When people want to buy or sell something secondhand, Craigslist is often the first place they think of. The site’s classified ads cover just about everything — including used pianos. In a busy market like Seattle, you might find a genuine gem or an expensive disappointment, and the photos alone will not tell you which.
A Hunt With Real Risk — and Real Rewards
Buying a piano on Craigslist is a hit-or-miss experience by nature: you are judging an instrument from a stranger’s photographs and a few lines of description. That does not mean you should avoid it — some of the best bargains are found there — but it does mean going in with your eyes open and, ideally, with some piano knowledge of your own or an expert at your side. Patience helps, too: the right piano at the right price is worth waiting for, and rushing into the first listing is how most regrets begin.
Do Your Price Homework
Many sellers simply want the piano gone. They may not know its true condition, its quality, or what it is worth — which can work in your favor, but only if you know the market. Before you contact anyone, research what similar pianos sell for by type and age. Do not let beautiful exterior photos win you over: if the listing shows only the outside, ask for pictures of the interior, the keys, and the action before you take the deal seriously.
Ask About Tuning
Call the seller and ask about the piano’s playing condition — and, most importantly, when it was last tuned. A piano should be tuned at least twice a year. If it has been five years since the last tuning, bring a tuner along to the viewing to check that the instrument will still hold a tune. If ten years or more have passed, it is probably not worth the trip at all.
Consider the Piano’s Age
An old piano can be a beautiful heirloom, but age affects more than looks. If you plan to play the instrument for years, ask the seller for its history and more photographs, and have your expert examine the keys, the soundboard, and the tuning stability in person. They can tell you whether the piano is a worthwhile investment or a handsome piece of furniture with a short musical future.
Bring an Expert — It Is the Best Money You Will Spend
The single best way to get a good deal on Craigslist is to have expert help. A piano technician can assess the instrument in minutes, spot the faults that photographs hide, and give you a straight answer before any money changes hands. You can also ask an expert to help you draw up a list of questions for the seller, so nothing important goes unasked.
Once It Is Yours, Move It Properly
A bargain piano stops being a bargain if it is damaged on the way home. Book a professional piano mover for the pickup, and share the seller’s details — stairs, tight doorways, and parking — so the crew arrives prepared.
Bought a piano on Craigslist? Piano Moving Craft will pick it up and deliver it safely anywhere around Renton and Seattle — just mention where you found it when you call (206) 530-6886 for your quote, and we will take care of the rest.