New Piano Vs Better 2nd Hand Piano

[justliam]

Ok, I have £2,000 to spend on a piano.  In today's climate that's probably the same in dollars lol.

Would you say it's better to (A) buy a pretty low end Yamaha Upright for £2,000 or (B) look around extensively to try and find a better model of piano that is 2nd hand and hope it's in good condition?

Or (C) Build one yourself using Dummies Guide to building Pianos?

[richard black]

For that price, if you're a musician (as opposed to someone who thinks a piano looks pretty in their front room!), definitely 2nd hand. You'll get loads of choice of decent instruments, whereas new you'd be buying something very basic that won't last either.

[justliam]

Oh I don't care for pretty.  You should see my curtains 

[alessandro]

Just as Richard Black I definitely would advise second hand too.
I myself am the proud owner of a Yamaha, bought it new for approximately 3200 euros.  Think it's something like 2400 pounds.  But I'm not sure that I would do that again.  I more tend to think that I never would buy a new one again.   Unless of course, I would suddenly be a millionaire.  The difference in price between a good or excellent second hand and a decent new one is in my view still very big.  New, good, piano's are very expensive.
Good luck just liam.  And what's the matter with your curtains ? If they're shabby, shapeless, smokey and liveless colours, they can create the good environment for some Tom Waits-songs or bluesy piano --- but if they make you unhappy, use a little bit of the 2000 pounds and get some satisfying room-decoration, it will definitely make you happy and have a positive side effect on your piano-playing ;-)
Kindly.

[quantum]

I'm very happy with my 2nd hand piano.  I was working with a budget and if I had bought new, would have ended up with a smaller size.  It's also great that the piano had already been broken in and materials have matured as opposed to brand new. 

[mike saville]

2nd hand - there are some real bargains to be had if you look around (when compared with new). Though don't forget to factor in the cost of moving to your house - this itself could be several hundred pounds for piano removal experts.