Opus 38 Studio Blog written by Lisa Maresch
One of the first questions I hear from new students is:
“What piano should I buy?”
The best instrument depends on your goals, your living space, and your budget. Here’s a simple guide to help you choose.
My Recommendation
For most Opus38 families living in San Francisco, I recommend one of these options:
Best Overall: A quality acoustic upright piano or grand piano
Best for Apartments & Busy Professionals: An 88-key weighted digital piano with headphones
Best of Both Worlds: A hybrid piano
Option 1: Acoustic Piano
Approximate Cost: $3,000+
Best For
- Students committed to long-term piano study
- Families with enough space
- Those who love the sound and feel of a real piano
Pros
- Rich, beautiful tone
- Most responsive touch
- Develops the best technique and musicianship
- Can last for generations
Things to Consider
-
- Requires tuning about twice a year
- Needs professional movers
- Louder for apartments or shared walls
- Sensitive to temperature and humidity
Option 2: Digital Piano
Approximate Cost: $500-$10,000
Best For
- Apartment living
- Busy professionals
- Families with flexible schedules
- Students who practice early mornings or late evenings
Look For
- ✔ 88 weighted keys
- ✔ Touch-sensitive keyboard
- ✔ Sustain pedal
- ✔ USB or MIDI connectivity
Pros
- No tuning required
- Practice quietly with headphones
- Easy to move
- Great for city living
- Connects to learning apps and computers
Keep in Mind
Even the best digital piano cannot completely replicate the touch and resonance of an acoustic piano.
Option 3: Hybrid Piano
Approximate Cost: $5,000-$20,000
Best For
- Students who want an acoustic feel with modern convenience
- Homes where quiet practice is important
Pros
-
- More realistic touch than most digital pianos
- Headphone capability
- Little maintenance
- Excellent compromise for city living
Before You Buy
Ask yourself:
Where do you live?
- Apartment or condo
- Single-family home
- Shared living space
When will you practice?
- Before work
- After school
- Evenings
- Late at night
Who will be playing?
- Young beginner
- Adult beginner
- Multiple family members
- Advanced pianist
What’s your budget?
- Buy new
- Buy used
- Rent first
- Finance over time
Buying a Used Piano?
Before purchasing, ask:
- Is it in good working condition?
- Has it been regularly maintained?
- Is delivery included?
- Is there a warranty?
- Can a piano technician inspect it first?
When possible, bring your teacher or hire a piano technician to evaluate the instrument before purchasing.
Where to Shop
Local Piano Dealers
- Steinway Gallery
- Yamaha Dealers
Online Marketplaces
- Facebook Marketplace
- Nextdoor
- Amazon (digital pianos)
My Advice
You don’t need the most expensive piano—you need the right piano.
A quality instrument that encourages regular practice is always a better investment than an expensive one that doesn’t fit your lifestyle.
If you’re unsure what to buy, we are always happy to help Opus38 families choose an instrument that fits their goals, space, and budget before making a purchase.
