Info on Wurlitzer Baby grand 5'0?

[lani]

We have come across an very nice vintage Wurlitzer model number 920192 but don't know the date or general quality.  My daughter (see post below of budding pianist) tried it out, but it was in need of tuning and she couldn't get a sense of the quality of the sound.  It is being sold by an elderly lady who is a violinist and bought it 9 years ago from a local piano dealer.  She moved and lost track of the bill of sale.  Is there any way I can get information on this particular brand and value for the piano?  She is asking 5m for it(she paid over 6 9 years ago, but she is negotiable.  My tuner will take a look at it within the next day or so, but I thought rather to see if it was even worth a visit from my tuner (since I will need to pay him for his time).  My daughter thought it sounded better than the new Kohler and Campbell she tried out (5'3") but the pedals wouldn't hold the notes.  Thanks, Lani

[xvimbi]

Hmmm... Wurlitzer is not really known for making decent pianos. And neither is Kohler & Campbell. I realize that money is always an issue, so if sound and action are acceptable AND your tuner is satisfied with it, go for it. Going with a low-end piano from a more reputable maker (Kawai, Yamaha), might be a better, more long-term solution, provided it is within your budget; and the depreciation won't be that bad.

[donjuan]

We have come across an very nice vintage Wurlitzer model number 920192 but don't know the date or general quality.  My daughter (see post below of budding pianist) tried it out, but it was in need of tuning and she couldn't get a sense of the quality of the sound.  It is being sold by an elderly lady who is a violinist and bought it 9 years ago from a local piano dealer.  She moved and lost track of the bill of sale.  Is there any way I can get information on this particular brand and value for the piano?  She is asking 5m for it(she paid over 6 9 years ago, but she is negotiable.  My tuner will take a look at it within the next day or so, but I thought rather to see if it was even worth a visit from my tuner (since I will need to pay him for his time).  My daughter thought it sounded better than the new Kohler and Campbell she tried out (5'3") but the pedals wouldn't hold the notes.  Thanks, Lani

what does "5m" mean? Ill assume it means 5 000, and Ill assume you are living in the United States. (please tell me if I am wrong)
That is a very poor deal - dont go for it.  You could get a brand new 5'0 Wurlitzer for about 2000$ more.  How do I know?  I played on a newfangled Wurlitzer when I was looking for my grand, and they were asking for 9000 CANADIAN.  Now that is actually just a little more than 5000 american.    

The old lady is trying to fleece you- dont let her, no matter what!  If it hasnt been tuned often, it hasnt been maintained either.  If this old lady is irresponsible enough not to keep the bill of sale or tune it regularly (especially when she is trying to sell it, man that's dumb..) she probably hasnt been aware of the humidity changes either.  Hell, the whole keybed could be warped and the soundboard cracked.  This old lady really is trying to take your money!! Come on, you know how they are!!!

Seriously, dont take the deal!
donjuan

[Ed Thomas]

I've never played on a Wurlitzer that didn't leave me wishing they'd quit making pianos.  At 5', there is not much advantage over a good upright, except for the grand action itself... remarkably forgettable on Wurlitzers anyway.  If money was an issue, I'd look hard for a good used upright till I could afford the money and space for what I really wanted.  I think if you have to practice on a Wurlitzer all day, you might give up piano.  

But if you really want it, DEFINITELY have a tuner look at it.  The fact that the pedals don't even work is very suspicious.  It has likely not been played the entire time she's had it and it is badly neglected.  Of course you can hardly blame her for not playing it since it's a Wurlitzer.  (sorry... couldn't resist   )