Yamaha C 7 as a holdover instrument...

[hbofinger]

So the 1976 Bösi I was looking at at the Steinway dealership turned out to be a dud (different thread), after my very trusted technician gave it a good look over. But what I realized was that I was in the grand market, albeit on a budget. I set myself 7 feet below 30k, with a little room on the bottom for size (6'11" really).

Then I ran across this Japanese-rebuilt 1970 Yamaha C 7, looks and plays like new, new pinblock and all (also completely refinished, it's really like new), action needs to be broken in again. $21 k delivered, taxes and everything included, including built-in humidifier.  It does not have any of those annoying bright overtones I hear on many of these, and the bass - ahem, it delivers.

I noticed that M&H BBs go in the same price range, as do Baldwins. The problem is that I only plan to keep this four three years or so, and then go for something like a good Bösi or a Hamburg B. I figured it would be easier to sell the Yamaha, they sell themselves.

Any thoughts? Oh yes, I am having it looked over by my trusted technician....

(I play classical)

[keys60]

All excellent choices. The rest is up to what YOU like best. I love M and H's better than the other 2 and really like Yammies and Baldwins too, although they are different beasts.

[jimbo320]

IMHO get the C7. I'm a big fan of Yamaha. The instrument of choice for me is a C5 but the C7 is awesome too. I bet the strings where replaced too...

[pbryld]

It's my understanding Yamahas lose a lot of their value the second they set their legs in your house.

[hbofinger]

Jimbo,

Yes, the strings were replaced. I think the sound board is original, but everything else was done to it. It looks and feels like new, and the whole kit and kabootle (including built-in humidifier) is 21k delivered. I think this is hard to beat.

On the M&H: I am afraid that piano is going to be (a) a bit more pricey and (b) hard to liquidate. Though the Yammie might depreciate quicker, it will also sell quicker, and I am thinking in the three to five year horizon.

[jimbo320]

Hmm.....
I'd still go for the Yamaha. I never consider the depreciation or resell of any instrument.
Shoot, I still have my first guitar and keyboard.....

[hbofinger]

Update: Technician gave it an A-ok, "Go for it!", so now the purchase is being arranged.