All About Choosing and Buying Pianos

[verykiasu2010]

markfch:

BlurBee:

[quote=\"BigDevil\"]
DD's piano teacher also cringes at the mention of Cristofori....

I juz bought a Cristofori made-in-Japan piano few months ago.

I think Cristofori is OEM from Pearl River (China). Can't be made in Japan. The big twos in Japan are Yamaha & Kawai.[/quote]wow, that was what i thot too, non-japan

[BlurBee]

This is the model that I bought.


CRISTOFORI JT-123
•Made in Japan Examination Model with 100% Japanese quality & standards
•Manufactured together with leading Japanese piano maker Toyo Piano in musical instruments industrial city, Hamamatsu, Japan.

http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aVSlemr

[markfch]

I’m sorry BlurBee, you’re right. It’s made in Japan.


Cristofori OEM a lot of their pianos from Pearl River. That’s why I wrongly assumed that all their pianos are from China. But kwclif’s Hailun recommendation is not bad too.

If ever I decide to buy a grand, it’ll be a 7 footer and Hailun will be high on the shortlist.

[BlurBee]

Its ok, markfch. No need to apologise.

Now I hope the piano can last.

[MUMMYOF3]

Hi all,


I need some advice. I’m intending to get a 2nd hand piano for my 2 boys who are beginners. I’ve the following 2 options. Which should i choose ? I’m confused as some told me to go ahead with option 1 and some with option 2.

1) Get a 2nd hand 20 yrs Yamaha U1 at $3.5K from a 2nd hand dealer but comes with a 10 yrs warranty.

2) Get a 2nd hand 10yrs + Yamaha C108 at $800 from a direct owner source from internet. No delivery, warranty etc… and this model can use up to grade 5 only.

Which is a better choice ?

[odakyu]

MUMMYOF3:

Hi all,


I need some advice. I'm intending to get a 2nd hand piano for my 2 boys who are beginners. I've the following 2 options. Which should i choose ? I'm confused as some told me to go ahead with option 1 and some with option 2.

1) Get a 2nd hand 20 yrs Yamaha U1 at $3.5K from a 2nd hand dealer but comes with a 10 yrs warranty.

2) Get a 2nd hand 10yrs + Yamaha C108 at $800 from a direct owner source from internet. No delivery, warranty etc... and this model can use up to grade 5 only.

Which is a better choice ?

Hi Mummy of 3

Some piano dealers re-condition the pianos before re-selling them to the next customer. Some people may not like re-con pianos as one may not know if the parts are original. 10 years warranty is very generous, Yamaha only gives 6 years warranty.

A well-maintained piano can last for 40 years. Yamaha piano has website you can check the serial number for the real age of the piano. http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/ContentDetail/Text_WithCatMenu_XC.html?CNTID=12173

The resposne of the keys, the wood condition and interiors are important areas to check. My childhood 1st german piano (2nd hand) got terminates after bought for a year.

Hard to say which is good, if both pianos are all in good condition, it depends on the budget. If the boys reach grade 5, you can always upgrade. If your piano teacher can accompany you for the selection, maybe helpful. All the best

Cheers,
Odakyu

[jce]

Personally, I don’t recommend C108. U1 is generally a better choice, but because you’re looking at a 2ndhand, it’s difficult to say. The U1, given that it’s already 20 yrs old, it can probably see you through another 10-15 yrs (which is what the dealer is giving in terms of warranty). However having said that, I find that paying 3.5k for a 20 yr old U1 is a tad too steep. The C108 after adding in delivery and tuning after the deliver (which is a must) will bring you to about 1k. Make sure whichever piano you’re buying comes with an inbuilt heater. Original soundboard. And most of all, the dealer is reputable cos as a lay person, you’ll be putting your trust in the dealer’s words.

[compvale]

Hi


Need some help here…am intending to get a U1 for my gal.

Budget aside, which option gives better quality and value:
- new U1 for $8,600 (during promo) from Yamaha
- used almost 30 years U1 from Japan for about $3,500

No knowledge about pianos at all but was told the older U1 are made with better wood so gives a better sound and are more lasting wheras the quality of the new ones are not as good. DH’s view is to go for new ones as mathematically it does not make sense to pay $3,500 for something so old.

[sleepy]

compvale:

DH's view is to go for new ones as mathematically it does not make sense to pay $3,500 for something so old.

I opt for a brand new. Same rationale.

[MUMMYOF3]

Hi odaky & jce,


Thank you for your valuable advice. I just google checked the serial number of C108 and found out it’s a 22 yrs old piano i/o of 10yrs+ old as what the seller claimed.

Anyone has a good reliable 2nd hand dealer to recommend ?