Piano Purchase Consulting Service

Making decisions about the purchase of a piano can sometimes be difficult and confusing. Sorting out the conflicting claims of dealers and manufacturers and deciding which piano represents the best value for you can often be aided by speaking to a sympathetic and knowledgeable person who is not trying to sell you something. In response to many requests for additional information and advice, Larry Fine, author of The Piano Book, has developed a telephone consulting service to assist people shopping for a new piano.

For a fee of sixty dollars (U.S.) charged to your credit card, Mr. Fine will spend up to a half hour on the phone advising you on which piano brands and models best fit your particular needs, preferences, and budget (longer calls are prorated at the same rate). He can also tell you the approximate prices he considers typical in the marketplace, and how to bargain for the lowest price. Finally, he may be able to supply you with names of qualified piano technicians in your area and other information about piano maintenance. Many customers have reported that the advice they received saved them hundreds or even thousands of dollars on their purchase, as well as giving them greater peace of mind.

To make the best use of this service, you should read the book first, as many of your questions may be answered there, and you should do some shopping to acquaint yourself with the various brands, dealers, and prices in your area. Then, to make an appointment, call the publisher, Brookside Press, at 800-545-2022 (617-522-7182 from outside the U.S.) and leave your name, address, phone number, and the best times to reach you. Mr. Fine will return your call, usually within a day or two. At the conclusion of the call, you will be asked for your credit card information.

Note: This service is primarily for advice on new pianos available for sale in the U.S. and Canada. Mr. Fine does not claim expertise in the piano markets of other countries. Also, the purchase of a used piano requires detailed, onsite inspection and evaluation. Telephone advice about such pianos, therefore, can only be of a very general nature.