Prioritize Touch and Regulation Over Brand

When buying a piano, don’t let brand hype drive your choice. A piano should feel and respond beautifully, not just look impressive out of the box. Favor a grand and have a seasoned piano technician assess its touch, tone, and regulation. A good technician tunes the action, voicing, and intonation to produce a balanced, musical voice—often more important than a pristine new finish. Ask for a hands-on test with scales and expressive passages, and consider the piano’s potential after a professional setup. Remember: the most expensive instrument can still require work to reach concert-level playability.