Piano purchase advice sought! Help with shortlist..

[liszt85]

School starts on Wednesday. I'm keen to buy a piano before that. Here is a shortlist (or long list). I'm looking to get the best five choices (for an intermediate-advanced student) from people who'd be willing to take a few minutes to look at these links:

1) https://columbus.craigslist.org/msg/1961829735.html (Rosler upright studio? $600) Is Rosler a good company? I think its production was supervised by Petrof..

2) https://cleveland.craigslist.org/msg/1925582552.html (Yamaha console $500. Why is this cheaper than all yamaha consoles I've seen on craigslist? Maybe worth taking a look into?)

3) https://cleveland.craigslist.org/msg/1900160712.html Kawai console $100.

4) https://dayton.craigslist.org/msg/1884855021.html Story and Clark console $500

5) https://dayton.craigslist.org/msg/1922863440.html 1982 Baldwin Hamilton Studio $1000.

6) https://dayton.craigslist.org/msg/1951141697.html Heintzmann & Co 52" upright $500.

7) https://dayton.craigslist.org/msg/1952707746.html Story and Clark. Bought in 1975. Original owner. $800.

https://cleveland.craigslist.org/msg/1955375908.html Samick JS 112. $1375

9) https://columbus.craigslist.org/msg/1902990363.html Samick console $1400

10) https://columbus.craigslist.org/msg/1888896718.html 2 year old Samick for $1500

11) https://columbus.craigslist.org/msg/1908016078.html 1960's Wurlitzer studio piano $800.

12) https://columbus.craigslist.org/msg/1960872915.html Baldwin console $800. I'd love to get a general opinion on Baldwin consoles.

13) https://columbus.craigslist.org/msg/1956119670.html Everett console $800.

YAMAHA CONSOLES (Are these good?):

14) https://columbus.craigslist.org/msg/1930138279.html for $1900  10 yrs old

15) https://columbus.craigslist.org/msg/1950164116.html $1900 18 yrs old

16) https://cleveland.craigslist.org/msg/1925582552.html $500 24 yrs old

The other option is to rent a piano of my choice for a year and then apply the first year's rent towards a purchase from the same leasing company. It could be a different piano. Let me know what you think of this idea too. So I could rent a Kawai console for $40 a month and the purchase price is $2400 which I can decide whether to buy or not after one year.

TIA!

[liszt85]

Sorry, 2) and 16) are the same piano.

[quantum]

Piano purchasing and the research that goes behind it is an activity best taken when not rushed.  However, I understand your immediate need of a practice instrument for school.  

If you have an idea of the sound and characteristics of the piano you desire, this may help shorten your list.  However, if you are just listing these pianos without having experienced playing them or similar of the same brand it is best you do so before considering them.  Play lots of pianos, eventually you will hone in on the characteristics you like to have in a piano.  

Since you seem in urgent need of a practice instrument, I'd go for a less expensive one in good condition.  You can upgrade later on to a better piano when you have had a chance to do more playing and research.  

If buying used, always get a piano technician to check the piano.  There is a fee for this, but it is a lot less than finding out you paid for a $200 piano when it needs $1000 in repairs.  You don't want to be frustrated with a pianos problems when you are trying to get some practicing done, so make sure it is in good working condition.  The tech will help you with this. 

[silverwoodpianos]

Forget names and models; buy the tone you like. If you do not like the tone the instrument produces you will not play the instrument. Everything else can be adjusted with regard to the action/keyboard.

As stated previously have a local technician of your choice inspect the instrument you want to purchase for present condition and then current value according to your local market conditions.

[keys60]

I agree with Silverwood on this. No person can tell you over the internet what piano you would like. The best I can tell you though is I've played and tuned a few early 80's Baldwin Hamiltion Studios and liked them very much. Nice fairly heavy and controlled action with a good projection and tone. Keep in mind, these pianos are well maintained and in fairly new condition. If memory serves me correctly, around 48" tall. Try a few if you can find them as well as at least as many on your short list and more, than you'll get an idea of what you like. If you are just starting out, bring a pianist with you and ask them what they like about each one. Try not to put much stock in the sales people. Some know their products and most don't. They are pretty much people that are good at sales and know how to play at least some. Then again, some shops are owned by restorer/rebuilders and are darned fine technicians that really know pianos. Try to find out their qualifications if you can.