Teen strapped for cash in need of a good piano

[funnygirl]

To whom it may concern, I'm beginning my piano search with a lot of resources on hand (The Piano Book, internet forums, etc.) but only about $3000 to spend on a vertical. I'm 17 and have been playing for ten years, working on Chopin's etudes and a lot of demanding repertoire. Our current piano is a 1970s Kimball spinet that hasn't been tuned in 4 years and the more I learn about it in relation to other pianos ("It's a spinet? What's that?") the more I'm convinced that tuning it won't revive the sound quality.

My parents already have enough financial hassles (braces for me and my bro, cars for each, and college) to worry about this sudden need for a decent upright, so I figure I can sell the Kimball for $600 (can it be more than that? Can't find the serial number), spend $1500 of my own money on a piano unless my parents feel lenient, and let them cover the rest.

My question is, what is my range and how do I start? Are used pianos better than new Pearl Rivers or other cheap Chinese ones? I live in the DFW area so I have a lot of dealers I can check out, but I'm uncomfortable playing in front of people (especially hovering people) and might make swift decisions because they're around. I know I need to find "my sound" but it's gonna have to be a cheap one. I think I'm much easier to please than the dissatisfied tone-searcher who wrote "Piano Obsession". Unless I make myself that way. The best piano I've played on so far is a Wurlitzer baby grand made by Young Chang in the 90s (my aunt's piano).

How do I handle shopping for a new piano? The newspaper has unlimited used piano ads, the dealers might trick me, you can't hear something over Ebay, and I'm only worth $3000.

Any help is appreciated, thank you so much!
~Sarah

P.S. I already discontinued my piano teacher of ten years (thanks pianostreet) and previously wanted to spend my money on lessons, but now I'm thinking a new piano (or used piano new to me) is more important for now so I'm putting a teacher on hold. What comes first? The piano? I can teach myself for now, but should I always have someone to guide me?

[iroveashe]

I recommend buying a used piano but restored at a store (as in opposed to a used piano from someone who's had the piano sitting in the house for years), and just go and play as many pianos as you can, you'll be less nervous the more you play (I've been there). Make sure it has a good guarantee (I've been to stores with 5 years differences on guarantees), and ask if you get a free tuning, you'll probably need one after transporting the piano (and ask if the transportation is included in the price too); and since you're at it, ask if they'll take your old piano as part of the payment. But above all that, if you can, what I advice the most is to go with someone you trust, who has some experience on the subject.

[Bob]

Yes, a used piano would hold its value.  At least that's what I've heard.

If you're 17, you're probably going to college soon.  Why not get a nice portable keyboard?  3K would buy a decent one.  It's portable.  You'd have headphones to use.  You'd never be without a piano or unable to practice.  And it wouldn't need tuning.

You might have a tough time selling the older upright.  If it's not in great shape, it's probably not worth anything.  And it would be much more useful sitting at home for you to practice on occasionally than a few hundred you might get for it.  If it's not in great shape, the best I've heard for using old upright is to practice tuning.  Sometimes people can't even sell them.  But if you can still use it, keep it around, esp since if you got a keyboard the old upright would be a nice acoustic to have around.

[Bob]

With the way the economy is, you might luck out.  Find someone who bought a piano or keyboard new (but hopefully broken in) and then buy it from them for a much lower price.  If you find the right person having some financial hardships, you might luck out on the deal.

[funnygirl]

Thanks for the advice guys. And you've given me an idea, Bob, I'm sure there are plenty of people willing to part with their uprights at this time, especially if they've only been around for show. I don't think a portable would do; I don't like the thumpyness of the keys, even weighted pressure-sensitive ones.

Used restored piano from trusted dealer. I'll look into it!

~Sarah

[odd_wanderer]

You could also borrow pianos.

Churches, performance centers, and schools often have decent pianos. I usually practice away from home, and most people that I've come across are fine with a wannabe-musician making noise. I once found a rather old but serviceable Steinway B in a small church. It had a leather-covered/textured fallboard and was brown. At one school I used a well-regulated and maintained Yamaha C6 and a Kawai concert grand (I forgot the model).

Be sure to ask for permission. Playing loudly/poorly/at all within earshot of a Rosary prayer or Drama rehearsal is generally unwelcome. If a choir and accompanist are using the piano, screaming and attempting to dislodge the accompanist by force are bad ideas (the latter even with a catapult).

[timothy42b]

In your position I would go a different direction.

I think it is more likely you are limited by lack of a teacher who can take you to the next level than by your instrument. 

I would spend the money on lessons, even if you have to travel some distance and pay the high prices some of the top people charge.

You haven't tuned this piano in four years - are you going to be able to keep a new one properly maintained?  If not, there is no point in upgrading. 

I would have your piano tuned, I would sign up for lessons with the best quality teacher I could find, and I would play other good pianos on a regular basis.  By this time you should be playing in public on a regular basis anyway, pick one with a good piano.

[netzow]

Look for a used Yamaha, Preferably one of the "U" series. They are excellent and inexpensive option.