Are you in the market for a new or used piano in Columbia, MD? At Soundcheck Rock Academy, our students ask us for recommendations regularly. So we’ve put together a quick guide to piano stores in the area, and we welcome you to send us additional dealers. If you’d like to learn more about our piano lessons in Columbia or our rock band program, please get in touch.

Piano Stores Near Columbia, MD

American Piano Center

10630 Riggs Hill Rd Suite B, Jessup, MD 20794

(804) 955-7742

Located in Howard County, MD, this piano store is easy to access for residents of Columbia. The business specializes in piano repairs and restorations, so they always have a nice inventory of used pianos for sale. You will be able to talk to an expert and test out your new instrument, and you’ll find uprights and grand pianos. Look for models like Steinway uprights, Yamaha grands, and more – it would be in your best interest to call ahead and see what they have in stock.

Motsko Piano Services

 Laurel, MD 20707

(301) 483-0384

Bill Motsko is a highly esteemed piano technician in the Columbia, MD area, and while he does not have a showroom full of pianos, give him a call if you are in the market for a pre-owned or refurbished piano. Experienced technicians always have a piano or two in the works, and at the very least, they will know someone who has an instrument for sale.

Maryland Piano

9143 Red Branch Rd, Columbia, MD 21045

(410) 997-8388

This piano store is right down the street from Soundcheck Rock Academy, so it’s easily worth your time to drop by. You can buy a Steinway grand piano, Yamaha grand or upright, affordable Kawai piano, Mason and Hamlin, and many more. You can also shop or buy directly on their website – always a nice feature that will save you some time. They also have user friendly rent-to-own plans on their pianos. Give them a call for more details.

Rick Jones Pianos

5209 Holland Dr, Beltsville, MD 20705

(301) 937-4900

With 75 Google reviews (as of 11-5-2022), Rick Jones Pianos is a trusted destination for piano sales. Their pictures show a huge selection of new and used upright pianos, but they also advertise grand pianos, baby grand pianos, and even petite grand pianos. Ask them about affordable financing options, and call ahead if you plan to visit – they will be able to schedule you with one of their knowledgeable sales professionals. Don’t be afraid of talking to piano sales folks – they always know what they are talking about, and they will help you make a good decision. You can ask where the piano was made, if it has a warranty, and more.

If you’d like to learn more about piano lessons, guitar lessons, singing lessons, or anything else, please get in touch.

Is an Upright Piano as Good as a Grand Piano?

Yes, for many use cases, an upright piano is perfectly fine. They can have a beautiful sound, great action, and even look great. All of the best piano makers also have upright options: Steinway, Schimmel, Yamaha, and more. Many of these pianos are called “upright grands” – that’s because their technology mimics that of a grand piano, and you can open the lid to add more sound, just like with a grand piano.

Grand pianos are desirable for folks who need to prepare for professional playing engagements or wish to host recitals. They also make a stunning piece of furniture, and the sound and feel of a grand piano is impossible to match.

But you don’t have to break the bank to buy a grand piano. You can get a used instrument for $2,000 – $5,000, and you may just need to invest a few hundred dollars in tuning and minor restoration work.

Hire a Professional Piano Mover and Technician

If you buy a piano from a genuine piano store or dealership, they will tune the piano, check its inner workings, and get it moved for you. But if you buy a piano on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, you are on your own. You will need to call a piano technician and ask him or her to look at the piano with you – a tech can help you know if it’s in good shape or if it has already been “totaled.” 

Furthermore, do not try to move a piano, even an upright, on your own. It’s not safe, and either you or the piano could be damaged. There are too many professional piano movers around for you to take any unnecessary risks.