Used vs New Piano: Which Should You Buy?

Q: Is it better to buy a new or used piano?

For most buyers, a good used piano offers better value, because the same money buys a higher-quality instrument than a new piano at that price. A new piano makes sense if you specifically want the latest model, a particular finish, or a full manufacturer warranty. Quality and condition matter more than whether the piano is new or used.

Q: Do new pianos sound better than used pianos?

Not necessarily. Sound quality depends on the design and build of the individual piano, not on its age. A well-made used piano in good condition can easily sound better than a new piano built to a budget. Many players actually prefer the settled tone of an older instrument.

Q: Do used pianos lose value like new ones?

Used pianos from quality makers hold their value far better than new ones. A new piano takes its largest drop in value soon after purchase, much like a new car. A good used piano has already taken that drop, so it tends to be a more stable purchase.

For most buyers, a good used piano offers better value than a new one, because the same budget buys a higher-quality instrument. A new piano is the right choice if you specifically want the latest model, a particular finish, or a full manufacturer warranty. In the end, the quality and condition of the individual piano matter far more than whether it is new or used.

This is one of the most common decisions a piano buyer faces, so it is worth setting out the real differences clearly and fairly.

The case for a used piano

The strongest argument for buying used is simple: value. A piano holds up well over decades, so a quality used instrument can play beautifully and still have a long life ahead of it. Your money therefore buys more piano. A budget that would stretch to a modest new instrument will often buy a noticeably finer used one.

A used piano has also done its initial depreciation. Like a car, a new piano loses its largest share of value soon after purchase. Buy a good used piano and that drop has already happened, which makes it a more stable purchase if you ever come to sell or trade in.

The case for a new piano

To be fair to the other side, there are good reasons some buyers choose new. A new piano comes with a full manufacturer warranty and the reassurance of no previous history. You can choose the exact model and finish you want rather than taking what is available. And for some buyers there is a genuine pleasure in owning a brand-new instrument. These are all valid reasons, and we sell new pianos as well as used ones.

Where buyers go wrong

The mistake we see most often is assuming new automatically means better. It does not. A new piano built down to a low price can disappoint, while a well-made used piano in good condition can be a delight. Age is not a measure of quality. Build quality and condition are.

A fair comparison

If you put a new piano and a used piano side by side at the same price, the used one will usually be the better-built instrument, because that price buys a higher tier of piano on the used market than on the new one. If you put them side by side at the same quality, the used one will usually cost less. Either way you look at it, used tends to win on value. What new offers in return is warranty, choice and newness.

Our honest recommendation

For the majority of buyers, and particularly for families buying a first or second piano, a good used instrument from a reputable dealer is the sensible choice. You get more quality for the money, and bought from a specialist it still comes with delivery, tuning and a guarantee. If you have a specific reason to want new, that is entirely reasonable too, and we are happy to help either way.

The best thing you can do is play both. Come and compare our upright pianos and grand pianos, new and used together, and judge with your own ears and hands.

Frequently asked questions

Is it better to buy a new or used piano?

For most buyers a good used piano offers better value, 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.

Do new pianos sound better than used pianos?

Not necessarily. Tone depends on the design and build of the individual piano, not its age. A good used piano can easily outperform a budget new one.

Do used pianos lose value like new ones?

Used pianos from quality makers hold their value better. A new piano takes its biggest drop soon after purchase. A good used piano has already taken that drop.

Compare new and used pianos in person

The Piano Gallery is an independent, family-run piano specialist established in 1980. We stock both new and quality used pianos, all available to play and compare side by side in our showroom, with delivery, tuning and a guarantee included.

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

Used vs new piano