Need a piano - budget c. £2000 - what shall I get?

[hanne_]

I'm hoping to audition for masters at music college in the next year and am taking a year out living at home. Unfortunately the old upright I had as a child just isn't up to the task - we got it for free 7 years ago and it hasn't really been looked after!

I'm looking for another upright to replace it but I'm completely bewildered by all the choice out there. I have a budget of about £2000 but if I don't need to spend that much I'd be very happy. I've never really been keen on uprights - I've been spoiled at uni with Steinway grands to practice on, all the uprights I've played just don't compare. Is there something out there for me?

Any advice and help would be much appreciated!

[richard black]

Since you quote a budget in £ I'm assuming you live in the UK. If so, look for a good quality European piano, second-hand. Welmar pianos are very much better than their usual price would suggest and therefore a real bargain. With luck, you might even get a nice German piano, Blüthner or Bechstein or one of the less-well-known makes like Feurich.

[withindale]

Malcolm Harvey had a Feurich recently, may still be available. www.malcolmthepianoman.co.uk

[john90]

A Bechstein grand with cracked frame could be had for 900 or so. I'm thinking along the lines of getting the best action you can, for as little as possible. Or if you are handy with tools, you could try regulating and tuning the upright you have. A new Steinway upright won't feel as nice as the grands you are used to.