Buying a piano

Buying a piano is much like buying a house. You have to look around first to find out what exactly you want. By studying what is available both online and in piano shops, auctions, newspaper listings etc, you get a better feel for the kind of the piano you want and how much it is likely to cost. You then visit and try out the pianos. When you buy a house, you get a surveyor to look at it. The surveyor will crush any unrealistic dreams you may have of the house. When you buy a second-hand piano, you get a piano tuner-technician to look at it. A piano is essentially a big box with string in. Unless you are an expert yourself, you won't know what to look for.
You can find many second-pianos for sale on shops websites. Save yourself a trip by asking the right questions via e-mail or by telephone at the piano shop. Has it got a guarantee?
What colour is it?
Is there a photo?
How old is it?
Who were the last owners?
Is there anything wrong with it?
is it tuned up to concert pitch A440?
Who are the makers?
Never buy a piano without trying it out first. It's advisable though not necessary to have a piano technician check it out.