Question 1

Do you supply electric/digital pianos?

Accepted Answer

Although the quality of digital pianos has massively improved since their initial inception, we strongly believe that the experience and sound quality of an acoustic piano cannot be replicated by a digital. For these reasons, we choose not to stock them.

Question 2

Do you provide a piano stool?

Accepted Answer

All of our pianos, unless otherwise stated, come complete with a high-quality, height adjustable stool, allowing the player to tailor the position in order to play comfortably. 
All of our brand-new adjustable stools are crafted by our specialist supplier, who ensure the highest level of quality and reliability. All piano stools comply with all current EEC safety regulations.

Question 3

Do you teach the piano?

Accepted Answer

Piano lessons are not part of our offered services. 
However, we work closely with many piano tutors and will be happy to recommend a suitable teacher for you.

Question 4

Do you offer part exchange?

Accepted Answer

We always consider part exchange.
We would like to make the decision of upgrading as easy as possible, which is why we will ensure that you receive the maximum value for your old piano - with high part-exchange prices - keeping the cost of a new instrument to a minimum.

Question 5

Are your [upright] pianos underdamped?

Accepted Answer

ALL upright pianos from Sykes & Sons are underdamped. 
We do not stock overdamped upright pianos.

Question 6

Are your [upright] pianos overstrung?

Accepted Answer

All of our current stock is overstrung.

Question 7

What is the 'Price Promise'?

Accepted Answer

We always aim to set highly competitive prices without compromising on quality, customer care and after sales service.   If in the event you find the same model of piano at a lower price, from another piano retailer, we welcome the opportunity to match it.

The pianos must come with the same service conditions, e.g. free delivery, same length guarantee, complimentary tuning and stool included, and the same high level of technical preparation.

Question 8

What paperwork will I receive with the piano?

Accepted Answer

You will receive a signed copy of your warranty/guarantee and an itemised receipt.

Question 9

Do you buy pianos?

Accepted Answer

We are always interested in buying used pianos. For more information, click here.

Question 10

Why by appoitment only?

Accepted Answer

Sykes & Sons Pianos is operated entirely by [full time] piano technicians. The appointment only model allows us to spend a high percentage of our time in the workshop, when we're not with customers, completing restoration work and preparing the pianos for display. Arranging your visit by appointment also guarantees that you have the undivided attention of a specialist - when you need/want it - rather than a salesperson.   In addition to this, by scheduling appointments, we can ensure that you can sample our inventory without any disturbance from other customers.

Question 11

What is involved during an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Buying a piano is a considerable investment and a well-chosen instrument may become a valued companion for life. This is why we strive to make your visit to Sykes & Sons as enjoyable and informative as possible. Our aim is to offer the best advice possible, so you can make the best buying decision based on your requirements. 
We do not agree with high-pressure sales tactics and promise a relaxed and informal atmosphere.

Question 12

How do I make an appointment?

Accepted Answer

To make an appointment, please contact us via phone or email.    Weekend viewings available.

Our Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 07:00 - 20:00 Saturday & Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00

Question 13

How can I pay?

Accepted Answer

We accept payments from all major credit and debit cards, and bank transfer.  
We do not accept cash or cheque.

Question 14

How much is delivery?

Accepted Answer

Enjoy free delivery to any ground floor location within mainland UK with any piano purchase.* ​ Uniformed Team • Fully Insured • Specialist Vehicles and Equipment • Fully Trained Staff

Question 15

How soon can my piano be delivered?

Accepted Answer

Any piano can usually be delivered within one week.

Question 16

My house has steps. Will delivery still be free?

Accepted Answer

The equipment our team uses, coupled with years of experience, means they can handle steps and 'awkward' passages with ease.   A few steps (like photographed) will not result in a charge.   If the piano needs to go up or down a flight of stairs then this would result in a charge. Fees are calculated by our transport team and are based on an accurate description of access as provided by the customer, or an access check by us.   If in any doubt, please give us a call.

Question 17

How long is the warranty?

Accepted Answer

The length of the warranty is displayed on the main page of each individual piano. 
If in doubt, please contact us.   ALL pianos from Sykes & Sons Pianos are covered by a minimum of 12 months.

Question 18

What does the Sykes & Sons warranty cover?

Accepted Answer

Our warranty covers the structural integrity of the piano and the mechanics.  We guarantee that the piano you purchase will be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal everyday use for the whole duration of the warranty period.   We will repair the piano, covered by our warranty, if in the [very] unlikely event that it becomes defective, malfunctions or otherwise fails to conform with expectations, without charge for materials or labour to the customer.

Question 19

Why do you include a complimentary tuning?

Accepted Answer

Owing to changes in temperature and humidity, the tuning of a piano will be altered after delivery, while the piano acclimates to the new environment.
This is true for all acoustic pianos.
For this reason, we offer you a first in-house tuning at no additional cost, 4-6 weeks after delivery.   The free tuning must be arranged within 6 weeks after delivery.*

Question 20

Who will carry out my complimentary first tuning?

Accepted Answer

Your first tuning will be carried out by one of our own expert technicians.

If you're outside of our covered area then we will appoint a trusted representative to carry out the tuning on our behalf.

Eiether way, your piano will be tuned by a fully qualified and experienced technician.

Question 21

I already have a piano tuner. Can they tune my [new] piano?

Accepted Answer

If you already have a piano tuner and you're happy to continue using them, then we would encourage you to do so.

Question 22

Do you provide any videos of a piano being played?

Accepted Answer

All too often we hear stories from individuals who have committed to purchasing a piano on the strength of a recording, only to find that the recording was not representative of the piano at all.

Many factors can influence how a piano sounds on a recording, such as the quality of the speakers on the device you are using to play the recording and the capabilities of the microphone used to record it. Also, pianists can use their individual techniques to highlight characteristics from a piano that other pianists may not.

Sykes & Sons believe that the only way to truly experience the tone and touch of a piano is to sit at the piano and play it. You are more than welcome to visit us and sample any of our stock, to listen to it in person, to play it yourself; how you would play it at home.

Question 23

How do you photograph the pianos?

Accepted Answer

We want our photographs to be a real representation to how our stock looks in person. 
For this reason, we use a high-quality, professional camera for our stock photography.