Modern man is a wholesale club animal, signing up for memberships at stores that offer great deals where things are purchased in bulk to pinch an occasional penny or two. This appeals to the bargain hunter in all of us, as there is no greater high than realizing we have saved money on a useful item.



This mentality can serve to work against us however, when it comes to purchasing high ticket items like a piano. Many of us will go to a general music store to make such a purchase and wonder why we cannot find the particular instrument we desire. What we fail to realize is, a piano, like a car or an antique, is an investment piece, and while it doesn't hurt to keep your eyes open for a steal of a deal, it is also prudent to search for quality. Below is a list of advantages why you should buy from an authorized piano store.

General store versus Piano store

The old adage that one gets what one pays for has never been truer when it comes to buying a piano. Novices in particular may not be aware of what to look for in such a complex instrument. In this regard, a store that caters to piano's in particular triumphs over a general music store, providing their customer base with the following advantages:

- A greater selection: as with any store that offers a variety of products, you will find a ton of instruments and only small selection of pianos at a general music store. A piano specialty store would be just the opposite, offering a veritable smorgasbord of options, from Story and Clark to Kimball's and Kawai. Indeed, there is a piano that suits the temperament and playing ability of any piano lover at piano base specialty shops.

- Stock and inventory: Piano stores also have more of what you want on hand and in stock. General stores may sell more or less of a given an item, and if pianos move less frequently, they won't order them as often. Because pianos are all that a piano based business will sell, you are most likely to find the precise instrument you want, when you need it.

- Knowledgeable advice: people who work in or own and run piano stores tend to be people who enjoy the instrument, play one or are in school studying it. Because of this, they will have a more in depth knowledge of various aspects of the piano. They will also be able to tell you how to care for it and can instruct you on how to keep it in tune or move it so it won't get injured. This information will help you not only deicide what to get, but will enable you to keep it in top condition once you get it home.

- Post purchase services: almost all new instrument come with a warranty or limited guarantee, but when you buy a piano from a piano store, you are likely to receive additional services with the purchase. For example, the person who owns the piano store may also be a professional tuner. This means they can get your piano back in playing condition should it fall out of tune. They may also offer piano repair services at a cut rate. Certain services may even be free for a limited time.

As you can see, there are numerous advantages to buying a piano via a reputable piano company as opposed to one from a general music store. Don't fall victim to the bargain basement mentality of the contemporary human animal when it comes to buying something as important as a piano. Do you homework, check out local dealerships,and above all, buy from the best!