we do, from nearly new Yamaha uprights and grands to restored Victorian and Edwardian pianos and quality European and Japanese makes such as Bechstein, Bluthner and Kawai. Every one is assessed by our team before sale. Browse our used pianos or read whether a second hand piano is reliable.
What piano brands do you stock?
Many of the world's most respected makers, including Yamaha, Steinway, Bechstein, Bluthner, Kawai, Kemble and Bosendorfer. As an authorised Yamaha dealer we carry the full new Yamaha range alongside a large selection of pre-owned Yamahas. Call 01367 244554 to find out what is currently in stock.
What is the cheapest piano you sell?
Prices start from 1,000 pounds for a quality pre-owned upright. We have instruments at every budget, from affordable starter pianos to concert quality grands, and we will always be honest about what represents good value. Our guide on how much to spend on a piano explains what your money buys at each level.
Which piano is best for a beginner?
The most important thing is an instrument that inspires the learner to play. A quality pre-owned upright from a reputable maker such as Yamaha or Kawai is often an excellent start, combining good touch and tone with great value. Our guide to the best pianos for beginners goes further, or simply come and try a few.
Finance and payment
Do you offer piano finance or payment plans?
Yes. We offer interest free finance through the Arts Council England Take it Away scheme on pianos up to 5,000 pounds, plus our own monthly payment plans subject to status. There is more on our piano finance page, or call 01367 244554.
What is the Take it Away scheme?
Take it Away is an Arts Council England initiative providing interest free loans of up to 5,000 pounds to make instruments more accessible. It is open to UK residents aged 18 to 25 in their own right, or those over 18 buying for a child under 18, with a regular income over 5,000 pounds a year and a bank account that handles direct debits. Repayments run over 9 or 18 months with no administration fees, so you never pay more than the ticket price. We are a licensed credit broker for the scheme, subject to status.
What if the piano costs more than 5,000 pounds?
You can still use Take it Away as a part payment: borrow the maximum 5,000 pounds interest free and pay the balance by another method. For pianos outside the scheme, ask us about our own payment plans on 01367 244554.
Delivery and moving
Do you deliver pianos across the UK?
Yes. We offer free mainland UK delivery on all pianos over 1,000 pounds, to ground floor as standard, with stair work and upper floor delivery available at an additional charge. We have delivered from Cornwall to Aberdeen and everywhere between. See directions and delivery for more.
Do you move pianos that were not bought from you?
Yes. We offer piano moving and removals as a standalone service for both uprights and grands. Pianos need careful, experienced handling, particularly grands which must be dismantled and reassembled correctly. Our piano removals page explains how to get a quote, or call 01367 244554.
Should a piano be tuned after it has been moved?
Yes. Moving almost always affects tuning as the instrument adjusts to a new temperature and humidity. We recommend waiting about 6 to 8 weeks after the move before tuning, to let the piano settle. Call 01367 244554 to book.
Tuning
Do you offer piano tuning?
Yes, carried out by experienced specialists across Faringdon, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Gloucestershire and surrounding areas. A complimentary first tuning is included with every piano purchased from us. Call 01367 244554 to book.
How often should a piano be tuned?
At least once or twice a year. Pianos played often, used for teaching, or recently moved may need tuning more frequently. A piano left untuned for a long time may need a pitch raise before a standard tuning.
Why does a piano go out of tune?
Mainly through changes in temperature and humidity, which make the soundboard, wooden parts and strings expand and contract. Central heating in winter and damp in summer are common causes, and moving a piano disturbs its tuning too. It is entirely normal and not a fault. Our guide on how long pianos last covers long term care.
Repairs and restoration
Do you repair pianos?
Yes. We have repaired and restored pianos since 1980, covering action repairs and regulation, restringing and pinblock replacement, hammer and damper replacement, key recovering, soundboard work and casework including French polishing. We work on all makes, including Steinway, Bechstein, Yamaha, Bluthner and Kawai. Call 01367 244554 or email sales@thepianogallery.co.uk.
Do you restore antique or traditional pianos?
Yes, restoring Victorian and Edwardian pianos is one of our specialities, bringing older instruments back to fully playable condition. We will always tell you honestly whether a piano is worth restoring or whether a replacement would serve you better, and we never recommend unnecessary work.
Can you value my piano?
Yes. We offer independent valuations for insurance, probate, sale or peace of mind. With over 40 years in the UK piano market we can give an accurate, honest assessment of your instrument's current value. Call 01367 244554 or email sales@thepianogallery.co.uk.
Rental and hire
Do you offer piano hire or rental?
Yes. We offer flexible hire to buy rental plans, so you can have a quality piano at home straight away with the option to put payments towards a purchase. It suits children starting lessons, adults returning to playing, anyone wanting to try before committing, and short term needs such as events. Call 01367 244554 or visit the showroom to discuss.
Selling your piano
Can I part-exchange or trade in my existing piano?
Yes. If you are upgrading, downsizing or simply changing instrument, we will assess your current piano and, where suitable, offer a trade in value against your next purchase. With over 100 pianos in stock there is almost always something to move on to. See selling your piano or call 01367 244554.
Do you buy pianos outright?
We may, depending on make, age and condition, and we can offer commission sale as an alternative. We are particularly interested in Yamaha, Kawai, Kemble, Steinway, Bechstein, Bluthner and Bosendorfer. Send details and photographs via our sell your piano page or call 01367 244554.
Visiting the showroom
Where are you and when are you open?
We are at 13-17 London Street, Faringdon, Oxfordshire, SN7 7AE, open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, with visits outside those hours by prior appointment. We are about 35 minutes from Oxford, 25 from Swindon and an hour from London by road. Our visiting page has full details and ideas for making a day of it.
How long should I allow for a visit?
At least an hour, though many customers happily spend two or three. With over 100 pianos to play across different styles, ages and prices there is plenty to explore, and there is never any rush or pressure.
Is there parking?
Yes. We have a private car park at the rear of the showroom, reached from Swan Lane, and there is free parking in Faringdon town centre nearby.
Are you a family run business?
Yes, independent and family run with over 40 years of specialist experience. Steve founded the business in Swindon in 1980 and moved it to Faringdon in the 1990s, and Claire joined in 2002. You can read more about us.
Still have a question?
We are happy to help, whether you want advice on choosing a piano, a quote for tuning or repairs, or just a friendly chat about what might suit you best. Call 01367 244554, email sales@thepianogallery.co.uk, or book a showroom visit.
The Piano Gallery
13-17 London Street, Faringdon, Oxfordshire, SN7 7AE
Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. Any other time by appointment.