Estonia 190 (6'3") vs. Yamaha GC1M (5'3") -- thoughts?

[takomarose]

Crazy choice, I know, but we are considering purchasing either a used Estonia 190, purchased new in 2009, or a brand new Yamaha GC1M. The dealer is asking $18,500 for the Yamaha (can potentially be further negotiated), and we are probably looking at $15,000 for the Estonia. We have a Yamaha P22 (upright) that both sellers are willing to take with a $4,500 credit toward the sale.

We THINK this is a no-brainer and that we should go for the Estonia 190, but wonder what experienced pianists/dealers think about the options. If it matters, the purchase is being made for our middle schooler, who has been playing for six years, practices 2-3 hours per day with good results and is making noise about becoming a professional pianist.

Thanks in advance!

[derschoenebahnhof]

I am not an experienced musician or technician, but for what it's worth I have tried a GC1 and GC2 in a shop and didn't like either one. The treble seemed way too bright compared to the bass. I have a C2X and the treble / bass are more balanced. With some minor voicing (was a bit bright / harsh to my taste) a tech made it sound more mellow.

From what I hear anything under 5'8" should be avoided (poor bass). Not 100% sure but some entry models like GC1 / GC2 may not have a full sostenuto pedal, the sostenuto might only work on the left side of middle C.

Bottom line, stay away from Yamaha entry models and go for the C/CX series or the Estonia which I hear is a well regarded brand.

CG

[takomarose]

So, continued negotiations with the Estonia owner and we are at $12.5K, plus our trade in piano. Trying to evaluate if this is a fair price. Information very hard to come by online!

[pantonality]

As an Estonia 190 owner (since 2005) I've been very happy with my instrument. It's a responsive instrument with a great sound and awesome dynamics. Have you played the Yamahas? How do these instruments compare to you? The choice seems a no brainer to me too.

[huaidongxi]

unless the older piano has problems from misuse or neglect, it would likely be a better instrument for an adolescent for a couple of reasons (the $$ you save can be used for her/his education as well).  just spent a few days with an almost new, small yamaha grand, probably the next size up from the one you're considering.  the action was surprisingly heavy. tone was on the neutral and bland side, not unusual for an instrument that hasn't been played very much. this has been my experience with some other brand new or almost new pianos as well.  the other factor has been cited because it's obvious, the difference in size.  if the larger instrument was an econobrand made in the glorious people's republik of c----, the yamaha might well have better sonority and responsiveness in all registers, but that is very unlikely in this comparison.