Zimmermann baby grand

[okoie]

Dear Friends,
I have the opportunity to buy a Zimmerman 4' 6'', year 1978. I have read somewhere on the web that they were built in ex-DDR and hence to avoid.  Can you give me some more informations and advices?
 Many thanks

[lhorwinkle]

I assume this is a baby grand?

Don't ever buy a baby grand at or below 5 feet long. The quality is poor, regardless of the maker.

Decent pianos generally start at 5' 6".

If you've chosen such a small grand because you lack space for a larger grand, then just get an upright. A 50" or taller upright of a decent make will outperform a baby grand, and will likely cost less.

[chopinlover01]

Said upright will produce better sound. However, the action of a baby grand (Even as small as this one!) tends to outclass most uprights any day, regardless of make, due to the hammers being assisted by gravity. On uprights, rapid chords (Chopin Polonaises, Rach preludes, etc) tend to be weaker upon repetition.
Just something to keep in mind.
Hope you're happy with your purchase.

[lostinidlewonder]

Made before the wall came down so yes terrible piano. Worth maybe 2000USD if that.

[silverwoodpianos]

Made before the wall came down so yes terrible piano. Worth maybe 2000USD if that.

Less than 50% of this figure.