Having a piano in the house is the ultimate symbol of class and sophistication, not to mention, it fills the home with music and really brings people together. Of course, buying a piano is not something that most people do on a whim. Pianos are complex instruments and, as such, have a fairly high price tag to go along with them.

If you’ve decided to purchase a piano, you may be wondering what to look for. As with other instruments, there is a lot of variation here. There are many factors to consider before making your selection and you certainly don’t want to drop a ton of cash on an instrument that doesn’t suit your needs. Here are some questions to consider before making your piano purchase.

Acoustic or Digital?

One of the biggest choices people have to make when buying a piano is whether to get an acoustic or digital instrument. Many people feel that the only way to experience the true piano sound is to have an acoustic piano. The sound that you hear when you press the keys is the true sound of the instrument’s parts. The sounds is rich and full and each acoustic instrument has its own characteristics and quirks. If you’re looking for something truly one-of-a-kind then an acoustic piano may be the best choice for you. That said, acoustic pianos can be pricey to buy and to maintain.

Digital pianos are relatively new on the music scene. They produce a sound made to mimic the sound of an acoustic piano. If you’re leaning towards a digital instrument, you’ll want to test some out to find one that has the sound you want. The feel of digital pianos is different too. Some digital piano manufacturers weight the keys to make them feel more like the feel of acoustic keys. Some of the great things about having a digital piano are the price, the fact that they don’t need to be tuned, and the portability (they tend to be much lighter and are definitely less prone to damage in moving).

What Is Your Budget?

As with any bigger purchase, planning out the budget ahead of time is a good idea. Pianos are large, intricate instruments and, as such, come with a fairly large price tags. Knowing the amount you have to spend will likely help you narrow down the options. Digital pianos tend to be much more affordable than acoustic ones and within each category there is a wide range of quality and prices.

An acoustic upright usually ranges in price from about $4000 to $8000. A baby grand or grand piano will come in anywhere from $6000 to over $10,000. Digital pianos often cost around $1000 to $2000, but can be found for less. You’ll need to weigh the options that fit within your budget and make the best choice for your needs. Keep in mind that if you plan on using the instrument for years to come or if you have a piano student in the household who will probably be sticking with the instrument, you may want to invest in a bit higher quality piano rather than having to upgrade later. Of course, you also don’t want to overextend to the point that you don’t even enjoy playing it.

Who Will Be Playing It?

One of the biggest considerations when choosing a piano is who will be playing the instrument. Will it be played by just one person? Are there several members of the household who will be using it? Are some of the players beginners? There are many factors to consider. Think about the skill level of each person who will be playing the instrument and about what he/she is used to playing. If you have someone in the house who is just learning to play, consider the fact that those skills will probably advance over time; you’ll need to decide if you should go with something more lasting right away or plan to upgrade in the future.

Getting a piano is an exciting prospect. This type of instrument adds an unparalleled charm and warmth to a home. Just be sure to do your research ahead of time and test out a range of options before making your final selection.  And once you purchase one, be sure to keep it in tip-top shape with these tips.