technical

[angélica]

Hello everyone! I would like to know why, technically,  a U1 Yamaha (upright )  is better than a Kohler  & Campbel (baby grand) or a Bergmann one (baby grand too). I noticed that your opinion about those grands are not good   ...  I would like to purchase a grand piano ( ), but my budget is not enough for top brands   The price we saw for U1 Yamaha (upright) and those grands are practically the same... Could you help me undesrtand better the technical diference between these models? It is not easy make this choice...

Thansk a lot!!

[cysoto]

I tried to explain all the intricate nuances between different brands (or even models) of pianos to a friend of mine (who BTW is not a musician) and could never explain myself in terms that she could understand.  One day I invited her to come with me to a piano store where they had arranged the pianos on the sales floor so that there was a Bosendorfer sitting opposite a Young Chang.  I played a song for her on the Bossy and then turned myself around and played the same song on the YG.  This was all the explanation that she ever needed. 

I invite you to try out these pianos yourself and you’ll be able to answer your own question.

Keep also in mind that there are other important considerations as workmanship, warranty and many more (not just sound quality).  To get a better idea about these differences I refer you to Larry Fine’s book: The Piano Book. 

Yamaha may not be regarded as highly as Steinway and Sons or Schimmel or Bluthner but their “U” series is far better than the baby grands that you are considering. 

Now…  If you are buying one of these for grands aesthetic reasons only (to impress your friends with this piece of furniture and not to play it) then you can’t go wrong with one of these. 

[angélica]

Hi, cysoto, thanks for your nice explanation!  Of course I want a good instrument to play, not to show   I will considere your opinion for my choice! I had a Essenfelder before, nice piano, nice sound, nice touch... but  I had to sell it...  I am really excited to get a new one, after almost 5 years without a piano ...  Thanks for your opinion!

Ang 

[cysoto]

Of course I want a good instrument to play, not to show

I'm sure that you know I wasn't trying to be rude when I said this.  You'd be amazed to find out how many people buy pianos just to fill in a corner in their home.  I was talking to this salesman once and he said that about 20% of the high-end instruments he sells every year go to homes where the instrument will never be played by a human.  He mentioned that there is a good number of people who install a player system in their new $80,000 piano just to have some piano music playing while they entertain.  It would sure be nice to have this much expendable cash. 

After being 5 years without a piano you sure deserve something nice!!    I am glad that you are asking for advice before buying; there are many that ask for advice or opinions after the fact.  Buying a piano is usually a long term investment (one that will not appreciate in value).  Since this new piano will be around for many years you have to make sure that you end up with a piano that you absolutely love. 

Please keep us informed of your purchase!

[MarkAllison]

Hi, cysoto, thanks for your nice explanation! Of course I want a good instrument to play, not to show I will considere your opinion for my choice! I had a Essenfelder before, nice piano, nice sound, nice touch... but I had to sell it... I am really excited to get a new one, after almost 5 years without a piano ... Thanks for your opinion!

If you are looking at Yamaha uprights, have a look at the U3 and U5. I have a U3 and it is simply superb. However I've never played on a grand before, so maybe it's rubbish. I'm very happy with it anyway and the tone is deeper and richer than the U1 and doesn't cost much more.