Feelings on Steinway model L

[Fingerz_Xtrodinair]

Just wondering what you guys thought about the Steinway & Sons Model L. I was also wondering if ne1 knew what kinda price i should pay for one that is either used or new. Thnx

[Axtremus]

If new, go by the manufacturer's list price. Steinway is just about the only brand that can sell at the list price and not give any substantial discount.

If used, depends on vintage and condition -- get an independent, experienced technician (one not affiliated with the seller) to help you (1) verify that the piano is in good shape, and (2) advise you on the value of the piano.

Thoughts on Steinway L -- some I like more than the others, can vary a lot from instrument to instrument even if new. Used ones depends heavily on the condition.

[eventemp]

I have a Model L now for about one year.  There is a great variation in the sound...so it took me about three months and a dozen pianos before I found the one I want...bought it used from a dealer "sale"...after reading "The Piano Book"  I concluded that it was too risky buying a used piano from other than Steinway themselves...they are just too delicate (In contrast to the Yamahea C-3 that I had for 8 years)  
I bought a three year old Model L in September of 2003 for about 40,000.  It had a sound a fell in love with.  Price increases on new Steinway this year were about 4%, so you might have to [pay a little more.
More importantly, I personally would not have purchased this piano if I did not live within driving distance of the Steinway factory..so I can get their best technicians when necessary...and you can count on it becoming necessary.  
Would I do it again??  Probably.  Because when it has been "tweaked" it has a tone that makes even me sound great!
Good Luck!,
Eventemp

[valleyvreeland]

What about a vintage Steinway Model L in very good condition?   It was built between 1930 and 1935,  refurbished by Camilleri in the 1980s....been very very carefully used and cared for since then,  but now the owner has died and her kids have to sell it.....is a vintage L better or worse than a new L? 

If new, go by the manufacturer's list price. Steinway is just about the only brand that can sell at the list price and not give any substantial discount.

If used, depends on vintage and condition -- get an independent, experienced technician (one not affiliated with the seller) to help you (1) verify that the piano is in good shape, and (2) advise you on the value of the piano.

Thoughts on Steinway L -- some I like more than the others, can vary a lot from instrument to instrument even if new. Used ones depends heavily on the condition.

[iansinclair]

Like any other major used piano purchase -- it doesn't matter whether it's Steinway or Fazioli or Estonia or whatever -- you must, you absolutely must, get a qualified technician whom you trust to look over the instrument and tell you what it may need.  You also -- and this is perhaps even more important -- play the instrument for yourself and fall in love with it.  You are spending a good deal of money and, if the instrument needs any sort of extensive work, will then spend even more money.

Some older instruments -- even over a century -- have kept their tone and good action (examples being my 1898 Model A and 1924 Model M Steinways) over the years, and have had whatever maintenance is necessary.  Others, sadly, have not, and it doesn't matter what make or model they are.

I know this isn't much help for a specific instrument, but... best I can do for you.