upright piano to buy - Boston or Yamaha

[goldfish100]

Hi ALL,
I am looking for a upright piano for my son and myself to learn. My option is Yamaha (the most popular brand) and Boston.
Boston claimed that it is designed by Stainway, and so Essex the one made in China. However, people in this block indicated that Boston is manufactured the same way as Kawai, although the tone is different - Boston is mellow vs Kawai is bright.
And the price of Boston increased a lot. The one I am interest in UP-132E PE increased from last year $13K to now $15K. I wonder why?
Please have any comment on it. It is greatly appreciated.

 

[williamwonghongkong]

I face the same issue to make a decision on either YUS5 or UP132E. Personally the mellow sound of UP132E are very attractive compared with YUS5, when both priced very close. However, I worry about the humidity issue and resale value as I am staying at Hong Kong now.

[hfmadopter]

If I had to search long and hard, I'd rather buy a good used decent quality grand piano ( even if it had to be rather small) than most new uprights. However, if I had to purchase a new upright, I suspect it would not be a Boston.

I know that doesn't help much but it's how I feel right now. Added to that, you have to buy the piano that feels right to you when you play it and deal with it from there. A piano you want to play is one you should own, simply because you will want to play it ! Does that make any sense ?

[hfmadopter]

I face the same issue to make a decision on either YUS5 or UP132E. Personally the mellow sound of UP132E are very attractive compared with YUS5, when both priced very close. However, I worry about the humidity issue and resale value as I am staying at Hong Kong now.

Probably buying a piano designed for the climate you are going to put the piano in is a good idea if some sort of climate control is not an option ? However, what pianos really don't like is huge swings in climatic condition, especially humid to dry and back again.

Edit:

The reason I mentioned that I wouldn't buy a Boston is that there have been reports even here in PS of people needing work done beyond final tuning after purchase. It's covered by warranty and it's possible that other brands might have similar issues. I suggest reading many reviews before purchase at any rate. I'm sure the design is solid overall but some small details may not get the attention that perhaps a real Steinway would get or even a Yamaha for that matter. one guy here at PS had to have the whole damper action re bushed two months after delivery or there abouts, for instance.

[iansinclair]

Probably buying a piano designed for the climate you are going to put the piano in is a good idea if some sort of climate control is not an option ? However, what pianos really don't like is huge swings in climatic condition, especially humid to dry and back again.

To which I would add that even pretty good pianos, though, aren't really happy at 90% relative humidity (even if you are)...

Back to the original, and somewhat echoing what hfmadopter said, the piano you should buy is the one, in your price range, which you like the feel and tone of.  As relative beginners, this is, I realise, a hard judgement, but... both the Boston and Kawai models are decent pianos.  I would suspect that the price change has more to do with exchange rates than anything else.

[williamwonghongkong]

Really thank very much for the helpful comment of iansinclair and hfmadopter. Did gone back to the dealer to play YUS5, UP132P and K8 again and again. By personal feeling, I like UP132P and K8 the most because of the touching and mellow tone. YUS5 is very nice too, but relatively not my own taste. Go further to compare on pricing, K8 is obviously much economic but offering very close mellow tone. Today, I have made up my mind and already bought a K8 as this should be the value for money option for myself. Thanks again.

[hfmadopter]

Today, I have made up my mind and already bought a K8 as this should be the value for money option for myself. Thanks again.

I hope you are really happy with your purchase !