Pursue older Yamaha B. Grand?

[brunsonjc]

My wife and I are pianist. We are searching for a good piano for a good price. We don't have a lot of money.

We know of a family that is selling a 1967 Yamaha Baby Grand piano. G2 model. They are asking $5,500. If we are interested in this particular piano we will definitely go play it to make the final decision. Here are some questions that I have: Is that too old? Are baby grand pianos good? Is that a fair price?

I have uploaded some pictures - it looks great.

[keys60]

Well, it is aging and its pretty much impossible to tell you over the net or even from pictures if its a good deal. Ask if it has had done and if the seller has documents. If this piano is on its second set of strings and hammers, has been regulated regularly and well cared for, it could be average asking price. Total restoration and it would be well worth it. Again, either documented and checked out by an unbiased Piano Technician. There are absolutely mint C2's around 10 years old going for a little more. If this piano looks great to you yet you haven't really shopped around much to see whats out there (and I mean played dozens in your price range) I feel compelled to say keep that one in mind and keep shopping. Buying a baby grand is pretty permanent if you don't have the funds to keep upgrading. Selling a used piano from the home is very difficult without taking a loss. Take your time and make an educated purchase. No one is knocking down the door to swipe that one from you.
I hope this helps and doesn't dash your dreams or enthusiasm. Oh yea, sure, baby grands are nice if they suit your playing and your living space. Wish I had one.

[brunsonjc]

keys60- thanks for your detailed message.  It was very helpful.

I am going to contact the owners and ask if the piano has had a total restoration. 

Let me give you a hypothetical situation.  Let's say that the piano is in great condition but has not had a total restoration.  Would it be worth the money?

Last question - If I do purchase the piano, without the restoration, would the piano last for a long time?

Seriously, thank you for your help - and anyone else that would like to help!  Thanks!!

[keys60]

brunsonjc,

Seems to me, you're really keen on this. Understandable. Been there, done that.

I really wish I could answer your hypothetical question in earnest, but I can't.

You and your wife are both pianists, so I guess you know your way around a piano at least as a player and have certain expectations of what it should provide you with in terms of its performance, not necessarily yours.

Both of you should not be shy and think of yourself as a pain by sitting down and really playing this thing for a good while. Many buyers get a little stage fright in front of a seller, tinkle the ivories a bit and make a decision. Don't. Really play it, check for buzzes, knocks, squeaks,sloppy feeling or uneven keys, play in the pedals, anything that doesn't feel or sound right. Get real close, maybe even hover over it or under it while you wife plays and listen for the same. Check for cracks in the soundboard, the bridges, rust on the strings, the pins, the coils.

Again, that is as a player. The best thing to do is to pay a technician an average hours wages to check it out as a technician would. Its money well spent and even peace of mind if its lost and he/she tells you its not worth it or what would be worth investing in if you do purchase it.

The asking price seems fair if its in excellent condition. I checked around for that model for sale and although most were a bit newer, the asking prices were higher.
Asking is not getting. A G is a good piano, but Yamaha has made improvements over the years and again, its over 40 years old. Wood, felt, steel and copper wound strings, especially on an Asian piano of that era, do deteriorate, and at that age, they have for sure.

Wish I could be of more help and tell you what you want to hear, but I'd do you an injustice if I flung sunshine your way.

I'm a novice tech with only a few years under my belt. I'm hoping one of the more experienced techs on this board will either back me up or be more elaborate in their opinion.

[bbush]

Unless you hear back that the G2 has been reconditioned completely and properly, I'd say the price is a bit too high.  And the drawbacks of this size baby grand generally include weak bass.  I'm a big Yamaha grand fan, but I'd go for a G3 or C3 over a C2.  Depending upon where you are, both of these models of 6' 1" size baby grands are readily available.

Good Luck!
Bruce