Worried I might have made an expensive piano mistake...

[AnnaBegins]

My Christmas present has just arrived, a Bentley upright piano from circa 1990.

Now I know pianos have to settle and be retuned and stuff, but to me it sounds nothing like it did in the shop, there is a hum or buzzing sound which sustains for quite some time after playing a few notes which drives my ear mad, and the sound is much less "bright" than it was when I tried it in the shop.

I'm so worried I've made a mistake, I haven't played much in years and was really excited about learning again but I don't know much about pianos themselves. I just knew that I liked a bright but not Yamaha-bright sound, and thought I'd found the perfect one for me. Now I'm a little concerned...

Someone tell me this is normal and the tuner will fix it when it's settled! Or alternatively does anyone know how I can fix it? Or if I've bought a duff piano? (Please noooo!)

Acoustics and size of room will affect sound a lot, also type of flooring, curtains etc.

Is buzzing present which ever notes are played, or is it on particular notes? Do the pedals work silently and effectively, so no creaking or clanking?

Did you buy it from a reputable shop, or privately secondhand? If it's a proper dealer there should be some guarantee. Probably not on private-owner sale though.

BUT - it is possible that the buzzing is not actually the piano at all, but something in your room - a light fitting, ornament, etc.

So, get other people to play some loud chords or something, and you prowl around the room to try and locate exactly where the buzzing is coming from!

Good luck.

Hi, thanks for replying, bought from very reputable dealer so not so worried there, and they are sending the tuner out in 6-12 weeks when it has settled as part of the service. Just worried that I have bought something I shouldn't! Not necessarily that it is "broken", just maybe not the sound I hoped!

The buzzing is every note, more so when a run of notes are played, so I have considered other furniture, but have tried putting a hand on various things (window, cabinet etc) to dull the buzzing and nothing seems to have an effect. Will try prowling around though! Pedals are good though (well, the 2 of the 3 that work!)

Toning the piano. Apparently it is possible to adjust the tone.

I think you should tell the dealer about the buzzing. Mine had a few sticky keys and they sent out a technician to fix them for free.

We have a Bentley, but its 1970s, not 90s. They are good pianos.
They have a very gentle touch and "soft" sound.

As poster above says, the sound will vary according to the acoustics of the room its in, which depend on floor type, room size, ceiling height, soft furnishings etc etc.