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It'southward Fun to Play the Piano ... Please Laissez passer It On! |  | | | 83 members (ANAFREE, brdwyguy, AndyP, accordeur, ambrozy, brennbaer, 13bwl, 18 invisible), 819 guests, and 435 robots. | | Key: Admin, Global Mod, Modern | | | OP  Junior Member Joined: January 2010 Posts: vi | A little background: my wife and I do non know how to play piano. Our 9 year former son took a few lessons and didn't care for information technology - he's big time into sports. Our xi year former girl has been taking lessons for a couple years now. She seems to savor taking lessons, but none of u.s.a. (including her) envision her playing professionally or anywhere close to professionally. In fact at dinner tonight she initially said she'll probably play for the next "three-4 years", at which bespeak she's guessing she'll be too busy with various loftier schoolhouse activities and homework. Of course what 11 year old knows what the heck they'll exist doing in 3-4 years?! My married woman feels it's time for us to upgrade from our $150 Target keyboard, to a existent piano. Nosotros have the space (a decent size living room that is never used) and we are able to afford a <$10k piano. Anyway, we were initially going to expect at buying a simple, used upright on Craigslist. Nevertheless, I speedily learned that there are problems w/these pianos - the brands vary widely, the weather condition vary widely (especially here in MN where the dramatic swings betwixt hot/common cold and dry/damp are dramatic), we wouldn't really know how to properly evaluate the condition (I know we tin can hire a tuner to check information technology out just that seems like it would apace become cumbersome; I travel a lot), then there'south the moving logistics. And then we decided to visit some retail stores and run across what they had to offering. I visited two today - one of which is a xx shop concatenation that has a reputation for being good, a bit pricey but good. They carry Steinway, Boston, Kawai (sp?) and their own "house brand" that is built for them by Kawai. The salesman (who was darn adept) said that for our needs and price indicate he would recommend a Kawai that unremarkably (?) retails for $13k, but had been marked down to $9k. He said they purchasd these in majority from another piano dealers that couldn't afford to keep them in inventory (high finance costs). His point to me was that if we were willing to spend $5k or and then on a decent upright, we should splurge a bit and become a nice furniture slice, a pianoforte that will provide a much meliorate sound and experience for our girl, that will likely hold information technology's value better over 10 years, etc. The side by side identify I visited was a Yamaha dealer. He wasn't quite the salesman but told me that Yamaha is the nigh widely played piano in the professional ranks (true?). He recommended the GB1K, which was on sale for $9k. A few questions for the group: - For our needs is a babe grand the way to get vs an upright? - If so, what baby m brand/model would you recommend for our needs and budget? - What exercise you lot think we should be paying for a new Yamaha GB1K? What's the comparable Kawai and what practise you think we should pay for that one? - What else do you think nosotros should know about this purchase? Thanks much! Concluding edited by strokeoluck; 01/26/10 ten:19 PM. | | | Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: one,242 yard Post Club Member | | 1000 Postal service Order Member Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: i,242 | I would have your daughter play them, and as well some good uprights at those dealers. If she is non wowed or drawn or thrilled or begging for a 1000 piano, I would but get a good upright and salvage the money for college or lessons, or the next venture. I don't retrieve you could brand a error with either brand or thou. If y'all do get her a grand piano, then she might really get enchanted and highly motivated to play more. Just at the moment, if she does not find a difference betwixt, or experience for herself a strong reaction to a one thousand over a existent upright, then I'd go for an upright. Have her play, and try not to bias her one style or the other. Last edited by guest1013; 01/26/10 10:29 PM. | | | Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 1,940 1000 Mail service Club Member | | 1000 Post Social club Member Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 1,940 | Hello! I hope your daughter continues to play the piano! Its a smashing instrument for sure! Yamaha is now condign a world wide proper noun, and is among some of the all-time made pianos today. Lots of concert halls have chosen yamaha equally their piano recently. I would say the Yamaha may be a better investment than the Kawai. Not that the Kawai is bad, But I retrieve yamahas are congenital a scrap higher up on the quality scale. Oh yes... Baby thou Vs. Upright. I would say baby grand near of the time depending on the upright and pianos in consideration. Also I would say keep an eye out for a used Yamaha G1 or G2. Great pianos and a bit larger than the average baby thousand. Usually under $x,000
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1905 Story and Clark Fine art Example  --NEW!--- 1964ish Conn 640 vacuum tube theatre organ! (with leslie!) Grandmas- New Hyundai petite baby chiliad Church (the organ I practice on)-
1998 Bedient (Built nearly 45 minutes from me!) 2m/pedal 24 rank Cavaille-Coll fashion pipe organ | | | Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 781 500 Post Club Member | | 500 Post Social club Fellow member Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 781 | I would say the Yamaha may be a better investment than the Kawai. Not that the Kawai is bad, But I recollect yamahas are built a bit college up on the quality scale.
