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Topic: Reconditioned 1930's/40's pianos (Read 1552 times)

russda_man

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Reconditioned 1930's/40's pianos

on: January 30, 2011, 08:43:27 PM

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?

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jimbo320

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Re: Reconditioned 1930's/40's pianos

Reply #1 on: January 30, 2011, 09:40:27 PM

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

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keyboardclass

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Re: Reconditioned 1930's/40's pianos

Reply #2 on: January 30, 2011, 09:43:41 PM

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

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richard black

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Re: Reconditioned 1930's/40's pianos

Reply #3 on: January 30, 2011, 11:17:28 PM

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.

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russda_man

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Re: Reconditioned 1930's/40's pianos

Reply #4 on: January 31, 2011, 09:44:27 PM

Quote from: richard black on January 30, 2011, 11:17:28 PM

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.

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