Choosing between 2 Yamaha C3s

[skinkone]

Can you help me decide between 2 used Yamaha C3s?

About me:  I'm an intermediate-level pianist playing mostly on weekends for a couple hours each day. I currently have a small upright and feel it's time to take the plunge for a more serious instrument.

I've found two Yamaha C3 models in my local market (Italy):

#1 - from 1980; the seller is a friend of mine and piano teacher/concert pianist. For this reason, the piano has been well-maintained and I believe was re-done (I think this means re-felting and calibration) about 10 years ago. The action is nice, but the piano indeed has had substantial use. The cabinetry is OK - a few nicks here and there and fine scratches. There are several scratches from the back-and-forth of the sheet music rack. Sound is great in the bass and mid-range, but rather tinny and weak in the treble. The price range is around 5500-6000euros (roughly $6800-7500)

#2 - from 1988; the seller bought the instrument 10-15 years ago used from a music store, mostly for decorative purposes (!), and it's hardly been played during that time. I tried it out this morning: it's somewhat out of tune and the left pedal was at first 'stuck' until I forced it a bit. The action seemed rather heavy, especially compared to piano #1, though all the keys did play without sticking. The cabinetry is pristine. Asking price is €6500, or about $8100.

I suppose my question is: which piano is the better deal and at what price? Will piano #2 loosen up just by being played, or will its sedentary lifestyle mean it will need expensive intervention? Can the upper register of piano #1 be brought back to life, or is it just 'worn out'?

Thanks for your advice!

[kevin69]

I don't think anyone here can say much without seeing or hearing the pianos.

Pay a piano tech to give their opinion.
You might want to pay for one or other of them to be tuned before you make a final decision.

[skinkone]

I did use an online appraiser, who pointed me towards piano #2 because:
-the stiffer action is more characteristic of a newer piano
-the looser action of #1 indicates a lot of use
-there were just little niggles that probably could be easily fixed

I took your advice and managed to find a tech, but it was not easy. The seller was 70 miles from my house; one tech wanted €250 but I lucked out and found a friend-of-a-friend who did it for €90. He confirmed that the piano was in fantastic condition so I bought it! €6300 at the end.



 

[quantum]

Congratulations! Which one did you get?

[skinkone]

Got the newer one, a 1988 Yamaha C3, that's sat idle for 12 years and has had very little use. Price 6300euros/$7800

[hfmadopter]

Got the newer one, a 1988 Yamaha C3, that's sat idle for 12 years and has had very little use. Price 6300euros/$7800

Nice congrats !! And enjoy.

[paul678]

Got the newer one, a 1988 Yamaha C3, that's sat idle for 12 years and has had very little use. Price 6300euros/$7800

       Good job!  I hope you enjoy your "new" piano!

       I have found that I prefer newer pianos overall, for obvious reasons.  Even partially restored Steinways feel and sound old and tired.  You can just feel the looseness of an old piano, and unless someone completely restores it, including the soundboard, it's still going to be an older instrument.

       And if everything but the shell or core is replaced, then for all intensive purposes, it's
a new piano anyways.

       New is better!

         

[lhorwinkle]

What are "intensive purposes" ?

[paul678]

What are "intensive purposes" ?

Google it!

My point is that a completely rebuilt piano (including the soundboard), is essentially
a new piano anyways. 

Apparently, they can also be a bit cheaper than buying a brand new piano, but you have
to be aware of who does the restoration.

[skinkone]

What are "intensive purposes" ?

An eggcorn for "Intents and purposes" though you could argue that a piano played vigorously might be more aptly described as stated.

[jimbo320]

My vote is on piano #1...