Help buying Used Piano

[CrazyAboutOrchids]

Hi!

I posted on another forum, but never really got an answer, got advise as to otehrs things to buy, but not why not to buy what I have found. Found you so I am looking for help.

We are looking for a piano, have an opportunity for our kids to be given lessons but no piano to practice on. So w've been searching. TRUST ME, when I say I have the most limited of budgest. If I could do better, I would, but I can't so please don't even sugget it. This is difficult as it is. I am avoiding digital at the recommendation of the piano teacher, elsewhere I was advised to go digital. Since the teacher recommended against, please don't advise to go that route.

I am findign the selection of used pianos in my area is slim pickings. There are lots of private party sales, but seems to be lots of emotion that gets added to the price of a used piano. Everyone thinks htere's is the best. We've seen some pretty sorry sights. I've gone to dealers, what I have found is banged up, beat up used spinets that range from 1500.00 to 2000.00 and they try to sell you a new piano. I don't have the budget, they won't listen. I am trying to avoid spinets.

I did run across a Baldwin Acrosonic spinet that I would have considered, had it checked out, but the owners wanted alot for it. I have had a tuner check out that and another piano that ended up in good condition, but priced hundreds over what he thought they wer worth.

He has two pianos that he was holding for a customer of his to look at who has been unable to find time to check them out. He is now looking at another 3 weeks before this guy thinks he may find time, it has already been 5 weeks, so he told the customer he was going to show them to me.

One is a 1982 model 1923 Kohler & Campbell console. A mom bought it for her daughter who played it maybe 2 or 3 times and never touched it again. If you saw the insides, you'd know she isn't lying. It is in tip top, brand new, condition. Nice eye candy as well which I know isn't supposed to be important, but it would be nice as well. This has one tiny blemish that I really had to look for to find. This includes all the insides being gone through, lubricated, tuned, brought up to pitch. He would also give me my first tuning after the sale and delivery at 1/2 price.

He also has a 1969 Everett 45" console. Not as pretty on the inside or outside. It belonged to a music teacher, was kept in tune, cared for, but used. It is obviously worn inside, but doesn't need any major overhaul yet. It does have good sounding bass, better than the Kohler, but it is worn, 13 years older and not as pretty. He wants 1000.00 for it.

My husband okayed the Kohler, but I am not sure if the price is right. I have read the the Everett is most likely a better quality piano, but it is alot older and worn, where the other piano may not be as great of a quality piece, but it is in brand new shape.

These are the best things I have seen so far, like I said pickings are awful slim and I have seen nothign in this shape, in this condition. Am I crazy to go with the Kohler? Should I work on my hubby for the Everett even though it is older? The other place basically poo-poo'd both pianos, told me to shop for different brands but didn't really explain why and I can only go with what is here and there isn't much.

I would appreciate any advice. Also, if you do deter against something, could you please explain why? Thanks so much!

[xvimbi]

You will find that most people agree that $1,000 will not buy you a decent acoustic piano, unless someone is making a huge mistake. In this price range, a digital piano is probably the only way to go. I know you don't want to hear this, because the teacher advises against a digital piano. If he/she knows what he/she is talking about, then he/she will most likely also advise against a $1,000 acoustic, because a decent acoustic piano simply costs more than $1,000.

Contrary to the opinion of some that say any acoustic is to be preferred of any digital, I would say, definitely, a good digital is to be preferred over a bad acoustic.

In addition, I am personally very suspicious of teachers who categorically advise against digital pianos.

At this stage, you and your kids will need to find out if they like playing the piano. They can learn a lot on a digital before they outgrow it and really need an acoustic. Digitals also have a lot of bells and whistles that can make piano playing more enjoyable and fun, which is likely more important at this stage than having access to an advanced acoustic instrument.

That's my opinion.

[RJones]

You really need to question your teacher as to the motives behind  not wanting digital. The current state of the art digital is definately better than any old upright. The actions are extremely realistic and the sound quality is great. I always use a digital to practice and my teacher has never noticed any difference in my playing ability due to it.

I can't advise you on your acoustic choices other than to say that if you trust your technician, then go with his choice. Try and remember that most pianos (like cars) are NOT investments. They depreciate because the wear out and require maintenance and repair. This occurs until they are so worn that only a complete rebuild will bring them back or you send them to the trash. Like cars, rebuilds are almost never worth it because the cost is greater than buying something comperable. Of course their are exceptions (just like cars) but these are the exceptions and generally only occur in the very high price points.

Rodney

[wynnbear]

I posted on another forum, but never really got an answer, got advise as to otehrs things to buy, but not why not to buy what I have found. Found you so I am looking for help.

I would appreciate any advice. Also, if you do deter against something, could you please explain why? Thanks so much!

On the other forum, very knowledgable folks told you that the Everett was the better piano in initial quality.  But with any used piano, condition is the most important factor.  You would be better off with a lower-quality piano that was lightly used and well-maintained, than a better-quality instrument that has been heavily used and/or poorly maintained.

With a tiny budget like you have, ask a piano technician if he knows of any likely candidates for you.  Piano technicians are very aware of the pianos they service.

[CrazyAboutOrchids]

Actually I got more recommendations to buy a digital piano and no reasons behind why they would NOT recommend either piano. I don't mind someone telling me not to buy something, but I'd like a reason why.

These two pianos were from the piano tech, I am just trying to find out if either was a decent choice or if one was better than the other, or if I should run. I got one response toward the Everett and it didn't sound very enthusiastic. No one said why the Kohler and Campbell would be a bad option. In my thoughts, a piano in new shape seems like a steal at 1300.00 when my piano dealer wants more than that for a beat up spinet. But I guess it is provign that I know nothing about pianos.

Okay, so if I try and bump up my budget, what are a few decent brands to look for? I was told to look for Kimball elsewhere but haven't seen any of them listed at all. This is all very discouraging. How about an 80's Baldwin 243? Is that decent or am I just buying a name there? I have very few options outside of Ebay and I am afraid to go that route because I can't check stuff out beforehand and I am also afraid of grey market stuff.

Oh, I did run across a 1950's or 60's Sohmer & Co piano 42" high for I think 1450.00. Is that any better? That one I am not quite clear on the condition or the upkeep yet, won't check into it thoguh if it's not worth it.

[LJC]

You need an independant tech to look at those pianos. Then just look at and listen to an electronic piano. I bet you buy the electronic.