It is a scenario we hear almost every week: “Someone’s offering us a piano for free — should we take it?” On the surface, a free piano sounds like a dream come true. After all, it’s a big, beautiful instrument, and you’re saving hundreds or even thousands of pounds… right?

When shopping for a piano, it’s tempting to look at brand-new models with attractive price tags. But if you're weighing a budget-friendly new piano against a professionally reconditioned classic, the long-term benefits—musical, financial, and emotional—often favour the latter.

At Sykes & Sons Pianos, we are deeply saddened by the recent closures of C. Bechstein’s Manchester showroom and the North West Piano Centre, two institutions that stood at the heart of the region's piano community. Their absence marks the end of an era, not only for us as colleagues in the trade but also for the many musicians, educators, and piano lovers who relied on their expertise and passion.

The Welmar name first appeared in 1919, marking the beginning of a legacy that would grow to become one of Britain's most famous and highly respected piano brands.