What to buy for 2500 or less

[amull]

I am interesting in buying a Piano for around 2000 or 2500 dollars. I visited local stores and internet sites and tested several. The local piano store is suggesting I purchase a New Piano,  specifically a Vivace brand. The reasoning being it is new and warrantied for 10 years. Is this a reasonable price and piano. I understand the piano is made in CA , by usc corp I think the parent co. is Sejung.  They also make a couple of other pianos. My next best option according to the locals. is a used yamaha for about 3000.  The piano is for myself and my young daughter, I play a little and she has some interest.  I plan to keep the piano for some time. Any advice appreciated

[amull]

Thanks for all the help,
I have a suggestion for other new members try this  link  www.pianoworld.com

[tosca1]

Dear amull,
Name and branding is very important for pianos and if you were to buy a low price piano with an unknown name you could put your investment at risk.  Unless the Vivace piano is a little gem, you would be much better off with the Yamaha.  Yamaha has a solid reputation and their upright pianos are generally very stable in holding their tuning. $3000 for a good, second hand Yamaha upright seems very fair.  Try as many different pianos as you can to acquaint yourself better with the market and the range of instruments available.
Cheers,
Robert.

[tomingram]

I would HIGHLY reccommend reading one of, or several of Larry Fine's books on buying pianos.  The books are called The Piano Book: Buying & Owning a New or Used Piano by Larry Fine.  He has several additions of these books, and it may not hurt to check out several of them.  My family has used his books to buy our new Astin Weight piano several years ago, and very recently, my Grandmother's new Kohler & Campbell Baby Grand.  For actually buying the piano, here is a tip-- "Piano dealers are just like used cars salesmen."  Good luck! Tom

[benthepianoboy]

For actually buying the piano, here is a tip-- "Piano dealers are just like used cars salesmen."  Good luck!

It is for this simple reason that I cannot stand larry Fine and his book- Secondly his newest book is outdated. I work at a retail piano establishment and let me tell you: Not all piano salesmen are like used car salesmen. When customers come in with that attitude- I tell them to look elsewhere. Be nice, ask questions- do not be rude and standoffish.  You are much more likely to get a better deal if you are nice. (haggling is a different matter) Salesmen are people too..... Not all are trying to rip you off. Go to an established store- one preferably a member of the BBB.
Ps. If the piano is made by Sojin then it is made in China- It may be SERVICED in Ca- but not Made in Ca.