August Foerster versus Steinway

[neuerfluegel]

I am about to buy a new Grand. Have 2 that I really like though very different. First one is a 1928 NY Steinway O; per dealer in great shape, new hammers and strings sometime, soundboard in great shape, but still $27,000; second one is a 1990 August Foerster, 6.4; bigger than the O with great sound and feel, $5,000 cheaper. Now I am wondering about the following:
- the S&S is fairly old; though in great condition now, would it still be in great condition (when well maintained) in another 80 years?
- is the S&S overpriced given the age?
- AF uses Renner actions, S&S their own; is there really such a big difference?
- if I have to re-sell it? Can I re-sell the AF as well as the S&S?
Thanks for your input!

[pianolive]

Are you planning to keep the piano for 80 years?
About actions: Förster designs the action and have Renner to make the parts and S&S Hamburg does the same. In the NY factory they make the action as you say, but in such an old Steinway you cannot know if the action is NY or Hamburg. In those days actions were send across the Atlantic from NY to Hamburg and german actions from Hamburg to NY.

I would go for the Förster, but like it is said very often here: Go for the piano you like best!

About re-selling I would think that if you pay a fair market price there should not be any reason why you should not get most of your money back.

I find that old Steinway pianos very often are overpriced. I cannot understand why people pay these high prices for old Steinway uprights and small grands.

[neuerfluegel]

Thanks for your input. Unfortunately that August Foerster was sold already when I made up my mind. The dealer has a lot of Schimmel Grands in his store as well that sound awesome. Has anybody some experience with them?

[indianajo]

Pity you don't live near Lexington KY. There is a guy there that re-felts Steinway grands and lets them go for about $15000.  I've seen lightly used pre-international Baldwin grands go as low as $5000. One of those estate sale deals, heir was from the coast and had to go home.  If I had room I'd have bought the Baldwin. Lots of Baldwin grands on TV if you look closely at old shows.   If you read craigslist you can find things without a dealer's markup. You have to have the truck and movers lined up before you shop.  
However, without a dealer, you have to check condition yourself. Look for worn felts, look for a cracked soundboard, look for bent or wiggly (side to side) hammers.  Check the speed of the action on every note.  I picked up a 1941 Steinway console for $1000, I love it. Slightly better highs than my 1983 Sohmer.   Home used, hardly worn. One broken string, one sticky hammer, nothing I couldn't fix.  Many Steinways are beat to death by school practice, look for the worn hammers.

[quantum]

Over 80 years, you will most likely need to do work on the piano. 

I find that Steinways in general are usually overpriced, especially when coming from a dealer.  New or used, they still command a high price. 

If you can feel the difference in the action, then it might matter to you.  The action can be a personal preference, pick the one that you like better. 

Steinways hold their value very well.  Even Steinways that belong in the dumpster can go for $10k or more.  If you are buying this piano to keep for a very long time, I wouldn't much worry about its resale value.  If it brought you 80 years of enjoyment, I would say you have got your money's worth.