Jordan Piano Company/Kohler New York Baby Grand

[lani]

My husband and I came across a vintage 1930's-40's mahagony baby grand (smallest baby grand we've seen) at a price around $ 1800.00.  The piano needs to be tuned and cleaned a bit and came from an estate sale.  My daughter is playing on a Baldwin Acrosonic (small upright) and wanted to graduate to a baby grand.  Does anyone know of the quality (of sound and manufacturing) of this particular company?  We cn't afford much, and also have a small living room, so the size seems to just fit.  Is is worth getting a vintage/antique piece vs a newer piano?  We like the older woods and ivories, but maybe it's too costly to repair/restore?  Thanks. Lani

[donjuan]

You need to be careful with ancient pianos, especially ancient pianos at such a low price.  They are often unsuitable for practicing on because, well, they are so old!  The keys are shrunken and turned yellow, and various large expensive parts will need to be replaced, like the action (If the action is shot, there is really no reason to get the grand over an upright..), or soundboard.  Eventually, you might realize you should have gone with a newer one.  
Get a technician to check out the piano before buying to make sure it is what you need.  How big is the Grand?  what kind of music will your daughter be playing?
donjuan

[lani]

The size of it was smaller than most baby grands we've seen around 4 1/2 ' x 5' length, had ivory keys in fair condition (all keys intact).  Also the piano would need to delivered (2 1/2 hours-over 150 miles away), so maybe all in all it wouldn't be feasible to do all this in addition to having a tuner look at it.  She would be playing mostly classical pieces (she does play some jazz and popular tunes) and plays at high intermediate level.  Thanks for the tips and reply. Regards, Lani

[donjuan]

high intermediate level is a little too advanced for someone to be satisfied with such an old instrument.  Only the old steinways are worth buying, but this company, I'm not too sure.

You might have a problem if you consider fair condition of keys to be "all intact".  There is much more to it than that- It may look fine, but the whippens inside may be ready to split...
I havent seen the piano, but at a cost of 1800, well... few people will be willing to sell an old upright for that price, so be suspicious.

If you think it might still be worth it (which it very well may be), your daughter should come play on it.
Best Wishes,
donjuan