-- *Piano technicians and teachers require this accurate information to dispense advice on buying.;Shopping for a piano. The right piano ; What makes a piano cost so much? ; Shopping strategies ; Myths and misconceptions ; Piano shopping on the Internet ; Psst ... wanna buy a used piano? -- Acoustic pianos : features and benefits. The modern acoustic piano : fine art meets physics ; What makes a quality acoustic piano ; The composition of touch and tone ; Finding an acoustic piano with stability and longevity ; Innovations in modern acoustic pianos -- Acoustic piano buyer's guide. American and European brand names, models, and origins ; Asian brand names, models, and origins ; Are lower-end pianos worth the savings? ; Judging a piano by its cover : acoustic piano cabinets -- Alternative pianos. Plugging in to digital pianos ; Hybrid pianos, player pianos, and keyboards ; Upscale pianos for upscale players -- For richer or poorer : striking a deal and going home. Paying for your piano ; Special considerations for institutional purchases ; From showroom to home : living happily after with your piano.