Piano Forum
Piano Board => Instruments => Topic started by: dow25 on September 27, 2013, 09:36:55 PM
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Hi :)
I'm new to the forum and also i'm a total beginner in anything related to playing piano, so i would like your advice.
I'm thinking about purchasing a piano, but i don't know what should be considered before buying.
The piano i'm interested is a STARR piano, the problem is that the pedals are broken and the seller says to me that the piano works because any key he plays it sounds(you can tell he doesn't know very much also), and the seller is located outside of my city.The price he gave me is $170 bucks.
So, what do you think?,Is it a good deal?
I hope you can help me.
Thanks beforehand.
(https://safe-img04.olx.com.mx/ui/17/96/06/1373477508_526709006_3-Remato-Piano-Vertical-Starr-Instrumentos-Musicales.jpg)
(https://safe-img02.olx.com.mx/ui/17/96/06/1373477508_526709006_1-Fotos-de--Remato-Piano-Vertical-Starr.jpg)
(https://safe-img04.olx.com.mx/ui/17/96/06/1373477508_526709006_2-Remato-Piano-Vertical-Starr-Mexicali.jpg)
(https://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af76/mooy_08/080820132077_zpsa939d8c0.jpg)
(https://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af76/mooy_08/080820132083_zpsa5caad02.jpg)
(https://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af76/mooy_08/080820132078_zpsbaa8e283.jpg)
(https://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af76/mooy_08/Pedals1_zps6ed3915c.jpg)
(https://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af76/mooy_08/Pedals2_zps288ead0e.jpg)
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As a total beginner, you won't be using the pedal.
Do you really want to pay $170, plus moving expenses, for a piano with a broken pedal?
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To which I might add -- I'll bet you can do better for the money. I picked up a very good upright, some years ago, for a case of beer to pay off the four guys from the base who helped me move it...
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It appears to be a post WWII studio instead of a depression era upright, so maybe the tone is more modern than a tinkly upright.
But the cheapest way to replace those broken pedals is to buy another piano.
Starr is not a recognized brand in the USA, probably a store brand.
The hammers and dampers don't look worn.
Figure truck rental and two guys for 60 miles is about $200 shipping, and figure that into the cost. Unless you are out west, this is not a deal.
Use searchtempest.com and search for piano under 100 miles. This is better than looking at craigslist direct. Right click on every piano with a picture, and look at it. 48" is usually pre-WWII upright, (tinkly and weights 400 lb) 44" and below are usually post WWII (<300 lb).
Also cruise Salvation Army, Goodwill, St Vincent de Paul, etc. Often some good pianos there for $40-$100. Ones with the notes stuck, sometimes just the leather strap is broken and that can be replaced with seam tape with no tools.
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You asked for opinions, so here's mine: Don't do it. Unless you have someone knowledgeable (eg: a piano technician) look over the piano first and figure out the total cost, including moving, repairs, tuning, etc, I'd say it could turn out to be a costly mistake.
If you're a total beginner, look into buying a used Yamaha Clavinova that's in good condition. Not some other brand with a light action. Look at a used Yamaha Clavinova. Clavinovas sound surprisingly good -- probably better than the old clunker of a piano you're considering -- and they don't go out of tune. The Yamaha action feels decent, too. You can move a Clavinova by yourself; the keyboard can be removed from the base. You can also use headphones -- a real plus if you're in an apartment building or living with someone who doesn't want to hear the piano all the time. You can even practice a Clavinova using headphones at midnight and not wake anyone. That is a real plus where I live.
Also, if my experience, repairs to a Clavinova are usually simple and cheap -- any very infrequent. I've simply told the tech what the problem was over the phone, and he came and replaced the part for very little money.
Of course a Clavinova is not a "real" piano. If you get a Clavinova and still want to play on a real piano from time to time, you can often find a place in your community with a piano. For instance, my hometown public library has a piano that people can sign up to use. Here at my school, I can sign up to use the grand piano in the school auditorium.
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1000% not worth it. I'm certain you could get something of that calibre for free if you agreed to take it off their hands and absorb the moving expenses.