Boston GP178 vs Young Chang - Pramberger PG175

[Roger]

Hello,

I want to buy a new piano for my daughter, and a friend is selling a 1998 Boston GP178... original owner, probably in excellent shape.  Can anybody tell me anything about this brand?  I know it is designed by Steinway and manufactured by Kawai, but that's about it. 

A friend told me to check out the Young Chang - Pramberger PG175 or the JP175.  I'd love to know what people on this form think about these pianos.  The only "other" people I can talk to, locally, are trying to sell me one!

Thanks very much,

Roger

[iumonito]

These are entirely acceptable entry-level pianos.  Just make sure you pay entry level price.  I would not consider either one of these for more that $6,500 used.  Sadly, Bostons particularly suffer of the severe overpricing of the Steinways, and are priced well above their value.

Also, you will hear a million people tell you to get the piano that sounds good to you.  I could not disagree more.  I feel pianos are all about design qualities and potential.  A dirty little secret of piano ownership is that a really good technician will make a piano with potential but usually neglected sound really well, and a bad techincian (or no technician) will likely make these pianos appear abominable. 

I am not familiar with the scales of either of these pianos, even though I have played Bostons.  Bostons are made of soft wood (mahogany) and are Asian pianos in all respects.  They are wide and have a lot of soundoard area for their lenght, which is good.

I mean, these are not really good pianos (these simply do not compare to -say- a Bechstein), but then, who wants to spend so much money in a piano?

For your reference, I got for my family a 7'4" Irmler (Polish made, German design by Bluthner) and am extremely pleased.  The Irmler is priced more or less near the Boston, but it's an infinitely better piano: hand made, hard wood, really good scale.

If you are in the midwest, before you buy, call Jim Laabs and tell them what you are looking for.  You will be surprised about what they can do for you.  If you are in the east coast, you would be remiss not to call Pianocraft.  Ask them about Maestoso (I have not tried these yet, but Pianocraft will simply not sell you a bad piano nor give you a price that requires an oxigen mask).

Once you buy your instrument, get it voiced a couple of times during the first year, and don't be shy to ask your techinician about the merits of getting a new set of hammers.

[jr11]

Not sure about the Boston, But I had an interesting experience with the Pram 175. Played one that I absolutely fell in love with. One of the best pianos I've played of any size at any price. Played another from the same factory run, and it sucked. So I would say you may have a great piano there, but be sure to try before you buy.

[Roger]

Thanks to both of you for your advice.  It's a big decision and I'd like to get the most bang for my buck, not spending more than say $12,000.  Frankly, I'm up for suggestions as to "other" brands too. 

The Boston is from a friend, one owner, light use,since 1998.  She wants $10 or $11K for it.  A local shop has the Pramberger PG175, in a new rental pool.  They send it out to events for a day or two at a time.  They haven't given me a firm price, but it will probably be about $10 - $10.5K.  It also has a 15 year transferable warranty, which the Boston does not. 

I don't know if a warranty amounts to much with these pianos, as I haven't read it yet, and don't know if things actually go wrong with them.  With a used car, I'd probly be inclined to take the 1998, as it has probably had things go wrong already and been repaired - but a piano??? 

By the way, I'm in Portland Oregon... any suggestions for West Coast dealers?