All About Choosing and Buying Pianos

[AWSP]

welcome; pm you back.

will post the photos during the weekend as I’m busy on other matters.
I went around to second hand shops as well while shopping for the upright grand for DD over the last 2 weeks. I think mine is in much better condition than those.

[2ppaamm]

Pianos. My experience is to buy a solid piano because the quality of the sound must be good. And, what is a good quality sound really depends on who’s listening!


So far, I have bought 4 pianos for the kiddos. 2 of them were traded in because the sound quality was not good enough, and my children won’t play them. The other two are still hits amongst my 5 kids.

I go for German pianos, because some pianos sound really too ‘sweet’ for my liking. My hair will stand on ends. German pianos sound mellower and I like that. My children too. The brands we tried are Wilh. Steinberg and Schimmel. We’ve tried a Japanese brand and a English brand. All landed in the warehouse, since no one wants to play them.

Height does not really matter to us. I think ours is 150+. The sound quality beats some of the Japanese or Korean baby grands, so we don’t really go for height.

The 2 pianos have been a great investment for us. 4 of my kids finished their grade 8 on these, and we did not have to buy a grand when DS1 did his diplomas, and DD2 is also doing her diploma.

That little bit extra we forked out made good financial sense in the end, since it lasted a total of 35 grades + 3 diplomas and close to 10 years now. Who will inherit these? The ones who score the highest for their exams, and looks like it should be DS1 and DD2, unless DS2 and DS3 spring surprises on us in this year’s exams.

[AWSP]

The tallest upright available are 131-132; some of which incorporate some of the action of a grand piano and is for those with space limitation.

Typically once your child is doing grade 6 and above, you will be upgrading because of the sensitivity etc.
So far, I have gone around looking for a piano for DD. Personally, I like the German Brand Seileur Konsert - it is mellow and has the most beautiful tone; it will set me back by $27K. This is supposed to performance grade.
The lower range would be Kawai K8 and Yamaha U3; brand new ones at 14K for the Kawai and around 12-13K for the U3. Kawai K8 is "not performance grade" but more mellow than the Yamaha ones.
However the preferred choice would be a grand piano; the key action and tone beats the best of the uprights easily; personally, I would prefer a sauter at more than $60K; second hand $30+K; But one needs the space. You will also need to make sure you can control the humidity - preferably fully aircon 24 hr. You will need to do likewise for a performance grade upright.
However, I will not spend this amount for my child if he is just starting. Once DD is ready, I will possibly upgrade my third time to Sauter or a Steinway Grand at only a slightly higher price.

[schnauzer]

Does anyone know of a good home Piano teacher? I am staying in Hougang and am looking for a Piano teacher for my daughter to cut down on travel time. My dd will be taking her grade 1 this year.

[megbryan]

For those who have grand piano…may I know at what stage do you decide to get one for your child? I’m contemplating…

[nicolellp]

anyone can recommend reputable shop which sells used piano?


i’m in dilemma…not sure to buy a brand new piano (so ex!!) or used piano…

duno whether to choose yamaha or kawai…

[jce]

Nicole, there’s a place which sells 2ndhand pianos near Paya Lebar mrt. It’s called Jesley Piano, add 1015 Geylang East Ave 3 #02-139. If you’re interested in taking a look, let me know, I can give you the contact person’s no, you’ll need to give him a call to make app so that he can be around to lend you a hand.


I also have a friend selling her Yamaha U3 if you’re interested. 10 yrs old (bought in Jan 2000), colour is black. Hardly use and well kept.

Another friend is selling Yamaha LU80 (jap model), her kids are in overseas now so she’s selling off the piano. It’s also black, around 13-14 yrs old. Also well kept.

Let me know if you’re keen on any of the above. PM me and I can give you more details.

[nicolellp]

thanks ice…for your advise


end up i hv decided to buy a brand new piano - Hailun 125…come with 10yrs warranty…no worries on wear n tear of used piano

[jce]

Yes, that’s the pro about getting a BN piano. However some pianos may sound good in the first few years then it starts to go down the drain, a 2ndhand however will have been seasoned to its true sound. Hailun…ok, won’t comment on it, as long as you’re happy with it. Everyone’s got their own opinion about what’s good and what’s not.

[daisyt]

megbryan:

For those who have grand piano...may I know at what stage do you decide to get one for your child? I'm contemplating....

Mine is not a grand but an upright grand. I have thought for quite some time before changing. Many factors to consider, eg.
1) Your child find the existing piano lost the touch and cannot express?
2) Is your child determine to go further?