How to pick a piano! (for concerts/home-use/recordings/and more!)

I just reviewed the postings for upcoming LiveStreams and they look wonderful! As I mentioned, I now work during this time, so I watch the videos afterwards. Thank you for having them available!

Questions:

Top three or five characteristics to consider when choosing a Piano?

Piano purchase on a budget - considerations for acquiring a Piano when funds are an issue.

(Perhaps people may be able to look for local resources in their communities. In St. Louis, we have Pianos for People - http://pianosforpeople.org/ - for instance, that helps connect people with Pianos.)

"Pianos for People inspires successful futures by providing free access to the transformational power of the piano.   For families and individuals with limited resources, we break down financial barriers and leverage the piano as a gateway to empowerment, community and self-esteem."

Any surprises - "under the hood" type discoveries - that you have encountered with Pianos over time?

Any surprises that you have encountered with Pianos that were pleasant...such as a Piano that you thought would be "too bright", etc. and then it turned out to be beautiful?

Do you have a favorite part of the Piano?

Aurally?

Visually?

Tactile?

Or does it depend on the piece you are playing?

Has this changed over time? Day to day perhaps?

Thank you!

What do you consider the best bench for Piano playing?

Acoustic vs electric piano? How to know if/when you would benefit from a piano "upgrade" as piano skills improve?

Great topic, thank you.

I will be upgrading from my E piano to an acoustic upright.  I live in an apartment in Germany so “loudness” is an issue. I worry that my practice times will be cut in half.  
-Any experience with silent pianos??? I hesitate because electronics never seem to last. 
-do the electric components affect the acoustic feel of the keys/sound??
I’m currently looking at the Yamaha B series.

Any advice for a young person who is interested to learn piano?  But unsure of wether to invest in either a keyboard or piano? If a digital keyboard, is there any suggestion? 

What are the criteria or areas to choose a decent and affordable piano. Assuming that I am buying for myself without any expert to accompany me. 

Do you have any thoughts on a new versus used piano? I'm also wondering specifically about a used versus new Steinway as I'm currently debating between these two options. Thank you!

When testing out a piano in the store, some qualities that aren't "perfect" may be fixable by a technician. I'm wondering if you have any guidelines for differentiating things that can be fixed versus dealbreakers/flaws of the piano.

This is great! Thank you for the usage of that hand-held camera to enhance our understanding during this Livestream! I do not underestimate the skill necessary to use technology so efficiently. It shows significant concern and respect for the piano community (and guitar!) that you teach us with all the tools in your toolbox. Thank you!

I loved seeing the inside of the Piano up close! And that zooming in that you did on the lips of the keys is something I had not thought of.

Ah! How interesting to learn about the technique of shining a light from underneath the piano to evaluate the soundboard. Clever.

It is very enjoyable to learn from you - a touring artist - in the music business - in addition to being an educator. I love the practical information that you provide from your performance and recording experiences.

Recording directly from the electric piano...wow, that is very cool!

Yes, using the headphones with it, too, is nice.

Recording yourself on the pianos that you are considering buying is another great idea. It takes the emotion out of it. And you can listen when you are not in a public setting with sales people hovering about.

The "after touch" is yet another fascinating detail that I thoroughly enjoyed learning about.

I agree about the Piano: "the centerpiece of any room...the most beautiful piece of 'furniture' that you can have...aesthetically one of the greatest things you can put in a room, brings people together...everybody is interested in it...there's something hypnotic...entrancing about any piano."

You said it! Absolutely!

I love that you encourage people to trust themselves and their comfort level - their own preferences.

That is a really smart option when thinking of buying a piano in another city/state - have a Piano technician that you have contacted in that city/state check it out for you. Their professional evaluation will be quite valuable.

Wonderful advice and suggestions! Thank you, Dominic! Thank you, everyone!