Meeting a piano, step by step
Inspecting a pre-owned piano rests on three things: how it feels, how it sounds, and what condition it is in inside. Playing and inspecting tell far more than a photo or a price. At the Zohar Pianos store and gallery, 28 Ben Atar, we would be glad to go through this list with you beside the pianos themselves, and compare several pianos one after another.
1. Playing and touch
Sit at a height that suits you and play slow and fast, loud and soft, across every part of the keyboard. Go over every key, from the lowest bass to the highest note, and look for a stable, even keyboard, where every key returns quickly and all the keys sit at the same height. Fast playing on the same note tests the repetition of the action.
The colour of the keys also says something about the piano's years, and what really matters is how they feel under your fingers: even, smooth, and returning quickly to place.
Play with the pedals too, and make sure they work smoothly and quietly: the right one sustains the sound, the left one softens it, and the middle one on uprights is usually a practice pedal that lowers a strip of felt between the hammers and strings and reduces the volume.
2. Sound
Listen for evenness from the bass to the treble, in both volume and colour - everything should sound like the same piano. Play a few chords and release them, and notice whether the sound stops cleanly. A piano teacher who comes with you can add a professional impression. And most important: that you love its tone.
3. Inside
This is the part that matters most: an intact soundboard at the back, clean strings and pins, thick, even felt on the hammers, original parts of uniform colour, and a clean smell of wood. It is a beautiful and interesting process to learn, and for your peace of mind we inspect every piano in depth and bring in only pianos in the best mechanical condition.
4. Where it came from and what is included
The serial number identifies the model, year and place of manufacture. Ask too what is included in the price - a bench, moving and tuning at home. Every piano move we do is fully insured from start to finish with comprehensive coverage, at no extra cost - so you are covered, protected and completely at ease.
5. When the piano is far away
When the piano is far away, you can start remotely: photos of the outside and inside - the hammers, strings, pins and back - and a short video of someone playing it. Ask when it was last tuned, who played it, and what has been serviced over the years. Where it stood in the home also says a lot: a piano placed by an interior wall, away from windows and air conditioning, keeps its wood and felts beautifully.
6. Your home
Measure doors, stairs and the lift, and choose a spot by an interior wall. If you also want to play late in the evening, it is worth getting to know a piano with a Silent system or a digital piano. After a move the piano settles, and one to two weeks after arrival a tuning is arranged.
7. A small list of your own
When you play several pianos one after another, in one visit or several, note down what you loved about each - sound, touch, look, and how you felt after a few minutes. This small list helps you remember what your heart chose. From here only a little planning remains: a spot at home, a moving date, and a first tuning in your home.
Next step
Bring the list to your visit at the store and gallery, message us on WhatsApp, or call 050-7750691. We will tell you honestly which piano suits you best, and whether it is worth starting with rental. We are here for you.
Links: New vs pre-owned · Pre-owned price comparison · Rental · A piano for an apartment · Low vs tall upright
Frequently asked questions
What is the first thing to check on a pre-owned piano?
Play every key and feel that the keyboard is even and every key returns quickly. Then listen to the sound and look inside.
What should I ask for before going to see a piano?
Photos of the outside and inside, a short video of it being played, and information on the last tuning and what has been serviced.
How long should I play each piano during an inspection?
A few minutes on each, with the same piece, and then return to the piano you loved once more at the end of the visit.
Can I check several pianos one after another?
Of course. At the store and gallery at 28 Ben Atar we go through the list beside several pianos in the same room.