How to Find a Free or Cheap Piano (and Know If It's Worth It)

A new acoustic piano can easily run $3,000-$10,000 or more, but a great free or secondhand one is out there if you know where to look and what to check before you say yes. As with any piano, you'll want to weigh brand, sound quality, and how the keys feel under your fingers - some players prefer a heavier action, others a lighter one - but a used or free piano comes with a few extra wrinkles: you're taking on someone else's instrument sight unseen, and getting it wrong can cost you real money in moving fees and repairs. Here's how to find one, and how to make sure it's actually worth bringing home.

Space and Lifestyle: What to Think About First

Before you begin your search, figure out what you're actually shopping for. How much free space do you have in your home? Do you have room for a grand piano, or only enough for a smaller upright? Or would a digital piano - one that can plug into headphones for late-night practice and connect to a computer - suit your life better than an acoustic instrument at all?

Even a free piano isn't really free: you'll almost certainly pay to move it and tune it once it arrives, so it's worth finding one as close to home as possible. A local move for an upright piano often runs a few hundred dollars, more for a grand or a longer distance, and a first tuning after the move typically adds another $100-$200. Line up an experienced piano mover in your area ahead of time and budget for both costs before you commit to hauling anything home.

Where to look to find an inexpensive or free piano online

1. Pianoadoption.com - One of the largest listings of any free-piano site, and a good first stop when you're looking for a piano online that's being given away for free.
2. Facebook Marketplace - A good resource when looking for pianos locally. Often you can find people who are moving and in a hurry to donate their piano to someone that they feel will give it a good new home. In addition to acoustic pianos you may also be able to find free or cheap electric pianos as well.
3. Craigslist - Very similar to Facebook Marketplace. Pianos are heavy and often you will find people in your area who are happy to get rid of their unwanted pianos to avoid having to pay for the moving costs themselves.

What to look for when examining the piano

1. Age and Brand: Look for pianos that are well-known and have been in production for many years. Manufacturers like Yamaha, Steinway, and Kawai are reliable options that are known for their high-quality craftsmanship. The age of the piano will also give you an idea if it's worth the investment so be sure to ask the current owner how many years old it is. However, a newer piano doesn't necessarily mean better. In many cases an older piano might still be superior and occasionally you might find a hidden gem that's still in great shape after many years.
2. Condition: A good used piano should be free of cracks and other obvious damage to the frame and soundboard. Cracks in the soundboard are actually common in older pianos and often don't affect tuning stability, though they can cause buzzing or affect tone, so factor in the cost of repair if you spot one. What truly prevents a piano from holding a tune is a worn or cracked pinblock, so inspect that carefully. The keys should also be in good condition, with no chips or cracks, and the hammers should be in good shape, with no broken strings.
3. Sound: When trying out a piano, pay attention to the sound it produces. A good piano should have a clear, resonant tone, with no noticeable buzzes or dead notes. Listen to how the sound changes when you play different keys and make sure the volume is even throughout the entire range. Also, if the piano appears to be drastically out of tune that might be an indication of how well it was (or wasn't) cared for and how well it can hold a tuning. However, if a piano needs tuning that shouldn't be a dealbreaker overall. Try to also inquire with the current owner about how often they had it maintained.
4. Playability: The action of the keys and pedals should be smooth and responsive. Try playing a variety of music, including a chromatic scale, and make sure the piano feels comfortable and is easy to play and that all of the keys are in good working order.
5. Price: It's important to keep in mind that a used or free piano may still require repairs, so factor in the cost of any necessary work when determining if it's a good deal. Minor fixes like sticky keys or a broken string often run well under $100, while a cracked pinblock or other structural work can run into the thousands - sometimes more than the piano itself is worth.

Seek the opinion of an experienced piano technician

So you've done some research, narrowed your search down to a few listings and maybe found a nice piano nearby that you are interested in transporting to your home. Now is the time to consult with an experienced piano technician. Even though this results in another added cost, ultimately they are the people who know best and can tell you whether the piano is really worth it - a pre-purchase inspection is typically far cheaper than discovering thousands of dollars in hidden repairs after you've already paid to move it home. So be sure to set aside some of your budget for this and don't skip this final and most important step in the process.

In conclusion, buying a used or free piano can be a great way to save money, but it's important to choose wisely to ensure you get a quality instrument that meets your needs. By taking the time to consider these key factors, you can find a great piano that will provide years of enjoyment and musical fulfillment.

Sources

• Piano Buyers Guide - The Truth About Piano Soundboard Cracks
• Austin Piano Service - Pianos with Tuning Stability Problems: The Causes and What to Do About It

Already found your piano and had it tuned up? The fastest way to make real progress is with a teacher who can watch your hands and hear your actual instrument. See our guide on finding the right music teacher for you, or go ahead and browse online piano teachers on Tissimo to book a first lesson.