Hi Mommas,
I come to you ladies because I know you are a honest group. I made up my mind that I want to buy a piano for myself and my kids to learn to play. I been looking around especially in craigslist but since I am no expert in pianos; I am afraid I going to get a piano that needs a lot of work.
So if any of you ladies are looking to get rid of your piano or can give me some advice of what I should look for. I see the average price for upright pianos selling on craigslist are around $500. I am looking to pay less than that especially since it will be our beginning piano. I also have to put into consideration the moving expense and tuning. So if you know of anyone who can do that as well let me know. Thanks a bunch and I appreciate any advice or offers.
Hi A., Since it's a 'beginner' and cost is an issue, why don't you get a keyboard? Just a thought...good luck!!!
A.,
I like Faith's keyboard idea. It might make sense to start out on it and save some money for your piano purchase. FYI, colleges like ASU and MCC get rid of their pianos every so often and offer them to the public. You can call their music department and get put on their mailing list.
I'm not an expert, but I am a pianist and teacher.... I help my students find pianos quite often.
If you'd like to email me, perhaps we could talk on the phone and I could help you with some pointers. Or... I could give you the name of some tuner/technicians that may be able to give a professional evaluation.
____@____.com
As a teacher, I would not recommend a keyboard unless you can afford one with weighted keys (those start at $500-$600)... an acoustic piano will last you longer, and the weight of the keys will develop the proper touch needed for the instrument. Usually when parents purchase a keyboard, it is only ok for 6 mo- 1 yr, then the child needs to get a piano. So why waste your money?
Just a thought.
Hope this helps!
Hi A.
My mom is actually looking to get a piano out of her house! It might be exactly what you are looking for. We haven't put it on craigslist or anything because she is trying to get me to take it (I move too much to consider this!). I learned to play on it! Anyways, it's an older upright, built in the '60's by Story & Clark. It isn't very large. Made with "blonde" wood, and it's finish is not perfect and one corner has a chip in it. It's keys are all intact and pedals work fine. It will need tuning, esp. after moving it (I think that's true for any piano). I'm sorry I don't know who or how much to tune. Has bench. She'd like $300 OBO for it. Her name is Sharon and her cell is ###-###-#### if you're at all interested. She lives in Gilbert.
I am a pianist, and if you were looking for a decent upright, you are going to want to spend between $400 and $500 to get something worthwhile that won't fall apart or lose value the minute you bring it home. You might also consider having someone check it out. That might be close to $50-60, however, it will protect your investment. They'll also make sure you are not paying too much.
I do think the keyboard is a great idea. Do the best you can to find one that has keys as close to the same size as a real piano. Otherwise, your child will have to constantly adjust and won't learn proper hand position. You might be able to find a used one for a good price. Good luck!!!
