Reconditioned 1930's/40's pianos

[russda_man]

I am training for a career as a concert pianist, but I am on a really tight budget. At the moment, I cannot even afford a Yamaha grand. I am thinking about buying a reconditioned 1930's/40's piano. I know I should have a modern piano, especially since I am so serious, but I have no choice but to get something cheaper. Does anyone think this would be worth while?

[jimbo320]

Reconditioned what? Some pianos do better than others. 70 or 80 years and a good refurb job might be fine. As long as the action is good...
I prefer a new Yamaha myself...

Jimbo

[keyboardclass]

Depends where you are.  In London we have piano auctions 3 times a year.  Next one will be just before Easter: www.pianoauctions.co.uk

[richard black]

Why 'should' you have a modern piano? Some of the older ones are perfectly good, often a lot better than most of the modern instruments (obviously excluding the top makes - Steinway, Bechstein, Fazioli, Steingräber etc.). There's a lot to be said for practising on something that takes a bit of work to control. Grab yourself a nice old Welmar or Chappell or something for the price of a few good dinners, get a good technician to fix it up properly, and you'll have a good workhorse that should serve well for years without needing too much attention.

[russda_man]

Grab yourself a nice old Welmar or Chappell or something for the price of a few good dinners, get a good technician to fix it up properly, and you'll have a good workhorse that should serve well for years without needing too much attention.

Sounds like good advice! I'll take it.