All About Choosing and Buying Pianos

[Poonie]

Any parents out there have bought 2nd hand pianos which are more than 20 yrs old? I need some feedback if it had given you problems thereafter. I am considering buying a used piano for my kids but with a small budget I can only look at those more than 20 yrs old. Would appreciate some feedback.

[jce]

Poonie, if the piano is of good quality, and well maintained, 20+ yrs not an issue. Look at the "big boys" like Steinway or Borsendorfer, 60, 70 yrs on still so good, and the more it "ages" the fuller the sound (like good wine!). So it’s basically finding one that’ll bring you thru at least another 10 yrs or more, making sure that the condition is good and it has been well kept. That the original quality is good. All the best! See if the teacher is willing to "test drive" with you and give suggestions.

[maltbibi]

Poonie:

Any parents out there have bought 2nd hand pianos which are more than 20 yrs old? I need some feedback if it had given you problems thereafter. I am considering buying a used piano for my kids but with a small budget I can only look at those more than 20 yrs old. Would appreciate some feedback.

Hi Poonie

May I know how much are they charging for 20 yrs old piano? I am still thinking whether to buy a piano for my girl and looking at small budget as well? Hmm..is China brand good :oops:

[Poonie]

Hi jce


Thanks for the pointer. May I ask if it is possible for a 20+ yr old piano to look almost new inside? Dealer said it had been ‘cleaned’ and ‘reconditioned’. Does ‘reconditioned’ involve changing parts? Would that mean I am just buying the shell which is say Yamaha and the parts have been changed to other less popular brand?

maltbibi

I am not familiar with China brands although I have heard that their quality is getting better. You might want to test them.

[jce]

China brand pianos - there are some reliable ones out there. Pearl River has been around for many years and still going strong. You really must try, listen to the sound, then compare with Yamaha/Kawai etc. Sound is a very personal thing, so what might appeal to others may not appeal to you. Mechanism/touch wise, I still prefer the Jap pianos. Action is better.


Reconditioned - generally means certain parts have been changed, these are normally the felt which will wear and tear. As to whether they change back to the ones Yamaha uses, that’s difficult to say, but it doesn’t really affect much. Most importantly is the sound board, hammers and strings. If those are the original then it’s ok.

[J2mum]

Hi,


Any pple here can recommend me a reliable piano mover and tuner with reasonable changes?

I got a quote from this guy call Pang Say Min and he charge me $150 for shifting of piano + Tuning. Is this price reasonable?

[jce]

This price of $150 inclusive of moving AND tuning is more than reasonable IF this guy does a good job. Normally a move by professional piano movers can cost $100 and above; tuning by a top-notch tuner also close to the region of $100 (I know of one who charges more than that)

[AWSP]

Anyone interested in a second hand piano. DD has moved on to grade 7 and is moving up to 133 height piano. Our piano is a soijin 125 exams height -can release at $950; It is in good condition; DD practised on it since we bought it 4 years ago when she started at JMC (when she was in K2) and used it since for her ABRSM as well as for yamaha exams. She is in JSAC. She is still practising on it for her yamaha exams next week while waiting for the new piano to arrive.


The piano should suffice for usage till grade 5 or higher. If your child is just starting - no point spending more until she/he intends to proceed highe. then possibly upgrade to 133 ht piano or a grand piano (if you have the space).

PM me if you’re interested.

[AWSP]

cbreeze,

couldnt pm you as your profile does not allow it.
-sojin is Korean brand…
-as with early korean and even japanese brands, there are inconsistency with the brand, however we got this from the yamaha branch which recommended it to us based on the tone and condition when DD is attending JMC there. Bought it for $1800.
DD has been using it for her practice for her ABRSM exams, She passed both grade 2 and 5 with distinction; skipped the rest. Bcoz she is preparing for grade 7 - we have bought an upright grand for her to last to Dip. So can say, she tested it for the past 4+ yrs.

[cbreeze]

Tks,…have PM you already.