All About Choosing and Buying Pianos

[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 ?

[verykiasu2010]

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.

please allow me to be naughty

you buy the new U1 $8600. after x number of years sell it as second hand to me at S$3500. :moneyflies:

[markfch]

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 ?

I've heard good things about Emmanuel & Sons. Think they sell new as well as 2nd hand pianos. Telephone: 6100 0111

[MUMMYOF3]

Hi,


1 dealer told me that M10A is the same as U1. In Japan, they don't call U1. Is that true ? I tried google search but can't find M10A. The shop will provide 2 heaters for all his pianos to prevent from humility. But another dealer told me that the piano can only have 1 heater otherwise it'll be too hot. I'm confused :?

[verykiasu2010]

MUMMYOF3:

Hi,


1 dealer told me that M10A is the same as U1. In Japan, they don't call U1. Is that true ? I tried google search but can't find M10A. The shop will provide 2 heaters for all his pianos to prevent from humility. But another dealer told me that the piano can only have 1 heater otherwise it'll be too hot. I'm confused :?

first time heard of two heaters (he is kiasuparent.com grandmaster ?)

i thot standard is one heater

me no piano know how

[markfch]

MUMMYOF3:

Hi,


1 dealer told me that M10A is the same as U1. In Japan, they don't call U1. Is that true ? I tried google search but can't find M10A. The shop will provide 2 heaters for all his pianos to prevent from humility. But another dealer told me that the piano can only have 1 heater otherwise it'll be too hot. I'm confused :?

My old kawai k5 has only one heater, which must be switch on all the time. This is also the first time I heard of 2 heaters.