100yr old Steinway Upright or Kawai CA-65 Digital? Help!

[baxter]

Hi there,

I'm a reasonably advanced student (sat my ATCL a few years ago and have just got back into lessons) and need help choosing a new piano! 

I've narrowed it down to two options: a Steinway upright, which is about 100 years old, but been reconditioned and has been sitting in a piano technicians store (came from a deceased estate), or a Kawai CA65. The Kawai will cost me about $600 more.

Only catch is - I have to buy before I try on both, and have to make a decision in the next couple of days. I have been assured by the piano technician that the piano would be suitable for someone my level, and any advertising about the Kawai goes on about its "grand feel" action.

Faced with all this, what would you guys choose? Thoughts?

Cheers,
B.

[iansinclair]

My own thought -- and folks who know me on the forum will know this!-- would be to pick the Steinway.  As it happens, I own a Steinway upright which is 108 years old, more or less.  It still plays quite well, and I enjoy playing it (although I use my grand more often).  If the reconditioning job was well done, it should be a very fine instrument.

[baxter]

That's good to hear, Ian! I was leaning that way myself. My number one concern is definitely playability. Have included a picture if interested!

B.

[hfmadopter]

If you can't play them then there should be a return policy in place. If you have neither, ability to play them or a return policy then I wouldn't buy either piano. Seeing one is an old rebuilt piano and the other a digital piano, makes it all the more important to have one option or the other ( the preferable one being to play them both before the purchase).

[baxter]

That's a good point. Both of your posts are making me lean towards the Steinway. While I will not be able to try either, I do believe I'll be able to work out some sort of refund-deal on the Steinway. Unlikely on the Kawai.

Plus, the piano technician who is holding the Steinway has a very good reputation in my country and he has assured me it will be suitable for what I'm looking for.

Thanks for your responses!

B.