Hi Brandon,
Would you please requite us an objective explanation or specifications of why this is a fact and non your personal preference? I as well looked at the repertory you are working on and without trying to be offensive, I think you are a pianist in development. Delight. May I ask your credentials to support your statement. Are you lot a piano technician, dealer? All-time regards, Last edited by Kurtmen; 01/27/10 03:59 PM. | | | Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 44 Full Member | | Total Member Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 44 | I also looked at the repertory y'all are working on and without trying to be offensive, I remember you are a pianist in development. Delight. May I ask your credentials to support your argument. Are you a piano technician, dealer? I didn't realize that ane had to be a piano technician or dealer to take an stance. | | | Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 781 500 Post Club Member | | 500 Mail service Social club Member Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 781 | I didn't realize that one had to be a piano technician or dealer to have an opinion. Dan,
An stance and a argument are 2 different things. However I agree with you.
OTH I think that having professional expertise in the discipline will contribute to an educated and more objective opinion. Terminal edited by Kurtmen; 01/27/10 05:59 PM. | | | Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 1,940 1000 Mail service Order Member | | 1000 Postal service Social club Member Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 1,940 | Hello all!
I was stating the kawai/yamaha thing every bit an opinion and not a fact. Only from personal experiences. I feel the Yamaha grands have more book for size and I similar the tone a little better. And from a few different stores I have heard Yamaha is more of a durable musical instrument (i.east. can have a lot more abuse? and then I hear) Now for your question Kurtman, I am not a technician rather a hobbyist of ix years experience.
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Home -
1905 Story and Clark Art Case --NEW!--- 1964ish Conn 640 vacuum tube theatre organ! (with leslie!) Grandmas- New Hyundai petite baby 1000 Church (the organ I practice on)-
1998 Bedient (Built near 45 minutes from me!) 2m/pedal 24 rank Cavaille-Coll manner pipe organ | | | Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 781 500 Post Guild Member | | 500 Post Club Member Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 781 | I would say the Yamaha may be a meliorate investment than the Kawai. Not that the Kawai is bad, Just I think yamahas are built a scrap above on the quality scale.
This is what I want to larn about.
Please tell us about the higher quality scale and not your personal choice in volume or tonal quality. And from a few different stores I have heard Yamaha is more of a durable instrument (i.e. tin can take a lot more abuse? so I hear)
You didn't go to a Yamaha dealer by any chance correct? Last edited by Kurtmen; 01/27/ten 06:ten PM. | | | Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 1,940 thousand Post Club Member | | m Post Gild Member Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: i,940 | I mean in a level of piano maker grades. (price/quality) In my mind.
example Cablevision nelson
Kimball
Conn
... skips a lot
Hyundai
skips more...
Kohler
Kawai
Yamaha
Steinway- Mason and Hamlin
bosendorfer Obviously leaving out a LOT of makers. Half of them I deceit think of the names of for some reason.
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Home -
1905 Story and Clark Art Example --NEW!--- 1964ish Conn 640 vacuum tube theatre organ! (with leslie!) Grandmas- New Hyundai petite baby one thousand Church (the organ I exercise on)-
1998 Bedient (Built about 45 minutes from me!) 2m/pedal 24 rank Cavaille-Coll manner piping organ | | | Joined: January 2010 Posts: one,940 1000 Post Society Fellow member | | 1000 Mail service Club Member Joined: January 2010 Posts: 1,940 | I would say the Yamaha may exist a amend investment than the Kawai. Not that the Kawai is bad, But I think yamahas are congenital a bit above on the quality scale.
This is what I want to learn about.
