Pearl River

[c18cont]

I am a retired man, able to play quite well, but with NO hope of any semplance of virtuosity now...I even had my left index finger broken a few years back.

I have a lot of background and knowledge, and an understanding of piano construction. I at one time was good enough to play fair attended local concert level.

My research suggests that I "MIGHT" be more happy with a Pearl River Baby Grand, than the reasonable priced consoles and perhaps even the studio units.

That is as a result of the supposed superior quality for the money, compared to most cheaper pianos of today. It is suggested by a number of reviewers and authorities that the price will be going up very soon, as the pianos gain in popularity worldwide, and are an "excellent" value at present prices...I also have a place for it that would look very nice, and my wife is interested in that...

Money constraints on a fixed income mean the GP142...at 4'7" a very small unit...(Poss the 5'1"with a little luck..) However, I have just returned from an hour use of a GP142, and am offered a possible lower price..(It is over priced here to begin with, as there is only a single dealer anywhere near....) I found it quite good for a small piano, and superior to many studio models in sound....

I want another piano in my life, and I haven't a long time left.

PLEASE...someone comment on this, and please speak your mind if possible...

Thanks, and Regards,   John Cont

[Enthusia]

It sounds like you have paid your dues in life John.  If the Pearl River is something you want, you have the space for it, and the financial means to purchase and maintain it, then I say go for it.  You won't regret purchasing any quality piano, whether it is a grand, baby grand, or upright.  The most important thing is, YOU must like the way the piano sounds.  I played dozens of pianos before finding a piano that sounded good to me...does everyone like the sound of it, no, but I don't care because the piano is mine.

[Brian Lawson, RPT]

If you have the time you can also do a search of pearl river on pianoworld.com forums

[c18cont]

Dear Brian,

Thanks you very much, I'll give it a try...

John Cont

[c18cont]

Dear Enthusia,

Thank you for your kind response...It is helpful to me, as I am pleased with the sound...It actually surprised me compared to some small grands...

I have just that much space...and money.., at my time in life, so it seems a reasonable idea, as I do still WANT to play. I still did the right thing tho' with my Richard Lipp; I couldn't afford to re-build it..and he could...I will be happy with the smaller piano.

My Thanks,   John Cont

[jr11]

Hi John;  the GP142 is a very pleasant piano indeed. I am no longer impressed by strictly by the size of any grand as the overall experience. Perfect for a small space, and not overpowering as larger grands, but a definite step up from any upright. The string length is about the same as a 52" upright, but the grand action and satisfaction factor is worthwhile. Besides, it is as inexpensive as many larger uprights! The downside is small grands may not hold tune quite as well as larger ones.

[c18cont]

Hi JR11.!!!

I thank you for your kind posting. It is well appreciated.

I am glad for your support on those points I have mentioned.. indeed...It IS the space that is the key, as long as the piano is satisfactory; I will not play the virtuoso material again, except for memory; I played little enough of it well as a young man.... This small piano SOUNDS very nice, as anyone having tried it must attest...

I want to spend the last years enjoying the recordings of others...yet ably to enjoy my own disjointed manipulations whenever I can!!! I no longer need a concert level instrument....(nor does my wife...when trying to hear the TV....!!!)!

Kind Regards,   John Cont

[jolly]

Look for a Hallet-Davis 5', or possibly a 5'5". Built by Dongbei, I think you'll find they will outplay the little PR, at not much more money.

You can also ask Larry Fletcher at   https://www.armleg.com/forum/index.php?mforum=pianosinc  . Larry used to handle both PR, and H-D, and can comment on both....

[c18cont]

Still find good comments even from professionals on Pearl River..

Anyone have any new info? I am going to place $2000 to hold it next day or so..as they are raising price to $6450..after this sale, and I will have to go out of town for one...

I have it at $5995....O.K. price?

John Cont

[c18cont]

My Pearl River became a Ritmuller,

By default...they sold all the pianos, inc 3 they had in the big store north of me...so offered me the Ritmuller for the same price, with a nicer bench.(also a cover.(not an exp. one..) and cups for the feet...neither of which came with the Pearl River....)

I played it at the store, (where it was priced well above the PR) and it is great...so...

I bought it...same price as the Pearl river they promised me...

Wish to thank everyone for encouragement...(and to apologize for not answering Jolly, thanks for the Hallet-Davis rec...but this had to be done or it was gone,...and I am on a fixed income now-a-days...)

Again, thanks to all..Get it about 10 AM Monday...John Cont