Best Refurbished & Used Pianos: PianoMan Buying Guide for the new year

Buying a refurbished or used piano is one of the best ways to get exceptional tone, reliability, and craftsmanship without the cost of a brand-new instrument. Here at the PianoMan, we specialise in premium refurbished Yamaha and Kawai pianos—each restored by expert technicians and backed by our 5 year warranty.

If you’re shopping for a pre-owned piano, here’s everything you need to know.

---

Refurbished vs Used: What’s the Difference?

Refurbished Pianos

Refurbished pianos have been professionally restored – regulated, voiced, cleaned, refinished, and thoroughly inspected. At the PianoMan, every refurbished piano goes through our detailed and thorough inspection and includes a 5 year warranty for complete peace of mind.

Used Pianos

Used pianos are sold as-is, often privately, with minimal or no restoration. They can be great value, but condition varies widely, so always inspect carefully or bring a technician.

---

What to Look for When Inspecting a Piano

✔ 1. Exterior Condition

Check for cracks, fading, water damage, or uneven finishes. Keys should sit level and respond evenly.

✔ 2. Action & Soundboard

Play across the keyboard to feel for consistency. Look for cracks or repairs in the soundboard or pinblock, which can affect tuning stability.

✔ 3. Strings & Pedals

Avoid rusted or damaged strings. Pedals should move smoothly and return cleanly.

✔ 4. Service History

Ask about past maintenance and tuning if possible. While full documentation may not always be available, knowing when a piano was last serviced can help you gauge its condition and future needs.

---

Top Models We Recommend

Yamaha U1 & U3 Uprights

Our best selling refurbished models – known for reliability, durability, and superb resale value.

Yamaha C-Series & G-Series Grands

The most popular pre-owned Yamaha grands on the market. The C series, especially the renowned Yamaha C3, is highly sought after for its balanced size, expressive tone, and long-term dependability. The older G series models remain strong performers too, offering classic Yamaha quality at an attractive price point.

Kawai KG & GL Series

Warm tone, responsive action, and long lifespan make Kawai a favourite for beginners and advanced players alike.

We also stock select used grands and used uprights (e.g., Steinway, Schimmel, Kemble & other European makers), but Yamaha and Kawai remain our core specialty due to their consistency and long-term dependability.

---

Where to Buy Safely

Buy From a Specialist

You’ll get:

• A professionally refurbished instrument

• A 5 year warranty

• Expert support and after care service

Buying Privately

Great deals are possible, but risks are higher. Always arrange a viewing and consider hiring an independent piano tuner/technician to assess the condition.

---

Typical Pricing

• Refurbished Upright Pianos: usually 50-70% of the price of a new model.

• Used Grand Pianos: often 30-60% below new, depending on brand and age.

Refurbished Yamaha and Kawai uprights consistently offer the best value for long-term ownership.

---

Buying Tips

• Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true.

• Check tuning stability, action response, and pedal function.

• Ask for any restoration or service documentation.

• If unsure, get expert advice; we’re always happy to help.

---

FAQ

Are refurbished pianos worth it?
Absolutely. With expert restoration and a 5 year warranty, a refurbished piano offers near-new performance at a lower cost.

What age range is safe for used pianos?
20-50 years is ideal providing the piano has been well maintained/serviced

How much should I budget for initial servicing?
All our pianos come fully serviced and ready to play. Tuning cost start from £65 upwards.

---

Visit Our Leeds Showroom

If you’re considering a refurbished or used piano, we’d love to help you find the perfect instrument. At PianoMan Leeds, you can try a wide selection of refurbished Yamaha and Kawai models in person, speak with our technicians, and explore options backed by our 5 year warranty.

👉 Explore our current refurbished stock here: Browse Here
👉 Visit our Leeds showroom to play the pianos yourself, compare models, and get expert guidance.

Whether you’re a beginner, returning player, or advanced musician, our team will help you choose a piano you’ll love for years to come.