Please tell us most the higher quality calibration and not your personal choice in volume or tonal quality. And from a few different stores I accept heard Yamaha is more of a durable instrument (i.due east. tin can take a lot more abuse? so I hear)
You didn't get to a Yamaha dealer by whatsoever chance correct? Hehe no... Well one was... but the others were M&H, Steinway, and one that seems to carry a bunch of pianoforte brands.
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Dwelling -
1905 Story and Clark Fine art Case --NEW!--- 1964ish Conn 640 vacuum tube theatre organ! (with leslie!) Grandmas- New Hyundai petite baby grand Church (the organ I practice on)-
1998 Bedient (Congenital most 45 minutes from me!) 2m/pedal 24 rank Cavaille-Coll fashion pipe organ | | | Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 44 Total Member | | Full Member Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 44 | OTH I call back that having professional person expertise in the subject will contribute to an educated and more objective stance. Absolutely! I like the fact that there are so many professionals that offer their opinions on this board; I just didn't know if not-experts were expected to refrain from offering input. I'd compare Yamaha GB1K and Kawai GM10K which should be in similar price range and make up one's mind the one whose sound and action appeals to your senses. | | | Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: ane,940 1000 Post Guild Member | | chiliad Mail Gild Member Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 1,940 | Well -you lot- are really the one to brand the almost important conclusion... which ane you end up buying! Our suggestions dont mean everything considering nosotros have not physically played each piano. Thats your job of course! And an important ane! Spend your fourth dimension at each and decide what is best for you! Yamaha GB1K and Kawai GM10K... that sounds like 2 good pianos to bank check out. Proficient luck!
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Dwelling -
1905 Story and Clark Art Case --NEW!--- 1964ish Conn 640 vacuum tube theatre organ! (with leslie!) Grandmas- New Hyundai petite baby k Church (the organ I practise on)-
1998 Bedient (Built well-nigh 45 minutes from me!) 2m/pedal 24 rank Cavaille-Coll way pipe organ | | | Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: four,126 4000 Post Club Member | | 4000 Post Club Fellow member Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 4,126 | Though I am not especially fond of either, if those are the just choices I would probably cull the Yamaha GB1. Its tone is slightly less objectionable to my ears than is the GM10's. This, of course, is my personal opinion having played several of each instrument over the years. I think they are pretty much equal in terms of quality. You should go with whichever you like best. My stance as to their relative tones really shouldn't impact your option. | | | Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: six Inferior Member | | OP Junior Member Joined: January 2010 Posts: 6 | Thanks for your thoughts and opinions everyone. I greatly capeesh it. I'd like a fiddling help with a few more questions. 1) What are your thoughts on the price I should exist paying for the Yamaha and/or Kawai 5' babe grand and perhaps the larger size (I believe half-dozen', or approaching half dozen'). Both of the local retailers had a "sale toll" on the v' pianos at $8,995. Since I've never purchased a piano before I don't know if they budge on those prices or non. Without any other cognition I would likely offer them something less than $viii,995, but I really have no clue what the "true" value of a new 5' Yamaha or Kawai would exist. 2) I visited another retailer in the Mpls area, this 1 is more of a low overhead identify simply run by an older gentleman who seems to know everything well-nigh pianos (his Dad started the store in 1933!). He has many used pianos for auction - all different brands including Steinway, Yamaha, etc. But the one he was recommending to me was a new model made by "Hallet, Davis & Co." They are fabricated in Prc (with German strings and hammers) but the proper name on the forepart of the piano says the brand originated in Boston. He played the piano and it sounded terrific (aye, I will ensure my daughter visits all the stores and plays all the pianos). The 5' Hallet, Davis was selling for $5,495 and the 6' 1" Hallet, Davis was priced at $8,995. He said for an equivalent 6' Yamaha/Kawai piano I'd exist looking at $20k+. He said no matter what brand we buy we're going to accept a 20% striking on the price once we take it off the showroom flooring (I agree). His main bespeak to me was that if we didn't plan on producing a concert pianist, why have the xx% hit on the more expensive piano when we can buy ane that sounds very good, for a lot less coin. Thoughts??? Thanks again! | | | Joined: Jun 2001 Posts: iv,863 4000 Post Order Member | | 4000 Post Club Member Joined: Jun 2001 Posts: 4,863 | The build quality of the Kawai and Yamaha volition be improve, hence the higher price. Yous get what you pay for. | | | Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 1,940 1000 Mail Club Member | | 1000 Post Society Member Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: one,940 | May I advise this...
