Yamaha C2 or......

[bellebelle]

In my serach for a baby grand, I realise that you will need to try out a piano more than once to decide whether you like it or not. Take the Yamaha C1 for example, I didn't like it the first time I played it. Tried it a second time and liked it but fell in love with C2. Wonder if I should relaly stretch myself to this extend to get myself a C2 or what other options are there in the Kawai series?

Pls advise. I've heard some horror stories of Kawai, pls enlighten.

Thanks a mill!

[jr11]

I believe you should get the one you like, or you may forever question your decision. Its only money. Yamaha and Kawai are both fine pianos.

[quantum]

Comparable pianos for Kawai are RX1 and RX2. 

[rich_galassini]

Simply put Belle, you may prefer the Yamaha or Kawai, but there is not a quality difference worth mentioning.

If someone gave you the impression that there is a noticable difference in quality, they may have an axe to grind on the subject.

All the best,

[bellebelle]

Thank you guys! The only reason I prefer Yamaha to kawai would be the dealer. More reliable and less lies.

[barganax]

Belle,
From your posts on pianoworld.com, you are in Singapore, right?
There was another post here on May 26 ("You thoughts on Shigeru Kawai pricing") discussing Shigeru's in Singapore. Apparently they are much less expensive there compared with the USA. Are they in your price range? Here in the States, Shigeru dealerships are not the same as Kawai dealerships. So, if you don't like your Kawai salesperson, you can change salesperson, and/or try a Shigeru Kawai dealership. They are superb instruments.

[bellebelle]

unfortunately, i have asked the person and in S$ it's beyond my budget. Shigeru dealer is the same as the kawai dealer 

[donjuan]

the Kawai horror stories are TRUE!! stay away....stay away...

I have a Yamaha C2 and couldnt be happier with it.  What impressed me about it compared to the C1 was the difference in the bass notes.  C2's sound is richer and more resonant.  The only competitor in terms of quality and price IMO is maybe a Petrof of a smaller size (maybe 5'3'')  I was soooo tempted to take the petrof but figured the Yamaha would have better resale value around these parts where everyone is seeking a Yamaha and hasnt heard too much about Petrof.

[bellebelle]

I spoke to someone with positive kawai experience...i guess it's all about your luck sometimes. Can be quit biased also.

I don't know...if you're talking about buying a piano..i won't look at it like an investment and definitely will not look to sell it thus its resale value is of little significance to me. Petrof is a good brand. may be unheard of in singapore coz frankly speaking, singaporeans are v limited in what they see and hear esp where music is concerned. we're small, we're limited, we have few choices. great big things out in the world are beyond our radar, so i won't mind going for a brand not popular here like petrof bt i know it's a good pianos. Seiler is good too i believe as are a couple other english brands, though personally i am biased against english brands coz i find them too sharp as they age.

i agree, C2 bass deeper and treble more singing. but is the diff worth a couple of thousands, i've been questioning myself.

[willybilly]

I know I've been away a long time, but there's (or used to be) a shop in Upper Serangoon Road that sold Petrof pianos for ages.  I actually grew up on a Weinbach upright which is also made in the Czech Republic.  The W. is still playable after over 20 years, but the bass has given up it's ghost, and the treble's getting brighter by the minute.