What Kind of Piano Should We Get?

Above: 8-year-old, denim-clad me plunking away on my first keyboard.

This is a frequent question that comes up in consultations for my beginning students. Some families already own a piano, others have a simple keyboard and are wondering if they should upgrade, and others have yet to find one and are in the process of actively searching.

It can be a daunting task finding and purchasing that first piano. "Where should I look?" "What's a good price?" "What features should it have?" Walk into any music store that carries instruments and you'll be overwhelmed by the amount to choose from, the differing features between models, and of course, the high prices.

I'm all about making this process an easy and not-so-intimidating one! I don't think there's a need to pressure beginning piano students (or anyone, for that matter) into purchasing a high-end piano, especially when they are not sure if they are willing to make a lasting commitment to learning the instrument.

My advice:

It's okay to start small. It's okay to start on an electric keyboard. It's okay if the sound quality of your first keyboard isn't quite up to par.

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Here are a few basic guidelines for making that first purchase:

1. Make sure it has at least 60 keys. Any less than that, and you'll have to get really creative when trying to play practice pieces. A full-size piano has 88 keys, and of course that is ideal, but 60 will definitely work for the first year or two of learning.

2. Look for the "touch sensitivity" feature. This just means that if you press a key lightly, it will produce a quiet sound. Likewise, if you press a key with more force, it will produce a louder sound.

3. Does it come with a sustain pedal? Sometimes these come already attached to the keyboard, other times they are a separate part that you can attach with a cord. It can be made of metal, or it can look like a little plastic wedge. Either way, make sure you have one- this is a stylistic necessity that makes some songs sound more polished.

4. If it doesn't come with a stand and a bench, I would highly suggest getting them. The great thing about these (as opposed to setting the keyboard on a table and using a chair) is that you can adjust them to the perfect height for the student. Note- the floor is not a good place to set your keyboard. You will develop bad posture while practicing, and it's nearly impossible to use a pedal.

5. Make sure it has a fixed (or attachable) music stand on it where you can place practice books. A music stand positions books in just the right spot so you're not craning your neck to read the notes.

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If you don't yet have a piano and are looking for a deal, here are some great places to start:

1. Craigslist

Search in the "For Sale - Musical Instruments" section. If you search with the keyword "piano," you'll be met with a lot of acoustic options. If you search using the word "keyboard," it will display digital options. Sometimes people will sell the instrument in a bundle (i.e. it comes with the keyboard, stand, bench, pedal, etc. for a set price). Don't be afraid to ask if you can test it out before buying. If you find that a lot of the keys don't produce sound or make weird noises, I would suggest continuing your search.

2. A local Facebook Buy/Sell/Trade group or Facebook Marketplace

These are fantastic! If you're not a part of your city's Buy/Sell/Trade group, send in a request. You can get great deals on a lot of things here- from instruments, to furniture, to clothing. Read up on each particular group's rules to see how they work. There is always someone offering up an acoustic piano for free, as long as you have a way to move it! Again, just make sure you test it out before buying. If you go with an acoustic piano, it will definitely need a professional tuning after it gets moved into your home.

3. PianoAdoption.com

Here you can search for pianos by state. There are plenty that are listed as free (so long as you have a way to move the instrument). Some of the pianos are in good working condition and should only need a tuning after the move. Others will need some significant repair work done before a tuning can even take place. If you're willing to show a piano a little TLC, this is a great place to look!

4. Your extended family and friends

Do Grandma and Grandpa have a piano they'd be willing to loan you? Does your neighbor have a keyboard that sits gathering dust? Often, people will generously re-home their instrument if they know it is going to be put to good use. Try making a post on Facebook or sending out an email to some people to inquire if anyone has a piano they'd be willing to cut you a deal on.

5. The used section of a music store

This will be a little bit pricier than buying from the other options listed, but you will definitely leave with a quality instrument. The music store will ensure that you have a clean and functioning used keyboard/piano, as well as all the accessories you need to go with it. They're typically on display for you to try out as well.

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Good luck, and happy piano hunting!