Piano Buying Guide | How to Choose a Piano in Houston
Piano Buying Guide
Practical guidance to help you choose the right instrument, with particular attention to Texas climate and what to look for in used pianos.
Types of Pianos
Grand Pianos
A grand piano offers the best touch and sound. With longer strings and a horizontal action, the responsiveness is unmatched. If space and budget allow, a grand will give you a fuller, richer experience and tends to hold long-term value well.
Upright Pianos
Uprights are practical and well-suited to homes, schools, and churches. They take up less space, are easier to maintain, and still provide a satisfying tone and touch, especially in the taller models (120 cm+). A good upright can be a serious instrument for any level of player.
Spinets
We generally advise against spinets — the very small uprights made in large numbers in the mid-20th century. While affordable, their actions are compromised, making them harder to service and less enjoyable to play. In most cases, you'll get far better value from a standard upright or entry-level grand.
Humidity Considerations in Texas
Older pianos in Texas often show humidity damage. The high humidity climate can cause significant issues, particularly in instruments that haven't been properly maintained or stored.
When evaluating a used piano, check for these signs of humidity damage:
- Yellowing inside the action — This indicates exposure to humidity over time
- Dust stuck to the wood — Moisture causes dust to adhere to surfaces, a clear sign of humidity issues
- General signs of humidity — Look for any discoloration, warping, or deterioration in the action area
A dehumidifier can be added to any piano and is recommended to keep your instrument in tune longer and preserve it in the high humidity climate of Texas. Many of our pianos include this option.
What to Check When Evaluating a Piano
Hammers Coming Off
This is a significant concern. Hammers that are coming off or loose are expensive to replace and tricky to match. Replacing hammers requires careful voicing to match the existing set, and mismatched hammers will affect the piano's tone and touch. This is often a sign of underlying action problems or humidity damage.
Cracks in Soundboard
Not necessarily a sign of trouble. Small cracks in the soundboard are common in older pianos and often don't affect the instrument's performance. The soundboard is designed to have some flexibility, and minor cracks are typically cosmetic rather than functional issues. However, large or extensive cracking may warrant further inspection.
Seriously Out of Tune
A piano that is seriously out of tune may be a sign of issues in the tuning block (wrest plank). If the tuning pins are loose or the block has deteriorated, the piano won't hold its tuning. This can be expensive to repair, often requiring a new tuning block installation. However, a piano that's simply been neglected and needs tuning is different from one with structural tuning issues.
Understanding Piano Brands
Japanese Pianos
Brands like Yamaha and Kawai are known for their good action and balanced tone. They offer consistent quality, reliable performance, and are generally well-suited to various playing styles. These instruments tend to hold their value well and are popular choices for both beginners and professionals.
German and European Pianos
Brands such as Steinway, Bechstein, Bluthner, and others are renowned for their warmer tone. These instruments often have a more complex, rich sound character that many players prefer. European pianos typically represent the highest level of craftsmanship, though they command premium prices.
Korean Pianos
Samick and Young Chang can be good instruments, but quality can vary. Some models are well-made and offer good value, while others may have inconsistencies. It's important to evaluate each instrument individually rather than relying solely on the brand name.
Entry to Mid-Level Brands
Brands like Kohler and Campbell exist and can be acceptable entry-level to mid-level pianos. However, they don't have the same fluid action as Yamaha or Kawai. They can serve as functional instruments for beginners or those with budget constraints, but may not satisfy more advanced players or those seeking long-term value retention.
Understanding Piano Actions
The action is the mechanism that translates your finger movement into sound. The quality of the action significantly affects how the piano feels and responds.
Renner (German) and Yamaha/Kawai actions are considered among the best. Renner actions are found in many high-end European pianos and are known for their precision and responsiveness. Yamaha and Kawai manufacture their own actions, which are consistently reliable and well-regarded.
Pratt Reid actions are not as refined as Renner or Yamaha/Kawai actions, but they can be functional. Some newer Chinese actions are getting much better, with improved quality and consistency, though it's important to verify the specific manufacturer and origin.
Chinese-Made Pianos
Chinese pianos depend significantly on the origin and factory. Some factories produce better instruments than others, and it's important to know the specific manufacturer.
Parsons Music is making good pianos, as is Pearl River and Hailun. These manufacturers have invested in quality control and modern production methods. However, it's essential to verify the origin and factory, as quality can vary even within the same brand depending on where and when the instrument was made.
When considering a Chinese-made piano, research the specific factory and production period. Some factories have better reputations and quality standards than others, and newer production often reflects improvements in manufacturing processes.
Professional Inspection
Check with a tuner or technician where possible. A qualified piano technician can check for errors and issues that may not be immediately apparent to the untrained eye. They can assess the condition of the action, tuning stability, soundboard, and overall structural integrity.
It's worth noting that even store pianos vary in their preparation. Some stores repair and fully prepare their instruments, while others may only clean and tune them. Understanding what work has been done to a piano can help you make an informed decision.
At Roberts Pianos, all of our instruments are carefully assessed and prepared by our in-house technicians. We document the work done and are transparent about each piano's condition and history.
Ready to Find Your Piano?
Browse our current selection of carefully prepared instruments, or contact us to discuss your specific needs and arrange a private viewing.