1925 Knabe

[misslizzie]

I teach voice and piano lessons, and I'm looking to replace my digital piano (ugh) with a baby grand or high quality upright. My budget is under $3000. I found a 1925 Knabe 5'2, #99413, in what looks to be pretty good condition for $2000 in my area. I'm going to play it and take a piano tech down to look at it. If it needs less than $1000 in repairs, do you think it would be a better buy than a brand new Kawai upright? I'm really interested in thoughts about sound and how each piano would hold its value over the next few years. TIA!

[jimbo320]

My thought is I'm not a big fan of verticles (uprights). In my opinion the action and sound on them are harder than on grands. I would keep looking....

[john90]

I think you should plan on visiting at least 10 pianos minimum. I would say leave the tech for now, concentrate on how the pianos feel and sound, how even the touch is when played softly, which is what a lot of your beginners will feel. Take notes on each piano, so you can look back at prices, condition, etc. Try and note how long each piano remains unsold. If nothing else, you will develop an idea of how much a piano will sell for which should answer one question. In your position I would avoid something that needs repairs. Any new brand piano will depreciate quickly at first. I think you need to be a bit brazen and try playing a lot. Learn to say no assertively fairly early on! You could use the excuse that you are always on the look out for nice second hand pianos for your students....

[silverwoodpianos]

John’s post is a good one; can’t argue with any of that.

As you are using the instrument as a tool, think of it this way. Is it more prudent to use a brand new tool or an 85 yr old one? Older machinery requires more servicing and attention to matters that come up with regard to the aging mechanics….

Yes the Knabe grand would be a nice addition to your studio and a big improvement in tone quality playability and so on. But the practical side needs to be addressed too. For my area here, an 85 yr old grand piano under 6ft. 2K is high……not sure about the pricing in your area……… just a comparison…..

I am not advocating the upright. There are plenty of good used pianos in the marketplace that can be found which are newer in age, and, most likely after inspection, be better suited for your use there.