Piano Buying Guide: How To Choose A Piano In The UK
Choosing a piano comes down to a few clear questions: who will play it, how much room you have, what you can sensibly spend, and how long you want it to last. For most buyers a good acoustic upright is the right answer. The single most important step is to play several pianos side by side and to buy from a dealer who has checked the instrument and includes delivery, tuning and a guarantee.
Buying a piano can feel daunting, because it is an unfamiliar purchase and there is a lot of choice. This guide sets out the main decisions simply, and links to more detailed pages on each one. We have been helping people through this since 1980, and it really need not be difficult.
1. Upright or grand?
For most homes, an upright pianos is the practical choice. A full-size upright gives a fine tone and a proper action in a sensible footprint. A grand pianos is a wonderful instrument and the choice of many advanced players, but it needs the room and the budget to match. Start by being honest about your space.
2. New or used?
For most buyers, a good used piano offers better value than a new one, because the same money buys a higher-quality instrument. New makes sense if you want the latest model, a specific finish, or a full manufacturer warranty. We cover this in detail on our page Used vs New Piano, and on Should I Buy A Used Piano?
3. Acoustic or digital?
An acoustic piano gives the fullest tone and the most rewarding action, and is the best choice for most learners. A digital piano suits those who specifically need near-silent practice or portability. If silent practice is the concern, it is also worth knowing that acoustic silent pianos exist, which combine an acoustic action with a silent practice mode. See Should I Buy Digital Or Acoustic? for the full comparison.
4. How much to spend
As a guide, a sensible used upright for a beginner costs roughly 1,500 to 3,000 pounds, a good professional-grade upright around 4,000 to 6,000 pounds, and quality used grands from about 8,000 pounds. The principle is to buy the best-quality piano your budget sensibly allows. Our page How Much Should I Spend On A Piano? goes into detail, and we offer payment plans and Hire to Buy to help.
5. What to check before you buy
A good piano holds its tune, has an even action across all the notes, and is structurally sound. These things are hard to judge without expertise, which is why buying from a specialist matters: the instrument has already been assessed and prepared. Every piano we sell is inspected by our technicians before it goes on sale.
6. Always try before you buy
This is the most important advice in the whole guide. Two pianos that look identical on paper can feel and sound completely different. The only way to find the one that is right for you is to play several side by side. We keep over a hundred pianos in our Faringdon showroom for exactly this reason, and you are welcome to take your time.
Further reading
For specific questions, these pages go deeper: Best Acoustic Pianos For Beginners, Why We Prefer Older Yamaha Pianos, Yamaha U1 Review, How Long Do Pianos Last?, and Is A Second Hand Piano Reliable?
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose the right piano?
Think about who will play it, your space and your budget. For most buyers a good acoustic upright is right. Then play several side by side, and buy from a dealer who has checked the piano and includes delivery, tuning and a guarantee.
What is the best type of piano to buy?
For most homes a full-size acoustic upright offers the best balance of quality, sound and value. Grands suit larger rooms and advanced players. Digitals suit near-silent practice or portability.
Should I buy a piano online or in person?
It is best to play a piano before buying. Buying online from a reputable dealer is reasonable when that is not possible, especially with detailed photos, video and a guarantee, but a showroom visit is ideal.
Let us help you choose
The Piano Gallery is an independent, family-run piano specialist established in 1980. We hold over a hundred pianos in our showroom, all available to play and compare, and we are always glad to give honest, unhurried advice. We do not sell pianos so much as help you find the right one.
The Piano Gallery
13-17 London Street, Faringdon, Oxfordshire, SN7 7AE
Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. Any other time by appointment.
Telephone: 01367 244554 | Email: sales@thepianogallery.co.uk