Free second hand pianos on Marketplace & Gumtree

[oopsinamechangedagain2021]

I have always wanted to learn to play the piano but I didn't have the room for one or the time to learn. Now I have the time and the room so would love to get one, but can't really afford to pay out a lot of money for one. I've noticed there are quite a few free pianos on Facebook marketplace... are they likely to be any good? I would obviously expect to have to get it tuned and maybe some other maintenance, though I am not sure what this would entail, or how much it would cost. Any advice?

Thank you

I would imagine they are free as they are tricky to move. It is free, but you have to go get it!

My mum bought a broadwood grand for practically nothing in an online auction. It did cost more to get it moved. But there are defo bargains if you have space

Best advice is head to a piano dealer. The ones on Gumtree are free for a reason....

We got a piano for free off Freecycle years ago. It cost me to have it moved though. But actually, despite it being rather old and out of tune, my kids and I started learning to play on it.

After a year's lessons, once the kids were committed to learning and enjoyed playing, we went ahead and bought a second hand Yamaha. And donated the free piano to another home.

Our piano tuner charges around £50. Not sure how much moving a piano costs these days though.

Do you have a local FB group, OP? I asked on my local one if anyone was selling a piano and got offered one for free. Cost £100 to move it. DD had zoom lessons during lockdown and her piano teacher thinks it’s fine - she did recommend getting it tuned after 3 months or so. One think to look out for according to my FIL who took a free piano at some point in the 80s is woodworm.

The reason they are free is because they are difficult to move (you will need a specialist piano mover) and you will also need to pay to get it tuned. But I'm sure they will be fine pianos (you could always ask.
How lovely to learn a new instrument- enjoy!