What's that noise?  Sounds like someone trying to sneak up on me with a trebuchet...





Where's my rifle?

[Standing next to a large object covered by a tarp while looking innocent and staring off into the distance]

I think he went that way!

[Points towards Bapu]

If you're covered by a tarp (standing next to a large object or not) how do you stare into the distance?

And if you're covered by a tarp, how do you know you're standing next to a large object?

I didn't say I was doing it effectively...

They have an app for that...

noldar12


Ouch, if its been in a garage, with ever changing air temperature and humidity that could be trouble.

Parts could tend to dry out, break, etc.  The only way to know would be to try it.  What sort of condition are the felts and hammers in?

Another thing to watch out for is the condition of the frame.  In some older pianos that have gone way flat, and suffer from a weakened frame, tuning back up to concert pitch becomes impossible, as the weakened frame cannot handle the additional tension from all the strings at true concert pitch.

If it needs extensive restoration to be playable, that can get very expensive in a hurry.

As there are several different sizes of upright pianos, in general, the taller the height of the upright, the better the sound will be (due to longer string length).
<edit> Given the description of the piano as "stinky" I would likely take a pass on it.  A piano needs stable room conditions, and decent care, or at least something better than neglect.  The odds of it being in really playable condition are not good.
 
Note that I know just enough about pianos to be somewhat dangerous.

The weather here (in the summer) has reached 115-118 regularly and in the garage, it's got to be at least 10-15 degrees hotter.....so, I'll just dismiss that ad above.
 
I'm so glad I posted this before venturing on my own......(I appreciate all the replies). It looks like I'll need a "professional" or someone who knows the intricacies of the piano to take with me when buying a used upright. The main reason we wanted an acoustic upright is to have fairly decent "home piano" that's tuned and has a nice tone......and of course for the nostalgic feeling of having an acoustic wooded instrument for all to enjoy.
However, I do like Janet's suggestion on getting a digital piano as that'll be basically no maintenance and I can get a decent brand new one.
 
In the digital piano's, which brands are generally better than the rest (quality and long term reliability-wise)? Roland? Yamaha?   
 

I've found that failing to tune the piano provides an easy excuse when playing it badly. 

It also provides an opportunity for people to quote the title of a certain album by REO Speedwagon.

I bought my eldest daughter a Casio similar to this.  I'm no expert pianist, but IMO you'd need to spend over ten times the amount on a "real" piano to get one that sounds/plays/feels even half as good.

IMO, the Casios FEEL best, with Yamaha graded weight hammer action 2nd.  I have a CASIO PX-3 stage piano.

however, the casios don't sound as good as the yamahas to me.

I strongly suggest you try out several models in a store before buying one.  that would even be good advice if you decided to go with acoustic as well, although with acoustic, I'd have a professional check it out before spending very much money on it.

I love the feel of my Casio - but unless I'm just running a quick practice I always run MIDI to a yamaha or to Kontakt for sound.