It is time to purchase my first grand piano - HELP!

[librarypatron]

Greetings,

It is time for me to buy a real piano. My sons and I have been studying and advancing over the last year. At home we have been playing on Kurzweil digital pianos.

I am unable to get the dynamics at home that I get at the Conservatory on the real Grand pianos. I want to spend no more than $25,000 US Dollars and am open to suggestions.

I currently have a hold on a Yamaha C2 in Mahogany - but the sound is somewhat bright. Also, the price seems high at $24,000 after reading some of the other C2 posts here.

I wish I could spend more but I have to stick to this budget. I live in Westchester County, NY and have only visited the local dealer in my area - Frank and Camille's. The manager is very helpful.  They had quite a few Yamaha C2's and a couple of Petrof's. The Petrof action felt "light" but it had a warmer sound than the Yamaha.

Any suggestions? Other dealers I should try? Other brands I should be looking at?

Thanks,

Eddie

[nwpiano_guy]

I'd suggest reading Larry Fine's "The Piano Book"  https://www.pianobook.com/  and then playing lots of instruments. He gives a really comprehensive review of all brands and groups them in price/quality categories. His supplement also gives guidance on "street values" of pianos.  You have to decide what compromises are right for you, new vs used, larger vs smaller and all of this against the general level of quality (consumer grade vs no compromise high quality).  The important thing is that you should really like the sound and feel of the instrument you buy - something that is totally subjective and personal.  Also adding to to problem is that the "brightness" will depend on the room as well as the piano and can be voiced somewhat by a good technician.

I personally find the Yamaha pianos to sound "good" without having much "character".  I hope you have a chance to sample more brands.  On a budget I'd also look for a used instrument - with the caveat that a technician should check it before you commit.  I've seen some excellent older pianos sell in the mid 20K range.

[librarypatron]

I will 100% consider buying a pre-owned refurbished piano.  I should have mentioned that in my initial post.  I am open to used as well as new.  I just don't want an upright or another digital keyboard.

[knabe31]

Visit Pianomart.com they have used pianos listed as well as many vendors of rebuilt and new pianos. I purchsed an older used piano as I could not find anything in my price range new that equaled the quality and sound of the used.

[amelialw]

you should look at 2nd hand Boston Grand piano's. There's 1 model in particular that I really like alot that my friend has but i don't know the model #.

you could look at Kawai Grands too

[librarypatron]

Thanks for the responses.  I was told that $24K is on the high side for a new Yamaha Mahogany C2 and that I should try to barter down the price to $21,500.  I am going to visit a dealer in Stamford, CT to see what he has in stock for my price range.   

My father offered to kick in $10K towards buying a piano for the Grandkids.  This pushes my budget to $35K and hopefully I should be able to find sonic joy at that price point for a refurbished or used piano.  The piano is primarily for my twin 6 year olds who have been studying for 2 years.  It is also for me - but more for them.  They love to play and that makes me happy.

Thanks Again!!!

[librarypatron]

One other thing just to set the record straight.  My overall shopping experience thus far has been 100% positive at Frank & Camille's.  The store manager Eric has gone out of his way in demonstrating various pianos and their subtleties.  I apologize if my thread offended anyone connected with Frank & Camille's.  I'm only trying to buy a piano for my family and get a great deal.

Regards,

Eddie

[allthumbs]

Have a look at Brodmann. It's a piano made in China but it uses quality parts such as German Strunz soundboard, English Langer action, Roslau strings, German Able hammers, American Burkel pinblock etc.

Brodmann HQ is in Vienna and is run by ex-patiot Bosendorfer people.

For 35K or less, you could get a 7' model.

I was stunned at the quality of finish and clarity of sound and would match these up with any piano that were double in price.

Check out www.brodmann-pianos.com


allthumbs

[richard black]

For $35k you should be able to get some really nice old European or American piano a few decades old but in good condition. Apart from the fact that something like that will have loads more character than anything new in your price bracket (I've seldom if ever found any real character in any Chinese or Korean-built piano and precious little in any affordable Yammie or Kawai) it will hold value much better. New pianos are like new cars - lose a third of their value immediately on delivery.

[txmuslguy]

  You REALLY need to consider and investigate a Mason & Hamlin grand. They are made here in the United States. The "sound" is close to that of a Steinway,but not anywhere near a Steinways price. Even a used M&H in good condition is worth investigating.
  I read in your post that you won't consider an upright, but a Steinway K52 "IS" worth investigating. A K52 has a soundboard LARGER than the smallest grand they make (it's actually about the size of thier 6'1"), and it has the same "touch and feel" as the grand action. The left una corda pedal even shifts the keyboard right and strikes one less string. Every K52 I've played has that wonderful Steinway sound.  Just an idea worth considering.
TX

[librarypatron]

Hello everyone!

My wife and I spent several hours at Allegro Pianos in Stamford, CT this afternnon and received a wonderful piano education by the owner - Ori.  He has an amazing inventory of high quality pianos - Bluthner, Bosendorfer, Mason & Hamlin, August Forster, Steinway, Steingraeber & Sohne, and Estonia. 

We think we found a winner in a 6'3" Estonia Grand and believe that it is a High Quality - Great Value piano for the money.  My wife and I are still going to visit NYC and check out Piano Row for other brands.  However, my mind is pretty much made up and I want the Estonia.  More importantly, my wife LOVED the sound.

Today's dream piano was a 7'10" Bluthner that sounded magnificent and was way, way,
way, out of my financial means.  However, it is nice to dream.

I will let everyone know how NYC turns out and what piano we wind up buying within the next few weeks.

Regards,

Eddie

[nyonyo]

It is true that you need a real piano. However, I do not think that you need a grand piano. Unless you have monies and like to have a grand piano is part of your furniture. For the sheer of practicing, an upright piano is enough.

[librarypatron]

Greetings,

We have the space for a Grand Piano.  The room is 13 feet x 28 feet with open archways connecting it to three other areas.  Tt is a huge space actually.  That is why i have my sights set on the Estonia 190.

[kamike]

I have heard good things about the Estonia.   You should get the grand since you have the means and the space.   You would never be happy otherwise.  There is no substitute for a good quality grand piano, IMHO.

[nyonyo]

Isn't Estonia way more expensive than Yamaha C2.
Yamaha S4 is actually very good. My only concern with Estonia is that the resale value.
Since we never know if someday you do not want or not capable of playing piano any longer.

[grandamericanpiano]

I think "The Piano Book" by Larry Fine is the best place to get info on pianos.  Especially instructive is the section on restored pianos.  In My opinion, restored "golden era" grands are the best bang for the buck.  Check out my website https://www.grandamericanpiano.com for more info on these pianos.

[thalberg]

Have you tried Faust Harrison Pianos yet?  They  are in NY and have a great reputation.  Also try this guy in D.C.--Keith Kerman with Piano Craft.  His customers adore him and never stop talking about him.

By now perhaps you have made your purchase.  Give us an update when you have time.