Buying a Grand Piano

[thegoldstandard]

Hi everyone, this is my first post.

I am an advanced pianist (beginning my Associate Diploma this year), and I am thinking about upgrading my piano. I have been playing on a little Kawai upright for nearly 10 years now, and I would like to buy myself a new grand piano. I want one that is around 7 foot, made by a high end manufacturer, which will last me a lifetime (unless I somehow win the lottery).  I especially detest brands like Yamaha, with a overly-bright, tinny sound. Because I play mainly Romantic Music (Beethoven, Chopin, Brahms), I prefer a very good brand that makes pianos with a rich, dark tone, with a deep bass. Price is not that much of an issue (although don't tell me to go and buy a Steinway D.) So any ideas on a brand/model that would suit my needs?

Thanks

[zolaxi]

Buying a piano for a pianist such as yourself is such a personal thing. Tone and touch can vary so much between individual pianos irrespective of the brand, so you are going to have a lot of fun shopping around and trying things out!

We all know what the so-called 'great' brands are. I can only really speak about a piano I have had for many years since new, and that is a Grotrian grand 186cm. Wonderful tone and superb quality of construction. Certainly worth a look. 

[perfect_pitch]

I especially detest brands like Yamaha, with a overly-bright, tinny sound. Because I play mainly Romantic Music (Beethoven, Chopin, Brahms)

I don't find the sound of Yamaha bright or tinny - I have a brand new (well was brand new a year ago when I bought it) Yamaha C2, and I've never had a problem with the sound. I think if you really treat it with care and have a very delicate touch, you can get a warm and rounded sound out of them.

To me - Grotrian probably sound a bit brighter than Yamaha, but at the same time they are nice if you buy a good one.

If you're thinking of getting one of the Kawai Grands - DON'T... unless it's one of the Shigeru Kawais, but they'll cost you about $65,000. Anything that's less than a Shigeru Kawai is just a piece of sh*t. I've played on quite a few to know.

[keys60]

Mason Hamlin

[scottmcc]

I think you should go to every piano store in your local area and play every instrument there. In the end you'll probably find you like a steinway model b the best, but that you don't have enough money for one.  Whatever you do, don't give your phone number to the sales reps, or you'll never get rid of them.

[quantum]

Go out and try as many pianos as you can.  Do not limit yourself to only those you think you will like.  Play budget pianos, as well as those that are well out of your price range.  You will begin to gain a better understanding of the qualities you desire in your own piano. 

I'd strongly suggest you ignore brand names when auditioning instruments.  Do not go on hunches or generalizations on characteristics of particular brands.  You can severely limit yourself if you do - possibly missing out on that instrument catering to those specific qualities you desire.  Even if you think you know what the piano will sound like, put all such preconceived perceptions aside.  Evaluate anew with your ears and hands. 
 

[keys60]

Actually, I do agree with Scott and Quantum. I just flipped that Mason Hamlin name out there because I do really like them and they don't seem to get much play around here. Really take your time and play, play, play. Don't worry if the salesperson thinks your a pain. Its too big an investment to realize your not that happy once you get a beast like that in your home.

[richard black]

You see, I was playing on a 180cm (approx.) Kawai today, probably between 5 and 10 years old, followed by a Yamaha similar size and age, and I thought how much nicer the Kawai was as a musical instrument.

Incidentally, I would definitely consider the brand as well as the sound and feel - in matters of reliability and longevity it is significant.

[jimbo320]

I agree with perfect_ pitch,
I know you don't want to hear it but the Yamaha C2 as well as the C5 sound awesome. My preference is a C5....
Good luck in whichever you choose...

[perfect_pitch]

My preference is a C5....

Not that there's much difference in the price...   

But hell.. I'd choose a C5 over a C2, hell - I'd go further. I think there's an S series which are just phenomenal - although, at the price range - I'd probably go for Fazioli, or a very good Steinway.

[vivian2nana]

Hi perfect_pitch,

You've just bought a C2? Would you mind sharing with me the price you've paid for it? I would like to buy a new C1 or C2 and have no idea how much I should ask for.

Besides, do you feel much differences between C1 and C2 besides richer base on C2?

[perfect_pitch]

Okay... I'm out here in Australia, so unfortunately the prices might seem a little skewed since Australians are getting the crap taxed out of them.

The recommended Retail price of a Yamaha C2 (brand new) was $37,990, but the realistic price one of the shoppers gave to me was $27,000.  I did get it for a little less than that, but that depends on the haggler.

[vivian2nana]

Okay... I'm out here in Australia, so unfortunately the prices might seem a little skewed since Australians are getting the crap taxed out of them.

The recommended Retail price of a Yamaha C2 (brand new) was $37,990, but the realistic price one of the shoppers gave to me was $27,000.  I did get it for a little less than that, but that depends on the haggler.

Thanks, perfect_pitch! I guess I can expect to buy a new Yamaha at a discount of 30% out of MSRP, not 40% or more?

[bbush]

You've heard it here, before, but not all Yamahas have an over-arching high end, as some do.  I've never heard that imbalance in a C7.  And the C7 certainly has delicious bass!  But what really motivates me to encourage you to try a C7 is the fact that there's so many out there at terrific prices!

Best of Luck!
Bruce