REQUEST PRE-OWNED STEINWAY & Bösendorfer INVENTORY LIST

Book a Tuning

Piano Buying Guide

December 06, 2023

Piano Buying Guide

Purchasing a piano can be a daunting task, but with the right information, you can make an informed decision. Here are some factors to consider when buying a piano:

  1. Type of Piano: There are two main types of pianos: acoustic and digital. Acoustic pianos produce sound through hammers striking strings, while digital pianos use electronic sound samples. Acoustic pianos are generally more expensive and require more maintenance, but they offer a more authentic playing experience. Digital pianos are more affordable and easier to maintain, but they may not provide the same level of sound quality as acoustic pianos.
  2. Size: Pianos come in various sizes, from small uprights to grand pianos. The size of the piano will depend on the space available in your home and your budget. Grand pianos are the largest and most expensive, while upright pianos are more compact and affordable.
  3. Budget: Pianos can be expensive, so it is important to set a budget before making a purchase. We offer several financing options, just ask our sales team! 
  4. Maintenance: Pianos require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition. Acoustic pianos need to be tuned at least once a year, while digital pianos do not require tuning. It is also important to keep the piano clean and free of dust and debris.
  5. Accessories: When purchasing a piano, you may also want to consider purchasing accessories such as a bench, headphones, or a metronome. These accessories can enhance your playing experience and make practicing more enjoyable.

If you are looking for more detailed information, check out Piano Buyer, an online publication devoted to the purchase of new, used, and restored acoustic pianos and digital pianos. They offer a comprehensive guide to buying a piano, including reviews of different brands and models, pricing information, and tips for maintaining your piano. 





Also in NorthWest Pianos Blog

Building a Better Piano — and a Better Planet: How Yamaha, Steinway, and the Industry Are Rethinking Sustainability
Building a Better Piano — and a Better Planet: How Yamaha, Steinway, and the Industry Are Rethinking Sustainability

July 06, 2026

Piano manufacturing is, by its nature, a materials-intensive craft. A modern grand piano contains roughly 12,000 individual components. It requires carefully selected hardwoods — spruce, maple, beech, walnut — sourced from forests in multiple countries. It uses felt, leather, metal alloys, and chemical finishes. Building one well takes skilled labor spanning months.

Continue Reading

Smart Pianos and Connected Instruments: Inside the Bluetooth MIDI Revolution Changing How We Play and Learn
Smart Pianos and Connected Instruments: Inside the Bluetooth MIDI Revolution Changing How We Play and Learn

June 29, 2026

In January 2026, the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas included something that would have seemed out of place a decade ago: a piano technology exhibit generating genuine buzz alongside the televisions, smartphones, and AI gadgets that dominate the show floor. The products on display — connected instruments, app-integrated learning systems, multi-device MIDI setups — weren't novelties. They were the direction the piano industry is heading.

 

Continue Reading

Hybrid Pianos in 2026: What NAMM Revealed and Why This Category Is Winning Over Serious Pianists
Hybrid Pianos in 2026: What NAMM Revealed and Why This Category Is Winning Over Serious Pianists

June 22, 2026

For years, the piano world operated on a fairly clean division: acoustic instruments for those who could afford the space and maintenance, digital pianos for everyone else. That division has been eroding steadily, and by 2026, it has given way to something more interesting — a category of instruments that refuses to sit neatly on either side of the line.

Continue Reading