School me on Pianos

[mustang_revival]

My oldest turns 6 next month, I want to get him a piano.

I'm thinking a used upright from craigslist. - my budget is ~500.00

I like upright b/c they take up less room, and I have less of an investment into something that very may well end up somewhat mistreated by two rambunctious boys. Also it is easier to move, I don't want to have to pay for someone to move it, tune it, etc, etc...

I would like to know if anyone else has gone this route and has any useful suggestions..

Thanks in advance.

[Silverback]

why get a piano when you can get a keytar?

[Hicompression]

I bought my son's piano off of Craigslist. I got it for $350. I had it delivered and tuned by a piano moving company for an additional $100.

[71chevellejohn]

beat me to it.

[jdgregory84]

They're heavy

[mustangguy289]

Keyboard would be better and more fun for the child.

[SVT Lurch]

You'll want to get it tuned after you get it. Expect to spend $100 - $200 for that so if your total budget is $500, you'll want to buy the piano for no more than $300 - $350.

Unless your child has perfect pitch the brand/quality of the piano likely will not matter as long as all the keys work.

If they are just starting I agree that a keyboard would be better to start. Most of them have a "damper pedal" now so the only difference between the keyboard and a real piano is the feel (but honestly that differs from piano to piano so your child will need to learn to adjust anyway).