Should you burn your piano?

You should maybe burn your piano.

Have you ever thought about parting ways with your piano? As a piano tuner, it may seem counterintuitive for me to suggest this, as it reduces the number of pianos available for us to work on. However, allow me to explain.

I often receive requests to tune pianos that have been found on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, or stored in damp garages and sheds for years, neglected and forgotten. They are usually acquired with the assumption that a few minor issues can be easily fixed and the piano will be in a playable condition.

Unfortunately, this isn't always the case. Some of these pianos may have suffered irreparable damage from dampness, moths, or mold. Many people acquire these free pianos without fully understanding their condition, only to spend a significant amount of money on tuning and restoration and discover that they quickly fall out of tune or develop sticky keys due to humidity.

If you're considering picking up a free piano from anywhere, I urge you to check my post here on things you should look out for. For additional peace of mind, I offer an inspection service at a reduced price, compared to the hundreds of pounds it costs to deliver and restore an old piano. I want to help you avoid acquiring an unplayable instrument and guide you toward a piano that, with proper care, could last for generations.

While there are plenty of pianos available in generally good condition that simply need a little TLC to shine, there are also many pianos that I believe nobody should be burdened with. If you happen to possess an old, battered, untunable piano, I encourage you to let it go. Consider dismantling it and using it as firewood. I'm even willing to assist you with that.

But before you take any drastic steps, allow me to assess its value. You never know—it might be worth a decent amount. Refer to my post here for more information on piano valuation.

Please understand that my intention here is not to discourage tuning old pianos—some of them still possess incredible touch and tone, and the casing is often farm more ornate and beautiful than modern pianos. However, if I believe the tuning won't hold, I will inform you beforehand.

If you have any questions or require further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me!

Wishing you all the best,

Jon