Upgrading to a grand

[dmc]

I've been playing a Yamaha 45" upright for the last 17 years.  Bought it new in 1991 and its served me well but of course its not a grand either.  A local Steinway dealer has a sale coming up in about two weeks and I'm thinking of taking the plunge.  I intend to go play some of their inventory but I'm just wondering at what model entry point would a Steinway grand would definitely be an upgrade over my present instrument ?  This may sound like a dumb question but I've seen some opinions expressed here that certain baby grands don't sound much different than an upright.  Obviously anything above 6' would be a significant improvement but thats only going to be acessible in the next life when I'm a Steinway artist giving concerts around the globe...()...I'm thinking more in the mid 5-6' range.  Hope this makes sense.  I'm not necessarily locked into a Steinway but because of the upcoming sale thats where I'll probably start.

Opinions ?

[iumonito]

Congratulations on your decision to buy a grand.  Depending on your location, $20,000 buys you a lot of piano (around 6 to 7 feet of a good off-brand).  $15,000 buys you a nice used grand, but you may need to educate yourself so you don't get a lemon.

With the weak dollar and the fear of recession looming in USA, this is not the best time to take the plunge, unless you find the right instrument.

If I was you I would look at the Steinways just as a reference.  I find them perennialy overpriced and I like the tone of several other pianos better.

Here is a short list of good brands you should consider if you have a chance to play them.  All of these are modestly priced when compared with Steinway, and in my opinion, are better:

Brodman (I think these are made in China under Viennese supervision and design, good pianos)
Irmler (Made in Poland, German design)
August Foester (Lubau)
Bohemia (made in the Czech Republic)
Estonia
Schimmel (German equivalent of Yamaha)
Kawai (Japanese)

For the used ones, add to the list Baldwin (particularly the SF10) and Mason and Hamlin (M&Hs get a little pricier, as people that have them tend to know their pianos well and tend to try to keep the values up).

I would stay away from Boston.  Other chinese to keep in mind, if you like the price enough that you don't care as much about the fact that they are not as meticuslously made as the ones I mentioned above) are Perzina, Nordiska (Dongbei) and Rittmuller.  The new Knabe pianos, now made in Korea, I think, have very good design, but obviously they are not as good as a well-done rebuild of an original Baltimore Knabe.

Good luck.

P.S. The action on a grand is generally better than in an upright because it works primarily on gravity.  In most cases the sound board of a grand smaller than 5'6' is smaller than the soundboard of a tall upright.

[richard black]

at what model entry point would a Steinway grand would definitely be an upgrade over my present instrument ?

Unless it's so old and bedraggled that bits are hanging off it, basically any Steinway grand of any age will be a definite upgrade on any Yammie upright.

[dmc]

Howdy -

Thanks for the advice.  I intend to check different brands.  Actually Iumonitio, one you mentioned that got my attention is Schimmel.  I played one of those about 20 years ago (a new one) and was very impressed.  From what I remember, they seemed to be every bit as warm & powerful as a good Steinway.  The salesman told me they were better (no surprise there...).  If I can find a local dealer I will look into one of those as well.

[rachfan]

Be sure to check out Baldwin Artist Grands as well, new and used. 

[richard black]

My experience of Schimmels is largely limited to the batch they bought a few years ago at one of the London conservatoires, which are not wearing well.....

[rachfan]

Avoid "conservatory" and "university music department" sales like the plague.  Students tend to use those pianos like anvils, so the wear and tear is really bad.  Likewise, those schools are notorious for spending very little of their budgets to maintain their pianos well, except for the ones in their recital halls.  Best to stay clear!  Concentrate instead on reputable piano dealers in your area and/or within reasonable driving distance.

[netzow]

I'd look into the Mason and Hamlin Model A for it's size many swear it cannot be beat. It's a quality Piano made by a quality Manufacturer while it's cost is not extravagant. Also have a look at Estonia. According to Larry Fines "Piano Book" Estonia is committed to improving their pianos and they make a quality one already. By the Way I would highly recommend that you get your hands on a copy of the Piano Book By Larry Fine it is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to by a Piano or learn about them. Good luck with your search I hope You find the right piano for you.

[pianodoc]

******* Don't let yourself be rushed ********

No matter what the advertisement, there are plenty of other deals out there.

Play a bunch of different pianos, different price ranges.  Find what combination of tone, action, style appeals to YOU!

Get "The Piano Book", by Larry Fine.  It's a good resource no matter what you end up getting.

[dmc]

Also have a look at Estonia. According to Larry Fines "Piano Book" Estonia is committed to improving their pianos and they make a quality one already.

Yes I've been hearing a lot of good things about Estonia pianos.  I'd love to be able to test drive one but I'm in Milwaukee and there's no local dealer for them.  The closest one is either Chicago (about 2 hour drive) or Minneapolis (8 hours). 

BTW, Netzow, where are you located ?  There's a local piano store by the same name (and spelling).  They're primarily a Yamaha & Pearl River dealer.  Just wondering if there's a relation ?

[netzow]

Well as has been said there is no rush, you might as well have a good look while you are looking. Take your time and see what you like before making the investment. I asked the Tech I'm working with today and he also said that Estonia is a very good Piano for the money. BTW I'm not related to my user name. It's actually the brand of my Piano. I researched it a little and it is a defunked manufactorer in Milwaukee actually (hence the store I guess) I remember searching for it and coming up with the store you mention.

[dmc]

Since this thread started, I've done some research into Estonia and they look like an excellent deal.  All the feedback I've heard on them is very good so I'm very intrigued by them.  Now I just need to find one to play.  I think the closest dealer is in Chicago (100 miles away...)

The saga continues....