If you like the look of the new or modern pianos you would usually have a pretty safe choice between a brand new piano or a second hand modern one. I say ‘safe choice’ as new and modern pianos (say from 1970s onwards) are made from wood that has been treated to withstand the drying out effect of central heating. A new or modern piano is unlikely to re-act badly to central heating. Obviously if the strings and action etc. are brand new you are very unlikely to have a broken string or suffer breakages in the action. Therefore a new or modern piano should only require tuning and minor adjustments to the action (regulating) on a regular basis. All pianos require tuning at least once per year and usually twice per year is recommended in order to keep the piano tuned up to concert pitch and to keep the piano regulated properly.

With older pianos you have to be more careful. You will need to know; has the piano been well maintained? Are the tuning pins tight (good) in the wrest plank? Or are they loose (bad) in the wrest plank? What condition are the strings in? How worn is the action? What restoration work has been done? Are there any splits in the bridges? Is there any woodworm?

On the plus side, with an older piano you may find a beautiful instrument with a pretty solid wood cabinet, ivory keys and in some cases a far richer sound than some of the new pianos. Providing the piano has been well cared for and has had the necessary restoration work done you could become the proud owner of a well made piano made by one of the world famous makers that will last a lifetime and appreciate in value over the years.