How do I shop for a used piano? continued...  

   The first step might be to decide on a price range and appearance you're comfortable
with. Remember, you'll see it everyday even when you don't play it.

   Visit the piano stores in your area. This will give you some idea of what pianos cost. Check the newspapers and look online to see what's available in your price range.

   When you find a piano that appeals to you, play it. Do you find it exciting? Does it inspire you?

   And finally, when you find a piano you think you want to buy, call me to arrange for an inspection. You  certainly wouldn't buy a used car without your mechanic's advice.

   Another good source of information is The Piano Book by Larry Fine (Brookside Press,
P0 Box 178, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130; hard cover $26.95, paper $16.95; 1-800-545-
2022  www.pianobook.com) It's an indispensable source of complete information on
buying a used or new piano, as well as how to maintain it afterwards. It has wonderful
explanations of how pianos work and reviews of dozens of different piano brands.