What to Look For in a Used Digital Piano

Playing the piano is an excellent way to get creative and learn a new skill. However, these instruments can be quite costly; even their digital piano counterparts can cost hundreds of dollars. Luckily, you can find used digital pianos for much less than the cost of a new one.

In good condition, a used digital piano can provide all of the benefits of a new one. Things to check include the parts, keys, sound, and any accessories that might come with it. The manufacturer’s warranty could have expired, but this could be an excellent way to get a quality keyboard at a discount.

Whether you’re new to playing the piano or looking for a digital one, it’s always worth considering the secondary market. While technology is always advancing, and some parts can wear down over time, a well-kept digital piano is an excellent alternative. 

Should I Buy a Used Digital Piano?

Whether you’re looking for your first digital piano or searching for an upgrade, adding used keyboards to your list may offer you a chance to own a higher quality branded model than your budget dictates. They can be an excellent alternative to new models because they can provide many benefits. 

Benefits of Used Digital Pianos

Beginners through professional piano players can enjoy the benefits of buying a used digital piano. Not only are used models more affordable, but they can be surprisingly easy to find. 

• Used instruments are almost always cheaper than their newer versions. As with any other valuable item that is used over time, a digital piano will slightly decrease in value. While that can be bad for the seller, buyers can use that to snag an amazing deal. (Tip: When you go to buy a used digital piano, make sure you negotiate. While some sellers won’t budge on the price, it doesn’t hurt to try. You might just get a keyboard for even less.)
• Some used digital pianos come with extra accessories. For example, if someone is selling a used piano, they might also include things like a foot pedal or a piano bench. New keyboards don’t always come with those same add-ons, requiring the buyer to purchase them separately.
• Used digital pianos are easy to find. If there’s a specific make of a digital piano that you’re looking for (especially older models), you are most likely to find it used either online, a secondhand shop, or through a third-party marketplace app. 

Benefits of New Digital Pianos

While there are many reasons to buy used digital pianos, you should also consider what you potentially lose out on. New pianos have a few benefits to consider, as well. For many players, these things won’t be a deal-breaker, but it’s good to know about them. 

Some piano players might want peace of mind by having a new instrument. New digital keyboards will come with a manufacturer’s warranty, all of the necessary parts in full working order, and confidence that there will be no wear and tear.

However, security and peace of mind come with a higher price tag. Unless you’re looking for something super specific, you don’t necessarily need to buy a new digital piano. Many used models can get the job done, and as always, it depends on what your expectations are and what you want to achieve with it.

“Life is like a piano. What you get out of it depends on how you play it.” -Tom Lehrer

What to Look For in a Used Digital Piano

If you’ve decided to shop for a used digital piano, it’s important to know what to look for and which parts need some attention. While you can trust the quality of almost any new instrument, the used market can vary. Luckily, you don’t have to be a master of the piano to distinguish the wheat from the chaff. The following are a few things to look for as you search through the used listing: 

The Parts

When checking any piece of electronic equipment, you should check all of its parts. A digital piano has multiple moving parts that can affect how playable or usable it is. Make sure to check these things when you’re going through the testing process.

• Make sure there’s a power cord that plugs into the back of the keyboard and that it’s free from damage. The last thing you want is for the seller to have switched the cord or provided a faulty one.
• If a keyboard uses batteries, make sure the battery cover is intact and that you know what type of cells it uses.
• Also, on the bottom of the piano, check the condition of the rubber areas. These areas are what touch the stand or another surface you put the keyboard on.
• You might also want to ask if a keyboard stand is available or what stand the seller would recommend.
• If you need to practice without disturbing others, make sure the keyboard has a working headphone jack.
• You should also consider if there’s a MIDI or USB plug, which will allow you to use the keyboard with your computer.

Another critical part to consider is the shape of the casing. Rounded edges can be safer if you have children or pets. However, they aren’t as stable if you ever need to set the keyboard on its side. 

The Keys

When comparing digital pianos, you will probably notice that some are longer than others. Acoustic pianos all have the standard 88 keys. Many digital models have a full keyboard, but some have fewer keys for portability or other reasons.

• If you know you will need an extensive range, consider looking for full-sized keyboards. Then, you won’t have to worry about not having the full range. However, not everyone needs all 88 keys.
• If you’re just starting to learn the piano, you can start with a smaller keyboard. A smaller keyboard can come in handy if you don’t have space for a full-sized version. Smaller keyboards are also easier to transport, which can help you take your piano to social engagements or gigs.
• Popular configurations include 61 or 76 keys, though some can have as few as 37 keys. A piano with 76 keys is a good compromise between size and range. If you plan to take piano lessons, ask your teacher what they would recommend.
• You should also consider how wide each individual key is. The standard width for the white keys is 0.93in (23.5mm). If the keys are too narrow, they can be challenging to play.
• While the piano is off, press down some of the white and black keys a few times and listen for any noise the keys themselves make. Rattling or noisy keys can be distracting and show signs of overuse. 
• Do the keys have the notes written on them. For some players, this can be helpful, but they can be annoying for more advanced musicians. You should also consider how easy the notes will be to remove and clean. If it looks hard, you might be able to negotiate a lower price.

The Sound

The bread and butter of any musical instrument is how it sounds. If you find the perfect used digital piano, you have to consider the sound quality and variety. Even as a beginner, you can test for the sound of a digital piano.