Afterwards playing the Baldwin G 5'two, I take been convinced that it is i of the all-time infant grands available. You can observe a great 2nd hand one for probably under $ten,000. I would propose seeing if you can find a local one. You lot get-
The very famous and well respected baldwin name
Sturdy and well built pianoforte
Swell volume in a small size
Good tone. Worth a try!
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Home -
1905 Story and Clark Art Instance --NEW!--- 1964ish Conn 640 vacuum tube theatre organ! (with leslie!) Grandmas- New Hyundai petite baby grand Church (the organ I practice on)-
1998 Bedient (Built about 45 minutes from me!) 2m/pedal 24 rank Cavaille-Coll manner pipe organ | | | Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 68 Full Member | | Full Member Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 68 | A petty background: my wife and I do not know how to play piano. Our 9 year old son took a few lessons and didn't intendance for it - he's big fourth dimension into sports. Our 11 year old daughter has been taking lessons for a couple years now. She seems to enjoy taking lessons, but none of u.s.a. (including her) envision her playing professionally or anywhere shut to professionally. In fact at dinner tonight she initially said she'll probably play for the next "three-4 years", at which betoken she'south guessing she'll be too busy with various high school activities and homework. Of course what 11 yr old knows what the heck they'll be doing in 3-4 years?! Strokeoluck- one matter to consider is that when you accept the new piano (whatever y'all decide on) that sounds overnice to your daughter that she may even have input to picking out, that she may remain in piano far longer than you lot might await, and proceeds an even deeper appreciation and love of music and/or piano. Either of these pianos will blow away your $150 Target keyboard. Your son my even choose to get back to piano, who knows? It's been known to happen...  ...just a idea. Adept luck!
Mark
Estonia 190 / Yamaha U1 / Yamaha P-105 ![[Linked Image]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_u4Zy4BXtpif5JZ65ttI68CBJIiYCce-7TStzF9tsH54NPjGrJidCdMFH_wou0x7V0zzFR2QmpkaFHVeHOaw-BwSCDh6EZ3vUltVbwt4Bp_DW8c=s0-d) | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 12,022 Yikes! 10000 Post Lodge Fellow member | | Yikes! 10000 Post Club Fellow member Joined: May 2005 Posts: 12,022 | Per Strokeoluck - "But the one he was recommending to me was a new model made by "Hallet, Davis & Co." They are made in Mainland china (with German language strings and hammers) but the name on the front of the piano says the brand originated in Boston."
__________________________________________________ The "name" may have originated in Boston - but the Chinese made Hallet Davis pianos you lot are looking at bear admittedly no resemblance whatsoever to the American made Hallet, Davis & Co. pianos from years agone. I would suggest that you take a little time to explore Larry Fine's Piano Buyer annual supplement (see ad on this website with link). It is costless - and all online. You can get great information about each piano brand - quality ratings - prices, etc. Trust me - if you lot spend a couple of hours with this you will be able to make a more than informed conclusion nearly your purchase !! Proficient luck. | | | Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: six Junior Member | | OP Inferior Fellow member Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: vi | Thanks anybody. People keep telling me that we should be able to detect some good brand name used options out in that location, but it's merely not happening. When I search for Kawai or Yamaha (baby) thousand's I come up with a total of four listings - none of which are advisable to our need/size/budget. The closest I found recently was a 20 year old 5' 10" Kawai for $6800. (The gentleman says he has had a number of callers and will sell it soon). I know a piano tin can concluding a long, long time, simply I think I'd prefer something a little newer (or brand new) than this one. The local Yamaha dealer came downwards to $7,995 on the CN151, and down to $9,495 on the GB1K PE. The Kawai dealer isn't budging on his $viii,995 price on the 5' piano. The Hallet, Davis dealer continues to tell me that his half dozen' baby g is the best option and volition produce the best audio. Initially I was concerned well-nigh the likelihood of even selling a 6' pianoforte downwards the road due to buyer room size constraints, but the face the Kawai 5' 10" seller is receiving a number of calls is certainly positive. | | Forums43 Topics212,122 Postsiii,175,228 Members104,648 | | Most Online15,252
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