Even though almost every piano can still produce sound regardless of its condition, the widespread statement in advertisements that '...just need to be tuned...' is usually not true.
With good care, even a piano that is well over a hundred years old can still be in good condition - in principle, it can be assumed that there are obvious and hidden defects of age and use, which can also mean a total economic loss.
We offer the piano assessment and evaluation of your instrument as a paid service.
A piano has basically three elements.
the acoustic system
(cast frame, soundboard, strings including tuning pegs, soundpost)
the mechanics incl. keyboard and pedal system
the body.
Provided that the body has no material damage (cracks or fractures), only the acoustic system and action/piano are relevant for the assessment of the condition in terms of playability and sound. The overall assessment of the current value of the instrument as well as any restoration costs also takes the condition of the body into consideration. If the body is critically damaged or infested with pests or mould, the piano is only suitable for use in living rooms after it has been professionally renovated.
Critical substance damage is usually not easy for the layman - and not infrequently for experts - to detect. Anything that severely restricts or even makes it impossible to tune and playability is critical. This includes
While normal wear and tear on e.g. the mechanics can be repaired with reasonable effort, substance damage can only be repaired at great financial expense.
It is recommended to ask the previous owner when the instrument was last tuned, how regularly it was tuned and at what pitch it was tuned. The previous piano tuner has certainly also made valuable statements about the tuning position. In any case, we recommend that you bring a piano expert along to viewings, especially if you are buying privately. It is also best if you buy a piano from a dealer. In addition to other standard tools, the dealer should also have an air humidity and wood moisture meter with him to check the situation on site and in the instrument.