Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common questions we see at MakeAnOfferPianos.com. If you do not see your question here, please send it to us using our consulting form. If you have questions regarding the shipping of a piano you can contact us though the Shipping Information Form.

Is this an auction site? Do I bid on the piano of my choice?: Make an Offer Pianos.com is not an auction site. There is no bidding. You can choose from any of the used and/or closeout pianos listed here, or let us know what new piano you are looking for. Make an Offer, we'll do our best to get your dream piano. It's really that simple!

Who delivers the piano to my home after a purchase has been made through Make An Offer Pianos.com?: You make the choice! Excluding local deliveries, as a professional courtesy we will shop or "price out" reputable piano movers that are established professionals specializing in piano transportation. After receiving quotes based on delivery information provided by you, we will forward the movers names and price quotes directly to you.

In some rare cases, you may have the option of picking up the piano yourself, or if this is an institutional multi-piano purchase, special arrangements can be made.

In the end, anyone can move a piano, but will it be done by highly trained professionals?

Why Composite Action Parts?: Composites are strong, light-weight materials widely used in aviation and sports. Much like an alloy, a composite is made from two or more different materials. The resulting material benefits from the properties of both. Composite materials have important advantages over wood. Bicycles, tennis rackets, golf clubs, and now action parts have all benefited from modern materials.

Strength. Strength and rigidity are very important in an action part. Composite parts use Nylon and similar compounds as a base resin and a long fiber (Carbon) for stiffness. Maple, commonly used in piano actions, has an average strength of around 2,500 psi. Composite parts have a tensile strength of aprox. 31,000 psi - over ten times as strong.

Uniformity. Composites are uniform in strength and mass. Unlike wood, they possess equal strength in all three axes. This produces parts consistent in strength and mass while allowing designs not possible in wood.

Design. One manufacturer has designed a system of parts with the ability to easily correct action geometry and the flexibility to adapt to a wide variety of pianos.

Accuracy. Because of the accuracy of injection molding, manufacturers can make a more accurate part than can be achieved by conventional machining.

What is the difference between a digital piano and an acoustic piano?: Even though they may have keyboards that look alike, they are different. A digital piano is an electronic instrument that may or may not have weighted keys, and produces sound from reproduction of an acoustic piano sound, among other differences. An acoustic piano is mechanical, consisting of over 9,000 integral working parts which produce the beautiful, rich tonal color we so love to hear.

Once I purchase my piano, how often does it need to be tuned?: Manufacturers suggest an acoustic piano be tuned twice a year to standard pitch, A440. Not only does this keep the piano sounding beautiful, it also can head off preventable problems in the future.

As a teacher, do I need a certain level of instrument?: Yes. For your students, your piano is the vehicle of self expression and can provide the opportunity for gratifying recognition. Your piano must be up to the challenge of teaching far beyond scales and chords - technique, expression, dynamics and quality aural training will be the basics you need from the instrument.

Every instructor knows a quality piano is a major investment. The purchase of a piano capable of performing up to professional standards and enduring constant use is considerable. Keeping the piano performing at its best over the longest possible time requires regular maintenance.