Tips for Buying low-budget Piano for Beginners

Are you looking to buy your first piano on a budget but not sure where to start? If you’re in the Vancouver area, here are some tips to help you find an affordable option.

Music Stores in Vancouver

Two major music stores you can start with are Long & McQuade and Tom Lee Music. Both offer a variety of digital pianos, and you can rent a piano for as low as $12 per month for a 61-key Yamaha keyboard, or $49 per month for a full-size 88-key Yamaha digital piano. You can also take advantage of their "rent-to-own" program, where after a few months of renting, you have the option to own the piano.

For a budget-friendly option, the Yamaha P-145 is a great choice. It's a full-size digital piano with weighted keys, priced around $800. Just remember, you'll need to buy a stand and bench separately. Both stores offer a return policy ranging from 15 to 30 days, giving you peace of mind with your purchase.

Links:

Long & McQuade: https://www.long-mcquade.com/departments/27/Keyboards/Digital_Pianos.htm

Tom Lee: https://www.tomleemusic.ca/search/?q=digital%20piano

Costco

Costco also offers budget-friendly digital piano packages. For as low as $599, you can get a Casio CFS-10 with 88 weighted keys, including a stand and bench. One of the main advantages of buying from Costco is their 90-day return policy, allowing you ample time to decide if the piano is right for you.

If you’re looking for a Yamaha, Costco offers the Yamaha YDP-105 for $1,599.99, which includes a bench, three pedals, and 88 weighted keys.

Links:

Casio CFS-10: https://www.costco.ca/casio-ultra-compact-csf-10-88-note-digital-piano-with-bench.product.4000284974.html

Yamaha YDP-105: https://www.costco.ca/yamaha-ydp105--digital-piano-with-bench.product.4000042003.html

Amazon and Best Buy

If online shopping is more convenient, Amazon offers the Yamaha P-145 for around $800, with stands ranging from $45 for an X-frame to $129 for a wooden one, and benches starting at $39.

Best Buy: https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/yamaha-p-145-88-key-graded-hammer-compact-digital-piano-black/17539734?cmp=knc-s-11422186550&&g&utm_source=google&utm_id=240819ent960&utm_medium=troas&utm_creativeformat=shopping&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD-7qGxE9PDRLB9Y1AEpP-5htcCvb&gclid=CjwKCAjwjsi4BhB5EiwAFAL0YHxAR4DLJNwrrsbjUxm1C6IuneUqmMBX0PsM7929dFzr4fvg8Q4KrBoC1LAQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Yamaha-Weighted-Digital-Sustain-P225B/dp/B0CBN7HYKB/ref=asc_df_B0CBN7HYKB/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=706828401305&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18258236233136195037&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001575&hvtargid=pla-2210860445034&psc=1&mcid=a7c716aa6f533cbda316fca1ae2f18a5&gad_source=1

Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace

Buying a used piano is another option, but I wouldn’t recommend a used digital piano, as it’s hard to verify the condition and there’s no return policy. However, buying a used upright piano can be a great deal, with many people offering pianos for free or at a low cost. Just remember, you’ll need to pay for moving the piano (around $200–500) and tuning it twice a year (about $200–250 per session).

Need Help?

Buying your first piano can feel overwhelming. If you need more advice or aren’t sure which option is right for you, contact our professional team at Azar's Music School.

Get in touch with us today for your free trial lesson!