advice selecting baby grand

[aceydawg]

I'm new here, Hi!  I'd appreciate some opinions, as I'm very new to piano in general.
I have a budget of $15k.  I'm debating between:

1) Ritmuller R9 (5'3) - $15,200
2) Knabe WMG 650 (6'1) - $15,200
3) Petrof III (6'4) - $17,000 (a little more...worth it?)
4) Others! I'm open to anything.

Although I'm new, I really liked the feel/sound of the Ritmuller.  But for the same price, I can get a larger piano.  I've been told to avoid Knabe, but that price for the size seems like a good deal.  I like warm sounds and softer touches.  I hate tinny sounds.  I'm also considering buying a cheaper Pearl River until I know for sure, then trade it in.  Any advice is appreciated.  Thank you so much!

[hfmadopter]

Obviously you need to be somewhat within budget, however you need to buy the piano that sings to your heart not your purse strings. If you really really love the piano you also will love playing that piano. That's the most important feature of all in choosing a grand, loving it first, up front !

For me ( me not you, I can't speak for you) the Ritmuller R9's I've listened too don't have an overly strong bass, probably due to the size. Though they may have the tone overall that you are looking for. But I like the bass to be able to vibrate off my chest or thunder if I want it too. That generally takes a 6' or larger grand but there are a few exceptions between about 5'7" and 6'. Also again, it's not you we are speaking of in that particular scenario but me. You have to determine for yourself what is suitable in bass response.

Another point to look at is the very top register, does it attempt to sing at all ? Not all pianos will. Tinker around in that top octave a bit in your choice, And still if it doesn't can it be made too, that's a question you need to ask a tech.

[aceydawg]

Thanks for the reply!  I definitely need to play around in the different registers of each.  I loved how the Ritmuller was warm and smooth throughout, but the Knabe did have "thunderous" bass.  It's hard to say what I love because I'm so new.  Thanks again.

[awesom_o]

For that price, you should be able to get a Ritmuller 160, which is quite a bit nicer than the R9!

[aceydawg]

You are absolutely correct...it turns out the piano I was interested in wasn't an R9, but a GH-170R!  So I'm extremely excited.  With a little price correction, it's between:

1) Ritmuller GH-170R (5'7) - $16,000 or
2) Knabe WMG 650 (6'1) - $15,200

Am I crazy for leaning towards the Rit?  It's getting crazy good reviews and I liked the smooth dark tones it had.

[hfmadopter]

Am I crazy for leaning towards the Rit?  It's getting crazy good reviews and I liked the smooth dark tones it had.

No.

[awesom_o]

Am I crazy for leaning towards the Rit? 

Absolutely not!

The 5'7 Ritmuller (170) is a very fine piano indeed.

Be sure to consider the 5'3 model (160), which is also an extremely good piano for its size. Opting for the smaller one would save you some money, and if your piano room is on the smaller size, the 5'3 could be big enough.