he's generally pretty right on when it comes to things like this.
well...quantum, i didn't have to buy him the woofers. we both finally came to an agreement. the price range is beyond us. but, we had fun looking and also learned some new things about bosie's.
first thing (about this particular piano). it's shape is not the usual curve - but a sort of straight line meets the curve. it's an unusual shape. also, right in the curve (where singers stand) there is a knob. i asked 'what is this for?' he said, 'it is for locking the lid. you turn it, and a lock goes into place. it doesn't look bad or anything. it was just a surprise. the whole exterior of the piano is unscratched as far as i could see.
now, interesting thing about the pedals, too. the sostenuto - normally on pianos - starts somewhere below mid-C and to the bass. well, on a bosie (or at least this one) it encompasses the ENTIRE keyboard. so, if you play a chord and then want a sustain - you've got it for a long time. i played some bach, and it was cool to experiment.
also, the frame is very different looking. i asked him if it was iron because it looked lighter weight. he said either iron (covered with something) or steel. it looked like something lighter weight but just as able to hold things together. not sure what it is covered with - but sort of gold colored.
the strings are looking beautiful. the action is ok (a little lighter than i prefer - but some like it this way). mr. wilder is extremely nice and has taken excellent care to keep the piano humidified in the winter and he has curtains that block the sun. it is in an excellent location. everything about the piano and bench is solid. there are four black notes (Ab, G, Gb, F). surprisingly, they did not color black the ends, but only the tops of the keys. is this standard? i kinda wondered on that, but just ok with it. (could always add black fingernail polish - yuk).
he has kept it from heat/cold. i guess that all in all - if we had the money to burn it would be a 'salon' piano. the sound is a little bit lighter -but we were in a very large room with 13 foot ceilings. he said with carpet and lower ceilings that it would sound louder.
now, i'm thinking price-wise only (to help my husband not have a heart attack) maybe a kawaii grand. a little stiffer action, maybe tighter pedalling (which some don't like - but i do), and better price. but, i know that you get what you pay for - and the bosie is certainly nothing to scoff at. it's just a very light sounding and light playing piano. probably very good for professional pianists who want to warm up on all their rep without killing themselves. after practicing on my kawaii - i sort of want another one - kawaii grand - but not sure yet. we'll see. i don't want to get rid of the studio upright because it tunes really well. have to start working harder and saving money.