kawai RX-1 2003/4 vs. Baldwin R 1995

[honey]

I'm in the market for a grand and have found 2 second-hand grands in my area I"m considering.  The Baldwin R is a 1995.  I liked the action and the tone, in general, but I have some concerns about its upkeep and condition.  There are some scratches on the casing, and the owner was not upfront about the year (said it was bought new in 1999, but I checked out the serial number and it is actually a 1995!), and evasive about how often it was tuned (The huband said once since the purchase, and the wife said every year - but could not give me the name of the technician - she said she uses someone different every time!!).   

I would have it checked out by a technician before buying, of course, but was wondering how you all think it compares to a 2003/4 Kawai RX-1 - which is in near perfect condition and comes with an artist bench.  I thought the Kawai a little on the bright side, and that was even in a carpeted, upholstered room.  But I think I would be happy with it regardless.  They are asking 17000 for the Baldwin vs. 14000 for the Kawai.  I know that I can get the Kawai for less, but am not sure about the Baldwin.  Unfortunately, I live in a mid-sized city, so there are not very many options for grands.  And I don't really feel comfortable shopping online, as I like to be able to try out the piano before purchasing. 

Also, any advice on grand size - the Baldwin is 5'8 or 5'7, and the Kawai is 5'5.  Does a few inches make a big difference.  A piano store is quoting me around 20K for a new Kawai RX-2, which is longer.  BTW - I played for 12+ years as a child/teenager, but have not had a piano for over 10 years now.  SO I'm buying it for my own enjoyment, and also since we have room in our new house to accommodate a grand now. 

I'd appreciate any thoughts/opinions/advice.  THanks!

[Brian Lawson, RPT]

I'd go for the Kawai - my opinion/vote

Inches here or there dont really make that much difference, depends on construction of the piano and in the end which one you prefer.

[Axtremus]

Are we talking US Dollar?

Let's assume USD figures and you're in the US. If you are willing to forego $17k, I'd seriously try to negotiate with the store to get a brand new RX-2 for that money.

Good luck.

[honey]

THanks for the input.  Seems like the Kawai is a better idea compared to that Baldwin.  And yes, it is USD.  I"m going to see how low the store will go on the RX-2...although the guy selling the RX-1 doesn't even play the piano - he bought it for a now ex-wife, so I think he'd be willing to accept a few thousand less.  That may make the price difference b/w the RX-1 and RX-2 5000$ or more - at that difference, is it still worth considerin the RX-2?  Is the RX-2 that much better a piano than the RX_1??

[Rich D.]

If you had the RX 1 and RX 2 side by side you would clearly hear the difference between the two instruments.  The RX 2 should sound much better, especially in the bass.  A 5'5" piano is about the smallest grand one should consider IMHO.  In fact a high quality large upright such as a Mason Hamlin or August Forster may actually sound better.  If it were me, and I had the bucks I would definitely go for the bigger instrument.  However, if you feel you can be happy with the RX 1, and a bigger bass is not important to you, and then go for it.  Good luck.

[mamma2my3sons]

I think I would pass on the Baldwin for the simple fact that the people you would be buying it from are clearly liars!

I'd venture to guess the piano has not been tuned nor otherwise maintained. Even with a technician looking at it doesn't guarentee that after 10 long years in who knows what kind of humidity & without tuning, that it won't suddenly develop soundboard cracks or string, pinblock problems a month after you buy it. ... I would gravitate toward a newer piano or at least one with a more clear history.  I had similar concerns (especially being a novice about pianos) which is why I went the brand new route.

So if buying the Kawai just means "you think you could be happy with it",  then I think I would keep looking. There are other pianos out there in your price range that you won't have reservations about.

Good luck! l
PS. You may want to check out Pianoworld.com. There is a wealth of information & knowledgeble people posting on that forum.

[honey]

thanks for the input.  I decided against the baldwin, and am actually looking at another kawai rx-1 that has a pianodisc installed on it already.  I started a new thread about pianodisc.  A piano technician mentioned that retrofitted systems devalue a piano and adversely affect its sound and performance.  If this is true, to what degree?  I mainly would want it for playback puposes while entertaining.  And will the technology become obsolete quickly?

[Axtremus]

Don't know about the "devalue the piano" part, but my piano has a PianoDisc system already installed and it plays just fine. So as far as "adversely affect its sound and performance" part is concerned, it's simple -- play the piano, and if you still like its sound and performance, there should be no concern.

I am very satisfied with my piano with a player system installed, I have played a few other pianos with player systems installed that played fine; yet at the same time, I've also read horror stories of similar systems "ruining" pianos (though I haven't experience any "bad example" frist hand). I suppose a lot depends on how skillfully was the retrofit system installed. Good installation leads to good results, bad installation ruin pianos.

In your case, you can evaluate the piano with the system ALREADY installed, skillfully or not. So evaluate the piano as it is, and decide accordingly. Good luck.