• Turn on the keyboard, and set it to a standard piano sound. Make sure the volume is in the middle of its range.
• Play each key from left to right. Don’t forget to play each white and each black key, and press the key down with enough force.
• If any of the keys don’t produce sound or the volume is uneven, you should probably avoid the instrument. A possible exception will be if the issue is on the lowest or highest key.
• As you play the notes, pull out a digital tuner or a tuner app. Make sure the notes get higher as you move from left to right and that they’re in tune. Unfortunately, you can’t correct the tuning of digital pianos.
• If you like using different sound effects, don’t be afraid to play around with those. Make sure that they make the right expected sound, at least the ones you know you’ll use.
• You should also check the volume level. While you should start in the middle, make sure the keyboard can get relatively soft and relatively loud. As you check the volume, make sure they both the speakers work well.

You could find the perfect digital piano with all of the right accessories. But if there’s something wrong with the sound, it will likely need a professional repair, and this could be a valid reason to look elsewhere. It’s better to compromise on the price or included accessories than to get an instrument with sound issues.

The Feel

While not as important as the sound, the way a digital piano feels can make a huge difference. The most common difference in feel comes down to if the keys are weighted or unweighted. Weighted keyboards feel like acoustic pianos, while unweighted keyboards will have lighter keys.

Both options can be suitable for different types of players. It depends on your preference, so consider which might be better for you.

Weighted Keys	Unweighted Keys
Better for classical players, jazz players and anyone who sometimes uses acoustic pianos	Good for anyone with muscle or joint problems that make it hard to press down
Useful for building technique, regardless of style or genre	Helpful for contemporary pieces that require a light touch

You might also find semi-weighted keys, which have a bit of weight to them. However, you don’t have to have the same technique as with weighted keys. Graded weight and hammer action keyboards can offer a more acoustic feel since they attempt to replicate the feel of the keys on an acoustic piano.

If you’re used to playing acoustic pianos, getting an unweighted keyboard can be a considerable change. The same is true if you’ve played unweighted keyboards and switch to one with weighted keys.

Feeling the piano keys and how they play is one reason why you should test it in person before you buy it. While the seller can record the sounds for you, you need to feel the instrument for yourself. Then, you’ll know whether it’s comfortable and compatible with you.

The Accessories

Most digital pianos don’t work well without a few accessories. Of course, you can play a few notes or even full songs with the keyboard. However, there are some things you should consider adding to your set up.

Some people will include accessories with the purchase. As you shop around, look to see if sellers offer anything special with the instrument.

• One of the most important things to have is a keyboard stand. Unless you plan to dedicate a desk or tabletop to your piano, you’ll need something to hold it up.
• Some digital pianos come with an integrated stand. However, if the model you get doesn’t have that, you’ll need to get one or use an alternative.
• It can also help to have a piano bench or some sort of seat. Some people play the piano standing up, but many classical and jazz players sit to play. Of course, you can always use a chair you already have, but you will need some adjustability, whether that comes from the chair or stand, so that you can sit comfortably at the piano.
• If you are playing the piano a lot, you should also look for one with a foot pedal. The most common pedal is a sustain pedal, which helps you extend the sound of notes. It’s common in music, so if a digital piano doesn’t have one, you may need to buy one separately.
• Other less common yet helpful piano accessories include headphones, MIDI cables, and batteries.

When you buy a used digital piano, you should look for other benefits. If a seller is willing to include a stand, bench, and foot pedal, that’s a great option. You won’t have to worry about finding those accessories and making sure they work well with your piano.

The Price

Finally, you should consider the price. There’s no point in buying something used if it’s almost the same price as a new model. As you look at used digital pianos, consider what they cost as new.

• If a used price is close to the new one, it might be too high. On the other hand, if a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. A very cheap piano might have tons of problems.
• You should also compare the prices of a few different used models. Consider the specs, like the number of keys, key weight, and accessories. Then, you can start with the instrument with a better value.
• As much as you may want the lowest price, the value is just as important. You might find a used digital piano for $20, but it might not work or serve your needs. Don’t hesitate to pass on good deals if they don’t fill all of your requirements.
• Also, consider negotiating when buying a used instrument. Of course, you should propose a fair offer if you want the seller to consider it. However, you don’t always have to pay the listed price.

Final Tips for Buying Used Digital Pianos

Here are some final tips to consider when purchasing a used digital piano: 

• Start with the basics. As long as you have a good sense of sound and feel, you can check for technical problems. Research common faults for the brands and makes you are interested in.
• You can also do some research to determine what specs or models might be best for you. Of course, no two piano players have the same needs or wants in a keyboard.
• It doesn’t matter if you’re shopping for a $100 keyboard or a $1,000 keyboard. You should consider everything from how the digital piano looks to how it plays and sounds. If you know what to look for, you can decide if a keyboard is right for you or if you should pass on it.
• While you’re shopping, consider the quality and condition of the instrument and all of its parts. You can also ask the seller questions to learn more about the piano. If you know how to test out a digital piano, you can make sure it has all of the right components.
• Some used digital pianos are in better condition than others. If a seller doesn’t want you to test the instrument, that could be a bad sign. Make sure you get to inspect the digital piano before you buy it.
• New digital pianos won’t have any wear and tear. They typically play well out of the box and will come with a manufacturer’s warranty.
• Two new digital pianos that are the same model will have the same or very similar prices, but that’s not always the case for used pianos. A lack of price regulation here can be a good thing and can help you negotiate a better price for a used version.

Final Thoughts

If you want to buy a digital piano, buying used has many benefits, such as a lower price, more accessories, or greater availability. However, it is essential to consider the instrument’s condition, how it sounds and feels, and what comes with it before making a purchasing decision. That way, you’ll be able to buy the right used digital piano for you.