New Kawai baby vs 70's Yamaha c3

[quebec75]

This is probably a stupid question and maybe even not one that can be answered but I'll give it a shot.

I am an adult learner who has been taking lessons for 2 years.  I am making very good  progress, I am told.  I have a Kawai  Concernt Artist CA 1200 digital piano.  I want to get an acoutic piano as well.

I bought Larry Fine's books and am still quite confused.  I was close to buying a new Kawai GE-20  (5'1") baby grand for a bit under $10K US.  I am still undecided. I tried some Yamaha uprights and they sounded too....errrr....."bright" I guess is the proper word.  I tried new Kawai GM and the GE-20.  The GE 20 played and sounded a lot better.

Now I've decided to look at some used pianos as well.  I just saw and played a Yamaha C3 (about 6') made in the late 1970s.  The sound was very nice. Action was lighter than the new Kawai. It looks to be in fine condition and seems to be well maintained.  I didn't bring a technician to look at it though.  The owner is asking "$10K US or best offer".

My question is "does it seem reasonable to consider a Yamaha C3 built in the 70s to a new Kawai GE 20.   I know a lot of it is subjective, but many of you probably have a lot better understanding on how particular pianos age.  I would be grateful for any info you could give me.

Thanks in advance,

Philip in Los Angeles

I was thinking of going back with a technician.

[Axtremus]

Yes, do get an independent technician to examine the used pianos for you before you buy. For me, I agree that a C3 should sound and play better than the GM/GE Kawais if both are new and in good condition, but that particular C3 is so very old... so you should ask about what might needs to be replaced when down the road and factor in cost (the technician should be able to advise you on that). Good luck.

[wynnbear]

There are also other options you should explore.  At the price point you mention, you could also look at new Korean and Chinese pianos.  Some of these are of very good quality.  For example, there should be good deals available on the Pramberger series of Young Chang right now.  And Chinese pianos are getting better all the time.   

If you are in the Canada market, you should probably check out the new Chinese pianos with the Heintzman name, and any piano from the Dongbei factory.  You may prefer the Kawai, or the used Yamaha.  But you should check out as many pianos in your price range as you can.  You will be able to buy a larger Korean or Chinese piano for the same or less money than a Japanese piano.  That same amount could also buy a lightly used U.S. or low-end European piano. 

Have an independent technician check any used piano before you buy.

Try as many as you can before you commit.  See if you can find an instrument that is just right for you.

[csg]

I'd also check out the Prambergers.  I just bought a 6' model (JP-185) for $12.5k new.  I felt it was a much better deal for the money than either Kawai or Yam and certainly their equivalent as an instrument.  A much better value than a near 30 year old Yamaha or a lesser Kawai (GM/GE) IMO.

Check them before you decide, you might be surprised.

[jr11]

I'd also check out the Pramabergers. 

Excellent call!

Try the 175cm model. I prefer it to the 185 or even the 208. Firm action, very easy to get softest pianissimo, rich bass, clean clear mid/upper range. Very easy to bring out the soprano voice. Very affordable compared to others in its class. I highly recommend it.