Question 1

What is the 'Price Promise'?

Accepted Answer

At Sykes & Sons, preparing a piano to our exacting standards is both an art and a science, one that demands genuine expertise, years of hands-on experience, and access to specialist tools and facilities. Every piano we offer is meticulously prepared within our climate-controlled workshop. From the precision of the internal mechanics to the elegance of the exterior finish, we focus on every detail to ensure each instrument delivers outstanding performance, reliability, and visual appeal.

Our reputation has been built on uncompromising quality, and achieving that level of excellence takes time, skill, and investment. Premium materials and expert craftsmanship are never inexpensive — nor should they be. While we may not always be the lowest-priced option, we believe we offer exceptional value when you consider the depth of preparation, personal service, and ongoing support that come with every piano we sell.

That said, we are always committed to fairness and transparency. If you find the same model — or one of closely comparable quality — that has been prepared to the same high standard and comes with equivalent service and aftercare, we will happily match that price. We want you to feel completely confident that you're not only choosing the right piano, but also receiving outstanding value without compromise.

This is our promise to you: unmatched quality, professional support, and peace of mind — all at a genuinely competitive price.

Question 2

What paperwork will I receive with the piano?

Accepted Answer

With your piano purchase, you’ll receive a signed copy of your warranty/guarantee, outlining the terms of coverage and our commitment to your instrument’s performance and reliability. You’ll also receive an itemised receipt, detailing your purchase, including any additional services or accessories provided.

We are also happy to assist if you need further documentation for insurance or personal records.

Question 3

Do you provide a piano bench?

Accepted Answer

Every piano from Sykes & Sons comes complete with a brand-new, height-adjustable bench — thoughtfully included as an essential part of your playing experience.

Proper posture and comfort not only enhance your technique but also make playing more enjoyable and sustainable over time. That’s why we provide a high-quality adjustable bench with every instrument, allowing you to set the perfect height for your individual needs. This ensures you’re comfortable and well-supported every time you sit down to play.

Our benches are designed to be more than just functional — they are crafted to complement your piano in both style and quality. Each bench is carefully stained and finished to match your piano’s finish, whether lacquer or polyester, creating a harmonious look with matching colour and sheen.

Made in Europe from solid hardwood, these benches are built to last. They offer strength and stability, featuring a smooth, reliable height-adjustment mechanism, rounded edges for comfort, and thick, plush cushioning designed to support you during long playing sessions. Every detail has been thoughtfully designed with both comfort and elegance in mind.

By default, benches come with a soft beige fabric cushion, but if you prefer, we offer a wide selection of upholstery colours and materials. Whether you want something classic or bold, we’re happy to help you find the perfect style to complement your piano and home décor.

Safety is equally important to us. All our benches, cushions, foam, and fabric coverings fully comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988, so you can enjoy peace of mind alongside comfort and style.

Whether you’re playing for a few minutes or several hours, your bench should provide lasting comfort and support — and look beautiful doing it. At Sykes & Sons, we’ve considered every detail, so you can focus on what truly matters: the music

Question 4

Do you offer part exchange?

Accepted Answer

We understand that upgrading your piano is an exciting milestone, but it can also raise practical questions. What will happen to your current instrument? How can you get the best value from it? And how do you ensure your investment in a new piano is worthwhile?
To make this transition as smooth and hassle-free as possible, we offer a generous part-exchange programme designed to give you maximum value for your existing piano. In fact, we regularly provide some of the most competitive part-exchange offers in the industry, helping to lower the overall cost of your upgrade and making a higher-quality instrument more accessible than you might expect.

Whether your current piano was originally purchased from us or elsewhere, we’ll provide a fair and transparent assessment based on its age, condition, brand, and market value. Our goal is to offer you a competitive trade-in price that truly reflects the worth of your instrument. We also take care of all the logistics involved. Our team will arrange to collect your current piano at the same time your new one is delivered, saving you the time, effort, and expense of moving or selling the old instrument yourself.

If you’re simply exploring your options, that’s fine too. We’re happy to offer a no-obligation valuation of your piano and discuss what an upgrade could look like, both in terms of sound and finances. There’s never any pressure to buy, just honest, helpful advice whenever you need it.

Question 5

Do you supply electric/digital pianos?

Accepted Answer

While the quality of digital pianos has improved significantly over the years — particularly in terms of convenience, portability, and technological features — we at Sykes & Sons firmly believe that the authentic experience of playing an acoustic piano remains unmatched.

An acoustic piano is a living, breathing instrument. It responds organically to the nuances of your touch, offering an unparalleled depth of tone, dynamic range, and expressive potential. The subtle interaction between wood, strings, felt, and air creates a richness and resonance that simply cannot be fully recreated by digital technology, no matter how advanced.

Digital pianos often use high-quality samples of real instruments and can mimic certain tonal characteristics, but they lack the tactile feedback, harmonic complexity, and physical presence that make acoustic pianos so emotionally engaging. For serious players and discerning ears, these differences aren’t just noticeable — they’re transformative.

For these reasons, we have chosen not to stock digital pianos. Our focus remains on offering instruments that embody the finest in acoustic craftsmanship — pianos that grow and evolve with the player, and that provide a deeply rewarding musical experience.
If you're considering a piano and wondering whether to go digital or acoustic, we invite you to visit us, try our pianos for yourself, and experience firsthand why we’re so passionate about the acoustic difference.

Question 6

Do you teach the piano?

Accepted Answer

While piano lessons are not offered directly by Sykes & Sons, we understand how important quality instruction is to your musical journey. That’s why we work closely with a network of highly skilled and experienced piano tutors across various styles and levels.
Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or an advanced player looking to refine your technique, we’re happy to connect you with a teacher who matches your goals, availability, and learning preferences.
If you would like a recommendation, simply reach out to us — we’re always ready to help you find the right tutor to support your progress and passion for playing.

Question 7

Are your [upright] pianos overstrung?

Accepted Answer

All of our current stock consists of overstrung pianos.

In an overstrung piano, the bass strings cross over the middle and treble strings at an angle, allowing for longer string lengths and a more efficient use of space. This results in a fuller, more resonant sound and improved tonal balance across the keyboard, particularly in the bass register.

As a general rule, we do not stock straight-strung pianos. In a straight-strung design, the strings run parallel without crossing, which was common in older or entry-level instruments. While these pianos have historical value and can offer a certain charm, they typically produce a thinner tone and less powerful bass response compared to their overstrung counterparts. For this reason, straight-strung pianos often fall short of the performance standards we uphold.

That said, there are a few notable exceptions. On rare occasions, we may offer a high-quality straight-strung model, such as the Bechstein Model 10 — a beautifully engineered instrument with exceptional craftsmanship and tonal clarity, despite its stringing layout. These pianos are the exception, not the rule, and are only included in our collection when their overall musical and structural quality meets our high standards.

Our priority is always to offer pianos that deliver the best possible playing experience — and for most pianists, that means the power, richness, and responsiveness of an overstrung design.

Question 8

Are your [upright] pianos underdamped?

Accepted Answer

ALL upright pianos from Sykes & Sons are underdamped.

We do not stock overdamped upright pianos.

Frequently asked questions

What is the 'Price Promise'?

What paperwork will I receive with the piano?

Do you provide a piano bench?

Do you offer part exchange?

Do you supply electric/digital pianos?

Do you teach the piano?

Are your [upright] pianos overstrung?

Are your [upright] pianos underdamped?