time to go for a better piano

[obssession]

My son is 10 years old and has been practising playing piano for about 5 years.  He is currently working on the Royal Conservative Examination level 3 (10 being the highest).

The problem is the piano we have is a Strauss (some of you may not have even heard about it), a Chinese mass produced low end piano. I have to admit that we didn't know much about piano at that time.  It now bothers me to think that I will be keeping spending money (for lessons), on this piano for many many more years, let alone time and energy, as my younger son will soon pick it up too. 

Do you think it is now the time to go for a better piano? How much the piao itself affects a beginner/intermediate player? The one piano that sticks in my mind is Schimmel upright 130, or Vogel by Schimmel. The only dealer available around is about 4 hour drive.

I would like very much to hear your thoughts and suggestions.  Thank you!

[kay3087]

Do you think it is now the time to go for a better piano?

Yes, it is.

How much the piao itself affects a beginner/intermediate player?

A lot. Certainly your son will notice the difference in tone, and touch, of a finer piano, and be motivated to practice more (and surely have more enjoyment practicing, which leads to much better results).