Your child wants to learn to play the piano – a fantastic moment. Music opens up a new world, stimulates creativity, and helps with concentration. But the first question soon arises: which instrument should you buy? A new piano is often a significant investment. That’s why many parents choose a second-hand piano.
And that’s not a bad idea. Second-hand pianos are generally more affordable, often well-built, and have a unique character. With proper maintenance, they can last for decades. Moreover, buying a second-hand instrument is a sustainable choice: you give a beautiful instrument a second life.
Still, there are also points to consider. Not every used piano is a good deal. In this article, you will find a clear checklist to help you as a parent make the right choice.
First determine what your child needs
Acoustic or digital?
An acoustic piano offers the most authentic playing experience, but requires maintenance and can be loud. A digital piano is cheaper, maintenance-free, and can be played with headphones.
How much space do you have at home?
Digital pianos take up little space. Acoustic pianos demand more room and are less easy to move.
How motivated is your child already?
For beginners who are still unsure, a second-hand or digital piano can be a safe choice. For motivated students, a higher quality acoustic piano may be worth the investment.
What to pay attention to when buying a second-hand piano
The condition of the keys and pedals
Check if keys spring back smoothly and if pedals work well without additional noises.
Tuning stability and sound quality
Ask about the tuning and listen to the sound. A flat, dull, or false sound is a warning.
Age and brand of the piano
Top brands like Yamaha, Kawai, or Steinway often have a longer lifespan. However, be careful: overly old pianos can cause problems.
Has there been regular maintenance?
Ask about the maintenance history. Annual tuning and care significantly extend the lifespan.
Handy tips for buying
Always test the piano yourself or bring a teacher
A piano teacher can identify hidden defects more quickly.
Ask about the instrument’s history
Age, number of owners, and repairs provide insight into reliability.
Check transport and tuning costs in advance
Include these additional costs in your budget.
Be wary of deals that are too cheap
Very cheap pianos often hide serious defects.
Personal tip from experience
Many parents in The Hague find an acoustic piano for free or cheaply. But often, these instruments are more than 100 years old and poorly maintained. Restoration often costs more than the value of a good digital piano.
👉 My advice: if in doubt, bring a piano tuner with you. They often know well-maintained instruments and can help you make a safe choice.
Where to find reliable second-hand pianos in The Hague
Piano stores in the region
- Bouwman Piano’s – specialized in refurbishing and selling second-hand pianos.
- Jos Deling Piano’s – piano technician with a range of refurbished instruments.
- Emile van Leenen (Leiden) – large selection of second-hand pianos with warranty.
Private sellers
Be critical, test thoroughly, and bring an expert.
Online platforms
At Marktplaats or specialized sites: pay attention to photos, complete descriptions, and always go to listen and test yourself.
Alternatives: a digital piano for starters
Benefits of digital
Maintenance-free, affordable, with headphones and extra features like a metronome and sounds.
When to switch to acoustic
If your child is still enthusiastic and serious after a year, switching to acoustic can help them grow further.
How Studio MusicalMente can help
At Studio MusicalMente in The Hague, we help parents and children with both piano lessons and instrument selection.
- Children try different instruments during lessons.
- Parents receive personal advice and guidance.
This way you avoid unfortunate purchases and increase the chance that your child will continue to enjoy making music.
Conclusion: Make a choice that suits your child
A second-hand piano can be an excellent choice: affordable, sustainable, and often of solid quality.
Whether you choose a digital or acoustic piano: the most important thing is that your child can start with joy.
👉 Ready to start? Book a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your goals and see how I can help you with piano lessons in The Hague.
Who am I?
I am Luca Ridolfo and I founded Studio MusicalMente in 2018. I have been driven by music since I was a child. But I was not a Musical Prodigy. I had a lot of fun making music and a drive to learn more about it. My music teachers supported me and always encouraged me to keep going.
And indeed, I continued until I completed a music education at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague. And even now, I never stop learning.
I firmly believe that everyone can improve their musicality and that this should not only be reserved for children. That’s why I decided to open a music school for adults in The Hague.
I believe that learning creative hobbies with experienced role models is one of the best ways to develop new skills and learn more about yourself.