Yamaha vs Kohler and Cambpell

[lostsoul]

I've been calling around the place to purchase piano.
At the moment, a shop has recommeded a Yamaha T121 which is a U1 without the fancy stuff.

Another shop also stocks Yamaha but thinks it's not value for money. They think a Kohler & Cambell SKV52FD is a better option (the height is slighty taller).

I guess I should go in there and just play on them both to see which one I enjoy more.
However, what I'd like to know is which one is more durable?
Has anyone come across a Kohler & Cambell before?
Any suggestions?

[gkatele]

Anyone who knows more than me, please correct me...

Kohler and Campbell is made by Samick - a Korean company. From what I've seen (and heard), they are no better or worse than other Korean pianos.

There are those that will say that the Japanese pianos (Yamaha, Kawai) are better.

But, in the long run, let your fingers and your ears be your guide.


George

[griffins dad]

The second dealer you called is most likely a used, grey market Yamaha dealer.  Of course he is going to recommend the Kohler & Cambell because they likely make more money on them and they don't want you to buy from the authorized Yamaha dealer.

The Yamaha is a much better value, in all aspects of the term piano.  It will play, sound, and stay in tune better than the K&C.  It will resell A LOT better, should you have to in the future.

If money is an issue, you should also consider the T116 or the P22, which are their 45" studio pianos.

Good luck!

[mamma2my3sons]

Yamaha has much better name recognition & thus resale value than Kohler & Campbell.  Yamahas  typically have a much higher price tag as well. Compare apples to apples by looking at the identical SIZES in the pianos. ... Tone wise, the Yamahas I tried were bright as compared to Kohler & Campbell. From what I have read (I'm a relative novice), most of the Yamaha pianos are built in Japan. There are some less expensive models being built in Indonesia.

Kohler & Campbells are built in either Korea,-less expensive models in Indonesia. I own a 5'9" Indonesian model. I'm pleased with it.

Lostsoul said:

I guess I should go in there and just play on them both to see which one I enjoy more.

Yep! You're right. I would run the serial numbers as well to determine the age of the pianos you narrow it down to as well.
Good luck to you! Let us know what you decide.

[lostsoul]

Thanks for all the comments.

Yes the first one is a Yamaha Dealer and the 2nd one is K&C wholesaler. They're both offering AU$6000 for Yamaha T121

1st dealer advise is basically T121 is a U1 without you're fancy stuff outside and basically the gut is the same.

2nd dealer says that T121 has some noticebly different parts inside and U1 is definately the better option.
For them, K&C is better value for money.

I've got a technician coming to tune my TOKAI tomorrow morning, I'll see what his judgement is on the matter too.

[jeremyjchilds]

In a uniform world, go with the Yamaha, but if you find that either of the pianos sounds "just Right" buy that specific piano, every one is different.

[rich_galassini]

Our world isn't uniformand the T121 has only been made for a few years. It is specifically made to compete $$$ wise with the better made Korean pianos.

If we were comparing a U1 with the SKV52, I MIGHT have a different opinion. But if your tech. is worth his salt and your dealer does ANY prep at all, I predict that the K&C will win this one.

I look forward to hearing about the result!

[lostsoul]

My piano tuner yesterday told me the place that sells K&C does not do any prep on the piano.... they used to be an authorised yamaha dealer but had it taken away from them because they didn't prepare the piano's before they sold it (rich_galassini, does that change you're view?)
Yamaha dealer shows me a big list of prep work they do before delivering it. They said it takes about 1 day.

I've played on K&C's before... they're not a bad sort.

In this case, I might be incline for the Yamaha. First things first, I want to sell my current piano before I get the new one.