Pearl River 7' grande

[joyfulmusic]

Anybody have any experience or wisdom regarding this piano? 

[invictus]

yes, totally useless IMO

[gkatele]

yes, totally useless

There are those that will disagree...

It holds a LOT of beer.
You can bathe in it.
Need firewood?
Put photos on it.


Having said those, I'm hearing that the newer Chinese pianos are getting better and better. The Ritmuller labeled Pearl River has even garnered some repect.

(Disclaimer - I am an interested amatuer, and have never played a Ritmuller, but have had occasion to play some Pearls about a year ago)

[joyfulmusic]

I spent a couple of hours playing this piano.  It's being offered for 14,000.  The bass is fabulous - rich - full.  In my opinion pianos have to be judged one by one.  This has German guts.  My technician is recommending this piano.  Frankly I've played so many Steinways that make me sick, - overtones-r-us, that I have never followed the party line on brands.  Still it's helpful to hear of other people's impressions and experiences.  I'm wondering if the negative comments in general have come from experience of time spent playing one of these newer babies.  After all the BSO is famous for booing Brahms the first time they were asked to play it.  Musicians can be so rigid in accepting something new.

[jolly]

Don't get caught up in the German hype...cakes are mostly flour, eggs, and milk, but not all cooks bake a good one.

Having said that, there is no substitute for size. 7 foot of piano has the ability to generate more bass than a 5 footer. And the Chinese are getting better.

The Nordiska Masters series even has Abel hammers and Renner actions...also worth a look.

But if your tech likes the PR....

[tosca1]

Hi Joyfulmusic,
Don't be put off stereotypical comments about Chinese pianos and judge with your ears and mind.
I am not familiar with Pearl River pianos, but it seems that the company is determined to capture the international market in piano production.  China is now the largest producer of new pianos in the world.  Piano study in China is undergoing colossal growth.
In some ways it seems that the western musical heritage is now passing into oriental hands.
China is undergoing staggeringly rapid development as it hurtles towards becoming an economic super power. I am sure that these social and economic changes will also be reflected in the quality of its piano production.

Regards,
Robert.

[iumonito]

Pay less for it and soup it up.  Although, from what I have experienced Dongbei is the best Chinese piano and they do make a 7 footer (which I have not played).  Comparing 1/4 and 1/2 Pearls to 1/4 and 1/2 Dongbeis (all of which I have played enough to form an opinion), the Dongbei is better no questions asked.

I have also played Maestoso, which is a severely modified Dongbei made in Maryland, USA by Pianocraft.  The piano is excellent; IMO best value for an entry level instrument.  As far as I know they have not made a 7' Maestoso yet, but I would be surprised if they would not make you one if you ask, as Dongbei does make the raw piano that I would assume would be used.  In that price range, though, you may be close enough to get a hand-made-from-scratch European piano for just a tad more.

I for one would love to hear and play a 7' Maestoso if it came into the market.

[jolly]

Pay less for it and soup it up.  Although, from what I have experienced Dongbei is the best Chinese piano and they do make a 7 footer (which I have not played).  Comparing 1/4 and 1/2 Pearls to 1/4 and 1/2 Dongbeis (all of which I have played enough to form an opinion), the Dongbei is better no questions asked.

I have also played Maestoso, which is a severely modified Dongbei made in Maryland, USA by Pianocraft.  The piano is excellent; IMO best value for an entry level instrument.  As far as I know they have not made a 7' Maestoso yet, but I would be surprised if they would not make you one if you ask, as Dongbei does make the raw piano that I would assume would be used.  In that price range, though, you may be close enough to get a hand-made-from-scratch European piano for just a tad more.

I for one would love to hear and play a 7' Maestoso if it came into the market.

Problem is the price.

By the time Keith gets through with the piano, it becomes almost the same price as a Kawai Rx......

[iumonito]

I know, I know; although it is not beyond question that Keith's may be the better piano.  I liked Maestoso at 6'1" better than the equivalent Kawais I have played (and I am a Kawai fan).

[pianorama]

I have never played a Pearl River grand piano, but I've played one of their uprights, and it truly sucks. Maybe their grands are better, but I don't know.....