What to look for when buying a piano? 7 important factors
7 important factors to check before buying a piano
Keyboard feel (the most important factor)
Do not consider anything below a weighted keyboard. For serious learning, choose hammer action, and ideally, graded hammer action. A model with a spring-loaded keyboard is not a piano, it is a keyboard. Never sacrifice this factor for budget. Read our article on keyboard types for more details.
Number of keys (88-key standard)
For serious piano learning, 88 keys are a must. 61 keys are only acceptable for children aged 4-7 or hobbyist synthesizer users. A large part of the classical repertoire requires 88 keys. If you have long-term plans, do not buy anything with fewer than 88 keys.
Polyphony count (minimum 128 notes)
Polyphony indicates how many notes a piano can play at the same time. When the sustain pedal is pressed and chords are played, notes overlap. In a model with low polyphony, notes will cut off; this is both audible and noticeable. Choose a minimum of 128 notes, ideally 192-256 notes.
Sound quality - what concert grand is it sampled from?
The main factor that creates the distinctiveness of digital pianos is the sound sample inside. Some Kawai models are sampled from the Shigeru Kawai concert grand. This directly affects the listening quality. Make sure to listen to different models in the store.
Pedal system - a sustain pedal is mandatory
Without a sustain pedal, a piano is incomplete. Good models feature 3 pedals: sustain (right), sostenuto (middle), and soft (left). Portable models usually come with one pedal, which is sufficient for beginners. However, plan to upgrade to a 3-pedal unit over time.
Warranty and after-sales service
A piano is a long-term purchase. Models brought in through "parallel import" without an official warranty will leave you in a hopeless situation if service issues arise. In our store, a 1-year official warranty is standard. Do not try to save money on a model without a warranty.
Connectivity options: USB, MIDI, Bluetooth
For modern pianos, having USB-B (to connect to a computer) or Bluetooth MIDI is recommended. This allows integration with apps like Simply Piano, Flowkey, and GarageBand. If you buy a model without Bluetooth, it can be solved with a USB adapter.
Before going to the store: list of questions
Be sure to ask the seller these questions:
- Is this model's keyboard weighted, hammer action, or graded?
- What is the polyphony?
- How many years is the warranty? Is it an official distributor warranty?
- Is the sustain pedal included?
- Does it have Bluetooth MIDI?
- Are delivery and installation paid services?
- Do you have a trade-in option for my old model?
Must do at the store: live test
No specification can replace a live test. When you come to the store, do the following:
- Press a few notes slowly (pianissimo) and quickly (fortissimo). Is the difference noticeable?
- Compare the low bass notes with the high treble notes - the resistance should be different (if it is graded).
- Press the sustain pedal, play a note - does the note fade out correctly when you release the pedal?
- Listen with headphones - is the sound dynamic and lifelike?
- Look at the back and underneath the keyboard - does the mechanism look sturdy?
Are parallel import pianos dangerous?
Sometimes it is possible to find the same model cheaper through another channel. But these models are usually brought in via another country's distributor. What is the problem?
- The official manufacturer warranty does not work
- There may be no service support
- Sometimes the power voltage standard is different (220V / 110V)
- It becomes difficult to receive firmware updates
The amount you save is wiped out after the first service necessity. Buying from an official distributor is always safer.
Final checklist before buying
✅ Piano buying checklist
- Weighted / hammer action keyboard chosen
- 88 keys (for serious learning)
- Minimum 128-note polyphony
- Sustain pedal is included (or will be bought separately)
- Official warranty certificate will be received
- USB / Bluetooth connection exists
- Stand / stool planned
- Tested in a live store
- Delivery terms agreed upon
If you are having trouble making a choice, our professional team is ready to help.
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