Welcome to LivingPianos.com, I’m Robert Estrin. Today’s question is: What can you do with a bad piano? Having a piano that doesn’t meet your expectations can be frustrating, whether you want to restore it to its former glory or simply need to find a new home for it. This article explores two primary scenarios you might face with a less-than-ideal piano and provides practical advice for each.
Restoring a Piano to a Higher Quality
If you’re hoping to transform your current piano into a better instrument, there are a few steps you can take. First, consider consulting a piano technician. An experienced technician can assess whether your piano, which might have been a high-quality instrument in its prime, can be restored to a better state with some servicing.
However, if your piano is significantly deteriorated and requires major repairs, be prepared for potential challenges. Restoration can be costly and may not always yield predictable results. The end product might feel and sound quite different from your original piano, and the costs involved could exceed the value of the instrument.
An alternative approach is to sell or trade in your piano. Many piano dealers, such as Living Pianos, accept trades and can help you find a replacement that better suits your needs. This option allows you to know exactly what you’re getting with your new piano.
Dealing with an Unwanted Piano
If you have a piano that you no longer wish to keep, perhaps because it’s been neglected or simply takes up space, there are several options to consider:
1. Selling the Piano: The possibility of selling the piano depends largely on its condition. If it doesn’t look or sound good, finding a buyer might be difficult unless it’s a high-end brand like Steinway or another premium brand with restoration potential. For a lower-end piano, platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay are good starting points.
2. Listing for Free: If selling the piano seems unfeasible, consider giving it away. Websites like PianoAdoption.com can connect you with individuals who might be interested in taking the piano off your hands.
3. Professional Disposal: As a last resort, you might need to arrange for the piano to be professionally disposed of. Unfortunately, many pianos end up in landfills each year, which is a disappointing end for instruments with potential.
Additional Considerations
If the piano you’re dealing with is from a lesser-known brand or one that’s no longer manufactured, you might face additional hurdles in finding someone willing to restore it. Some companies specialize in high-quality American pianos, but many may not undertake restoration for brands that are not widely recognized.
If restoration or selling doesn’t seem viable, consider creative repurposing. Some people transform old grand pianos into unique furniture pieces, such as using the case as a bookshelf or installing a digital piano inside the original frame for a blend of traditional and modern aesthetics.
Whether you’re looking to restore a piano to its former glory or need to find a new home for it, understanding your options can help you make the best decision. From professional assessments and repairs to selling, giving away, or repurposing, there are several ways to handle a less-than-ideal piano. If you have any other ideas about what to do with an unwanted piano, leave them in the comments here at LivingPianos.com and on YouTube! I’m Robert Estrin here at LivingPianos.com, Your Online Piano Store. Thanks for joining me!
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