Piano Rentals

In general most piano dealers rent either new or used pianos as well as digital pianos.   You aren't sure what a digital piano is? A digital piano should not be confused with an electric keyboard.  An electric keyboard is a cheap musical instrument that uses a keyboard interface. It usually has a drum kit and many different synthesized sounds included. A true digital piano is manufactured to duplicate a real acoustic piano in all ways.  It has 88 full sized keys, is touch sensitive, (the harder you strike the key the louder the sound produced) and most importantly the keys are weighted (the forces required to maintain key movement in both directions: up and down).  Electric keyboards should be avoided like the plague when considering rentals!  Here are a number of points to keep in mind when looking to rent:

1. You should find a dealer that has a reputable standing in your community and has been in business for an established period of time.
2. Avoid the 'holiday-seasonal' rental locations around Christmas. 
3. You should also avoid local music stores or music chain stores for piano rentals. Go to a piano dealer.
4. Find a rental that allows you to apply at least six months of rental payments, less tax, toward a future purchase.
5. Find out if delivery fees are included toward a purchase.
6. Find a program that will let you rent a digital piano and still apply the payments toward an acoustic piano and visa versa.
7. Avoid purchasing a piano that you are renting unless you are renting a brand new piano.
8. Learn about pianos before you decide on which brand to rent or purchase.  Purchase a copy of The Piano Book by Larry Fine, available at amazon.com to learn nearly all you need to know about pianos.
9. Try not to rent from a dealer that limits your selection to merely one brand of piano.
10. Digital pianos work just fine for beginners and do not need to be tuned. This provides you with lower maintenance costs.  Look for digital pianos made by Yamaha, Roland, Technics, and Kurzweil.
11. Make sure all piano deliveries and pick ups are carried out by professional piano movers, not just general movers.
12. Don't rent a 'cheap' piano. Low quality spinet pianos, 36" - 39" high, are not always better than a good quality digital piano.
13. It is worth your while to rent a  high quality piano, especially if your payments apply toward the purchase.
14. Do not let the aesthetic look of the piano cabinet be your only deciding factor!

If you aren't careful
with that rental
instrument, you'll
end up paying more
than 3 times it's
actual value!