My Piano Buying Story

We are a growing family with three boys. We live in an eleven-hundred square foot home. All three boys shared a room because my over 5 foot piano had it's own room! Ha! I started homeschooling, so the elephant in the room when I pleaded for more space was "sell the piano." No way! There is no way that I am selling my piano! We need to figure something else out pronto. My piano is staying put! And living on an associate Pastor's salary, buying a new home was totally out of the question. So I reluctantly considered the slight possibility that selling my large piano and buying an upright might be the best solution for our family. *Long Sigh!

Well this began the 2 month process of selling my piano, researching pianos for hours and hours, testing pianos, searching for pianos....ay yi yi! Very tiring. But I narrowed my search. I was looking for a studio upright piano. I wanted it black, because those look professional. And I had a small budget. So I looked on craigslist for just that "black upright piano." I found a lot. I tried a lot. The Kawai's were good, but out of my price range.

"Yes I will take that $9000 Schimmel!" Ha...also out of my price range. Yeesh.

I didn't want a professional piano. Honestly, raising kids is becoming more important than teaching, so for the time being, I just wanted something cheap. Something cheap that sounds good and looks nice.

Is that where you might be? Isn't that where we all are at? Sounds nice...check. Looks good...check. Cheap!..check check check.

I had an $1000 budget. When buying a used upright piano, this is the budget you should set. I looked at pianos that were listed for $1000, but I would have never paid that! I would have offered maybe $650...because then you need to tack on professional mover fees $200 (Do not avoid that!), and the professional tuner $130.

One night, I found someone one hour north of me selling a black, upright, Samick piano for $450. They needed it gone in three days because of moving. Samick is a great basic entry level piano. Perfect for any beginner. They said it was good condition, no sticky or broken keys. I totally took a gamble on it. Called the professional movers at 7 am in the morning (call them early for deals like this!). They were able to pick it up that day at 3:00 pm. I actually hired the movers before I made an offer on the piano! I made the sellers an offer of $300 and I would have it gone that day at 3:00 pm. They accepted my offer. Total gamble...but for $300! I asked the right questions (buying a piano) and went for it.

This is what I got for $300!

I love it! Well...for 300 bucks I love it! You can't beat "plays well, looks great, and cheap!"

So when you are searching to buy a piano, look everyday on craigslist, because who knows what you might end up finding!