We have been thinking about getting a piano for a while and I found this one online....dose anyone know if this is worth buying?

Thanks.

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/for/97869605.html

By Karen~moderator on Friday, September 16, 2005 - 01:44 pm:

$150 is a great price for any piano. But first, check into how much it will cost to replace the broken stuff and have it tuned - that *could* be pricey, depending on what piano tuners/repairers charge these days. Call a music store and ask their opinion too, and they can also probably tell you who to call to have repairs/tuning done. A piano that is out of tune is worthless, and you'd probably have to have it tuned anyway after being moved.

By Breann on Friday, September 16, 2005 - 02:03 pm:

I play the piano
I wouldn't buy it unless you are into antiques. We actually had a very similar piano to that at one time. It was given to us. We sold it for $100 in the newspaper just to get it out of the house, lol.
It never sounded as nice as the newer piano's. We had quite a bit of work done on it and it still didn't play beautifully.
If you or your DK's are wanting to take lessons, it could complicate that as well. Piano teachers usually have newer piano's that will sound different than old ones.
We purchased a newer used piano for $700. It plays beautifully and didn't need any repairs. We had it tuned right after we purchased it. There are a lot of used piano's for sale. I would look around for a newer version. Unless, like I said, you are buying it for the antique factor. JMHO

By My3cuties on Friday, September 16, 2005 - 02:47 pm:

My DH has played the piano for 12 years. He says... If you are going to buy it make sure to check the quality of the sound board. If it feels smooth to the touch it is better quality wood than if it feels rough, also check for cracks in the sound board, if there are cracks in it, it will not stay in tune. If you are going to get something for serious playing you want to stay away from the "cheaper brands". The best [affordable] piano brands are Baldwin, Yamaha, or Wurlitzer. Unless you can afford a Steinway...lol Make sure it doesn't need any "action work" which is keys being level, hammers with ends that are too worn, pedals working correctly.

All in all, $150 sounds good for an old upright. Just make sure it can be tuned to A440 pitch, which is the accepted standard. That's all he can think of.
Good luck and if you still have my e-mail and want to ask any questions, don't hesitate, he is more than willing to lend advice.

By Conni on Friday, September 16, 2005 - 07:22 pm:

I am suppose to get my Grandma's piano. It is actually sitting in storage waiting on me in TX. My Aunt called to find out how much it would cost to refurbish it... ahem $3-5k!!!!!!!!!!!

I am thinking maybe it can just stay in storage a bit longer. lol

My point is if it isnt sentimental to you- go get a new 'baby grand', baby!!

By Dawnk777 on Saturday, September 17, 2005 - 01:24 am:

I bought a brand-new Baldwin (46-inch), with my tax refund money, in 1986, during the music store's annual spring sale. 46-inch strings were the longest I could buy, without it being considered an upright grand. My piano was about $3000, but it was $800 off because of the sale and another $100 off for some minor scratches it had. (has plenty more now!) I had tax refund for some of it and financed the rest over 2 years. Then in November I met DH! That was my window of opportunity to buy a piano!

(Was going to buy a stereo with that money, but then kept hearing this voice in my head, that whoever I married, would probably already have the stereo, so maybe I should buy the piano, when I discovered that the piano store was having a sale!)

Oh. DH did have a stereo, too! I always say that God told me to buy that piano! don't ask me when the last time I played, though! I don't remember. This week I was WAY too busy!

By Feona on Saturday, September 17, 2005 - 07:43 am:

I wouldn't buy a used piano. Some pianos can not be tuned. Warped.

By Karen~moderator on Saturday, September 17, 2005 - 11:08 am:

I have X's upright piano which was purchased used in the early 60's. My mom actually bought it from him for $200 about 7 years ago, and then when she sold her house, it came back to me. It had 2 broken keys, and my mom had them repaired and had the piano tuned. It still sounds fine.

When I was playing piano when I was a child, we had a beautiful baby grand. I loved that thing!

Andi, you really may want to consider pricing a new(er) piano, especially if your kids are going to be learning to play.