Piano

The piano is a musical instrument that can be played by Sims. It is available as an object in The Sims and The Sims 2, and was re-introduced in The Sims 3: Late Night expansion pack.

The Sims
The Sims base game has an upright piano available for purchase. The Sims: Livin' Large and The Sims: Hot Date each include a grand piano, and The Sims: Superstar includes a piano-style electronic keyboard. All pianos increase the player's fun motive and improve the player's creativity skill; as the player's creativity skill increases, the quality and difficulty of music played increases as well. Both children and adults can play a piano.

The Sims 2
In The Sims 2, pianos work much as they did in The Sims, except that they will occasionally need to be tuned. Tuning a piano builds Mechanical skill, and Sims with high Mechanical skill will have an easier time of tuning a piano. The repairman also tunes pianos.

The Sims 2: University expansion pack adds the "Perform..." option, which allows Sims to play for tips. When this option is used, the piano can be played individually, or together with the bass, guitar and/or drums. Sims performing on a piano will also improve their creativity skill, but not as quickly as if they were just practicing, and will receive larger tips (up to §100 per person per tip) for higher skill. Pianos can be played by Sims from child age onward, though children will not be able to perform for tips.

The Sims 3
Though it is virtually absent in earlier expansion packs, the piano returns in The Sims 3: Late Night, but now appears as both a grand piano and a portable keyboard. The piano now has its own associated Piano skill. Much like guitar instruments, pianos can no longer be played by child Sims.

Prudence Pennypincher's Portable Piano
"Can’t afford the Grand Piano? Start with a Prudence Pennypincher's Portable Piano and work your way up. Play at venues and community lots to earn tips."

Schnadahupfl Virtuoso Grand Piano
"Hammer on those steel string keys! Wow your friends with the most garish instrument you can buy! Sure to impress all those who see it, the Schnadahupfl Virtuoso Grand Piano is an elegant instrument for tickling the ivories."