Q1. Is it better to buy a new or used piano?
A: Put simply, it is best to buy a GOOD piano. Realistically if you are spending less than $2000, you are likely to buy 'someone else's problem', with most pianos of extreme age and poor condition. When a tuner comes out to tune an old piano, and finds the pianos untunable, or needing a major overhaul, the owner often asks what to do with it. The usual answer is "You can either dump it, or do what most people do and put it in the Trading Post or on eBay."
When buying from a piano store, the store may favour either new or used, depending on what they specialise in. There are good new pianos and good used pianos. However, a good premium used piano will outperform a basic student new piano, so it is important to talk to us to ensure you select the most appropriate piano for your individual needs.

Q2. What about Acoustic or 'Real' pianos vs. Digital pianos?
A: As it is now possible to purchase a new digital piano which meets exam approval for accuracy of touch from as little as $700, digital pianos represent the ideal alternative for budgets under $2000. Digital pianos represent a much safer alternative to a really old traditional piano, as they are in tune, don't need tuning, and can be practised day or night with headphones. Digital pianos do lose value more quickly and will not last as long as a traditional piano, so when buying, a new, exam approved value for money instrument of reputable brand (eg: Casio) is recommended.
Advanced playing levels demand performance that is beyond a digital piano's capability, regardless of price. Remember that beyond Grade 4 Classical, a student will 'outgrow a digital piano', and a professional acoustic piano will become a necessity.

Q3. I've heard some pianos are not made for Australian conditions. Is this true?
A: The question that should be asked is 'What are Australian conditions?' If 3 Yamaha pianos go to Cairns, Broken Hill and the Snowy Mountains, all with extremely different temperatures and humidity, which of the 3 are 'Australian conditions'??
In my opinion, this is basically propaganda from piano makers, designed to scare people into buying inferior budget new pianos over high performance, one-owner pianos. Ask yourself, will a brand new Daewoo outperform a low mileage BMW? A good quality new or like-new condition piano should be built to handle all Australian conditions, and pianos built in Japan generally offer exceptional quality control. Alex Steinbach pianos, which offer a lifetime warranty, are probably the most robust new pianos to suit various Australian conditions. We will ensure you receive an unbiased opinion on piano selection.

Q4. What are the best brands of pianos to buy?
A: Today, brand names can be misleading, and make it very hard to make an informed decision. For example, many Yamaha upright pianos are made in Indonesia and China, and of inferior material construction to the 'U' series, which is made in Japan. Many Kawai models are made in China (and not even made by Kawai!) This is why we only carry Yamaha and Kawai models that are genuinely made in Japan.
Beale is another example. These pianos are rebadged from China, using a famous (but long since closed) Australian brand name.
Our policy is to judge every piano on its merits, based on quality and value for money.

Q5.Why buy a piano from a reputable store, rather than eBay or the Classifieds?
A: The soundest advice is: If you don't know pianos, know your piano dealer!
Buying a piano from eBay or unknown internet locations is fraught with danger. Risks include identity theft, credit card fraud, international scams, and knowing if the piano or piano seller actually exist!
Remember, sellers can artificially inflate their approval ratings, and the prices often bear no relationship to the true value of the piano. Many are literally 'throwaway' pianos, without the protection of warranty. Pianos do have a use-by date, and in the past nobody would actually buy a piano without seeing it. How can you see a cracked Iron Frame in a photo? Because of the anonymity of the internet, people are taking unnecessary risks. Even a recognised brand can have a structural problem that only a piano technician could identify. The Morris brothers have been finding great pianos for people for 20 years, all with the peace of mind of a 5 year warranty.