What would you do?

[cincy2]

I've been lurking on this forum for quite some time and have been impressed with the quality and knowledge of the members. Time to jump in!

My husband and I have a budget of $50K for a new concert grand piano. We have a 16'x20' great room with one wall of windows and a 28 foot vaulted ceiling with carpeted floors. I am a beginner but want a piano that we can cherish for the rest of our lives. We both enjoy the beautiful classical repertoire from the early to mid 1800's. I love mellow instruments that have depth and body to the sound. We are open to new or previously owned instruments. If you had this budget, what would by buy?

All advice will be gratefully accepted. I realize that the opinons expressed will be subjective. Don't want to reveal what I am thinking until we make a decision

[knabe31]

I would recommend purchasing an older piano. You will get a much better quality piano and a much better price. Once an older piano has been restored in most cases you will have a much better piano than you can purchase new. They don't build them like they used to. I did a lot of research on piano construction and quality and found that the best pianos really are the older ones. Hope this helps, good luck. 

[richard black]

When you say 'concert grand', do you mean what most pianists mean by that - i.e. a full-size, 9ft (270cm) instrument? It won't half dominate your room and you'll not necessarily hear it at its best. There are some very fine instruments in the 6ft6 to 7ft9 (200 - 240cm) range: you could almost certainly get something really good brand new around that size (not from the very top makes, i.e. Steinway, Fazioli or Bösendorfer but brands like Mason and Hamlin, Bechstein, Blüthner etc. should meet the bill). Personally, I'd look for second-hand, as with a budget like that you'll gave dealers falling over themselves to offer you fine instruments from all the top marques.

You say you're a beginner: if your husband isn't an experienced pianist, for heaven's sake take either a professional player, or a good technician, with you to look at any instrument you're serious about. You can get some fantastic bargains (I got my dream grand recently for less than some of my friends spend on dining out in a couple of years) but you do also find the occasional turkey on sale.

[cincy2]

Given the size of our room, we're shopping in the 6' to 7' range as you suggested. We have an appointment to see a Bluthner piano tomorrow. Fits in our price range and there are some good words on it in print.

[daniloperusina]

With that amount of money, I would buy a Steinway. New or used. Since you mention that you want to enjoy it for the rest of your lives, I don't know any other instrument which lasts so long. It has by far the best second hand value, and it's longevity is unsurpassed. That's my personal experience anyway.

[gerry]

I've been lurking on this forum for quite some time and have been impressed with the quality and knowledge of the members. Time to jump in!

Of course, if you've been lurking on this forum for any amount of time you'll know (if not, you'll soon find out) that there are as many unique answers/opinions to your question as there are members To me, it's a little like asking a bunch of strangers who you should fall in love with and marry. It's admirable that you want as great an instrument as you do, but maybe, since neither of you is an accomplished musician, you could consider spending a more modest amount on a good used piano for yourselves and donating the balance to a serious student or to your local music school piano fund... Good luck!

[cincy2]

Gerry,

You are undoubtedly a sensitive and caring person. Now I'm feeling guilty for making this expenditure. It's true neither of us are accomplished ....yet. With some clean living we both have about 25 years or more left to achieve that illusive state.

My husband has a very unique classical guitar. He believes that a music lover with the financial means regardless of ability has an obligation to support the luthiers that make these rare and beautiful instruments (maybe as few as 12 in a year). I feel the same way about the companies making superb pianos.

Thanks for you thoughtful input.

Cincy

[gerry]

 It's true neither of us are accomplished ....yet. With some clean living we both have about 25 years or more left to achieve that illusive state.

And what better way to do it than with a superb and inspiring instrument. Forgive my previous posting, I was just rattling off a somewhat altruistic thought in late-night euphoria - didn't mean to lay a guilt trip on you. Although I majored in music and have played since age 5, I am not a professional musician in the full sense of the word. That said, I have made the incredible strides forward with my technique to the satisfaction of myself and others mainly due to the fact that I can sit down at a Bosendorfer 225 (that I luckily purchased in 1969 when prices were vastly lower) and practice my heart out. Yes a good instrument can inspire - go for it. Like the love metaphor, I like to think that one will know when you meet the right piano - I know I did. BTW, have you searched the forum - there are several old threads with extensive (and I mean EXTENSIVE) postings on piano preferences. Best of luck in your search.

[richard black]

While I don't dispute any of Danilo's specific points on Steinways, I often find Blüthners can be more lovable in many ways. A good friend of mine has a really good, new, Steinway B and an elderly, similar-size, Blüthner (beautiful condition) and I know which one I would play for pleasure if I were house-sitting at his place!

[daniloperusina]

And in this I will not dispute what you say either.
Steinways for me are better than other brands when it comes to longevity and how well the sound carries in a concert hall.
Blüthners and Bechsteins, on the other hand, can have an unsurpassable sweetness, which seems to project itself especially well to where the pianist is sitting. So Steinway would be my professional choice, and one of the three B's for when I'd want to drift away in dreams of lovely pianosounds...

[cincy2]

My husband and I heard a Bluthner Model 4 and a Model 6 at a local dealer today. The Model 4 (6'10) was magical. I've never heard a piano like this: ethereal combination of power, delicacy, richness and the sustain! One of the store employees was a very good classical player. My husband was choking back tears the music moved him so much. It can't get any better than this. The Model 6 (6"3) didn't have the tidal wave of overtones and body that the Model 4 showed us. We're going to hear a similar size Steingraeber next week. It will have a hard time measuring up to the instrument we heard today.