About The Pianosmith

The following was printed in The Courier News on May 18th 2005, under Business section

Pianosmith, Somerville are a match of note
By Erica Lambert
Correspondent

Ken and Mary Smith a year ago took a leap when they moved The Pianosmith's operations from their Somerville home to a retail location on Main Street in Somerville.
"Business was growing, and it was almost impossible to work from our home anymore," Ken Smith said.
When selecting a location for the retail venture he said the decision was easy. "We love Somerville and wanted to support the local business community." Smith said. "I can walk to work and I think the charm of this town blends well with our piano business."
The Pianosmith specializes in selling used pianos. Smith said individuals base a decision of the purchase of a piano on four factors: price, how the piano looks, how it sounds and how it plays. He said a new piano starts in price from $25,000 to $30,000.
"That type of purchase is difficult for most of us" he said. "For about half of that a family can buy a used piano in good condition that can be equally enjoyed."
Smith hand selects all the pianos in his shop and acquires his inventory through estate sales, wholesale dealers or independent sales. "Most of the time, kids go off to college and the piano isn't being used," Smith said. "For others, they are moving and they can't take it with them."
In addition to selling pianos, Smith offers a wide array of repair services including piano tuning, piano regulation and piano restoration.
The business also offers repair services for player pianos.
Smith said it's not uncommon for a client to receive a piano from a relative that is need of repair or restoration. "This I where my 20 years of experience really counts," he said.
QUESTION: What are the greatest challenges operating you business?
ANSWER: Finding the right advertising and having a team to people to handle this increasing workload.
Q: Why should potential customers choose you?
A: It's my solid experience. I carry a lot of integrity and I have a good pulse about what my customers need.
Q: What are your future plans?
A: We have to see how things here develop but down the road I may think about offering piano lessons.
Q: What advice would you offer potential operator of a business?
A: You have to take a risk to achieve the results you want. Do your research and you need to be good at what you do.