Buying a Second-Hand Piano Checklist

Buying a second-hand piano can be a great way to get a quality instrument at a lower cost, but it’s also where many people make expensive mistakes.

The UK has a long and unique history of piano manufacturing and ownership. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Britain was one of the largest producers of pianos in Europe, with many well-known manufacturers based in London, Essex, and the Midlands.

Because of this, there are still a large number of older British pianos in circulation today, especially in the second-hand market. However, not all of these instruments were built equally.

On the surface, it might look beautiful: polished wood, elegant design, everything in place, but what really matters is what’s going on inside.

Some pianos are genuine gems. Others can end up costing far more in repairs than they were ever worth.

This checklist will help you spot the difference before you commit.

Red Flags

Smart Tips

Conclusion

! If you’re unsure about a piano you’re considering, a professional piano inspection service can help you avoid costly mistakes before you buy. Book a piano inspection here.

! Not all old UK pianos are high quality

During the peak of piano production in the UK, there were two broad categories:

1. High-quality upright and grand pianos built for musicians and institutions

2. Mass-produced “furniture-style” pianos made for middle-class homes

Many of the second category were designed as much for appearance as for sound.

These are often the ornate, decorative pianos you still see today.

🚩Avoid these red flags

Before you even touch a key, step back and look at the piano as a whole.

Check for:

1. Visible cracks, warping, or signs of water or damp damage

Cracks in the wooden case or frame, or any signs of warping, are a major warning sign. Wood is extremely sensitive to moisture, and damp conditions can slowly distort the structure of the piano over time.

2. Highly decorative antique-style piano with no service history

Highly decorative antique-style pianos with no service history can be a red flag. Although they often look impressive, many were built more as furniture pieces than high-quality instruments. Without regular maintenance, they may struggle to hold tuning, have limited tonal quality, or require costly restoration despite their good appearance.

Next, let's test out the keys. Avoid buying a second-hand piano with:

3. Keys that stick, feel uneven, or don’t play at all

The keyboard should feel smooth, responsive, and consistent across all notes.

Warning signs include:

• Keys that stick down after being pressed

• Keys that feel heavier or lighter than others

• Notes that don’t sound when pressed

• Uneven return speed when releasing keys

This is often a sign of internal wear, humidity damage, or mechanical issues in the action.

Now, check the inside of the piano. Avoid buying a second-hand piano with:

4. Signs of moth damage in the felt

Moth damage is a serious issue in older pianos. Attracted to wool felt inside the action (especially hammers, dampers & key bed washers), once established, they can be difficult to fully remove, as eggs and larvae may remain hidden and lead to reinfestation.

The damage often shows as uneven or “eaten away” felt, affecting both tone and playability. In more severe cases, moths can also spread beyond the piano into nearby soft furnishings like carpets and curtains, meaning the issue may affect other parts of the home as well.

Signs include:

• Bald patches in felt

• Crumbling or uneven hammer surfaces

• Debris around internal areas

• Moth Eggs

Lastly, avoid buying second-hand pianos with:

5. No maintenance or tuning history available from the seller

If the seller cannot tell you when the piano was last tuned or serviced, this is a warning sign.

A lack of history often means:

• Long periods without maintenance

• Unknown internal condition

• Higher likelihood of hidden issues

✅ Smart Buying Tips

Now that we’ve covered the main warning signs, it’s just as important to know what a well-maintained piano looks like. Here are some practical tips to help you buy more confidently and avoid costly mistakes.

1. Get a professional inspection if you’re unsure

One of the safest decisions you can make is to bring in a piano technician before buying.

A technician can quickly assess:

• Overall condition and playability

• Whether it will hold tuning properly

• Likely repair or maintenance costs

• Whether the asking price is fair

This small step can often save you from expensive surprises later.

2. Prefer specialist piano sellers where possible

Where you buy matters just as much as what you buy.

Piano shops often:

• Prepare and regulate instruments before sale

• Provide some level of service history or warranty

• Ensure basic functionality is checked

• Offer guidance based on your needs

This reduces risk compared to general online listings, where condition and history are often unknown.

3. Be cautious of unusually cheap or free pianos

If a piano is very cheap or being given away, it’s worth asking why.

Often, this can indicate:

• The piano needs significant work

• Repair costs exceed its value

• The owner is trying to avoid removal and disposal costs

While not always the case, these situations require extra caution and ideally a professional opinion before committing.

4. Think in total cost, not just purchase price

The price you pay upfront is only part of the story.

Also consider:

• Tuning after delivery

• Possible adjustment or setup work

• Transport and installation

• Ongoing maintenance over time

A slightly more expensive, well-maintained piano is often far more economical long-term than a cheaper one needing work.

5. Trust the playing experience as much as appearance

A piano can look impressive, but how it responds when played is far more important.

Pay attention to:

• How consistent it feels across the keyboard

• Whether it responds smoothly to touch

• How stable and controlled the sound feels

  
  

If it feels natural and enjoyable to play, that’s often a strong sign of a well-maintained instrument.

Final thoughts

The best second-hand piano purchases usually come down to a balance of condition, history, and how well the instrument has been cared for.

If you take your time, test carefully, and get expert advice when needed, you greatly increase your chances of finding a piano that will last for many years.

! If you’re unsure about a piano you’re considering, a professional piano inspection service can help you avoid costly mistakes before you buy. Book a piano inspection here.