The prospective buyer of a piano or player-piano who, relying upon his own judgment, attempts to select an instrument soon discovers that very many arguments may arise to perplex him in his choice. As a rule, and with rare exceptions, it is wise to buy of home dealers, to whom you can at any time have access should there arise necessity for explanations or advice. And in dealing with the local piano dealer do not begrudge him a fair profit. The dealer is familiar with the instruments and, if he is a man who is honest and reliable, you may depend upon what he tells you concerning them. Having once decided upon your piano, do not permit yourself to be disturbed by the contradictory talk of any other person who may decry your choice or declare that you have not made a good bargain. In ninety-nine out of every hundred such cases discontent is the result of disappointment born of a competitor's defeat, and such attempted interference is unworthy of consideration.

If the piano buyer lives in a city where many piano houses exist, it is well enough to "look around," thus to compare styles and to contrast the attractive features of the various instruments. But it is a mistake to decide upon any instrument merely because the price is a few dollars lower than some other that pleases better. A piano's quality may often be better judged by its maker than its price. If the dealer is responsible, and he gives assurance that the instrument he recommends is reliable, and plainly states as to what grade it belongs, then there is no risk in its purchase. If the piano recommended is of the high-grade class, the price may seem large, and yet to expect to secure it for any less may be unreasonable.

As to terms, or plan of purchase, it is very easy to buy a piano. But if you have the money to spare by all means buy for cash and save all discounts and interest, to say nothing of the annoyances of "time payments. But a lack of ready capital should never stand in the way of the home possessing the advantages of a musical instrument. It can be sought on "easy terms," by which a small payment may be made and the bulk of the purchase price paid in monthly installments. Do not object to paying legal interest on such deferred payments, and having once bought, refer any rival criticisms to the dealer.

The information above came directly from the Piano and Player Piano Buyer's Guide of 1926; published by AMR Publishing Co. P.O.Box 3194 Seattle, WA 98114 (c) Copyright 1984 AMR Co.