All About Choosing and Buying Pianos

[markfch]

sleepy:

BigDevil:

Includes 4 tunings, piano cover, matching bench, headphone, 6yrs warranty, heater, key cover and delivery.

4 tunings is rather generous. I only received 2 free tunings. After that need to sign tuning package

Some piano shops will consider the prep tuning done prior to delivery as the first tuning. So effectively, you only have 3 tunings upon delivery.

[jce]

You can mellow the tone of your piano. The piano technicians can re-voice the piano but pls make sure you get a reputable technician to do it.

[fjzone]

We just brought a KAWAI BSC30 for $3600 during their Weekend Promotion. The package including a brand new adjustable bench, brand new piano cover, heater, 2 x tunning and 5 yrs warranty.

[peanut_butter]

fjzone:

We just brought a KAWAI BSC30 for $3600 during their Weekend Promotion.

Hi Fjzone,
I can't find the model on the internet. May I know what is the dimension of the piano please? Where is the store?

Thanks.

[i3mum]

Hi,


Can anyone has experience with piano to help me on my queries :?

I went to see a 2nd hand Yamaha U3 today and would like to ask on the following:

1) The sales person told me that a 20+yr U3 can last for 80 years, due to the wood which was made during that time. And a brand new U3 can last for only 30 years.

2) And if we were to compare a 10 + years U3 & a 20+ years U3, the better choice is the 20+ years U3. Are these true?

3) The price he quoted on the 20+ Yamaha U3 is $4,500. It comes with 10 years warranty, new bench, a heater & 2 times free tuning. Is it expensive?

4) He also mentioned that a 10+years U3 is hard to find, not sure if it's because of this that's why he keep telling us that the 20yr+ U3 is a better choice.

5) The one he showed me is a model \"H\". I m new to pianos, didnt know there is a specific model for the Yamaha U3.

6) Does a 2nd hand piano comes with a certificate to state it's age, place of manufacturing & etc?

7) Does anyone know is there any website to find out the age of the piano by keying in the serial no?

8 ) Is there anything I should look out for/ or ask when getting a 2nd piano?

Sorry for asking so many questions! Appreciate anyone who can help me!

:thankyou:

[i3mum]

Can anyone help me???

i3mum:

Hi,

Can anyone has experience with piano to help me on my queries :?

I went to see a 2nd hand Yamaha U3 today and would like to ask on the following:

1) The sales person told me that a 20+yr U3 can last for 80 years, due to the wood which was made during that time. And a brand new U3 can last for only 30 years.

2) And if we were to compare a 10 + years U3 & a 20+ years U3, the better choice is the 20+ years U3. Are these true?

3) The price he quoted on the 20+ Yamaha U3 is $4,500. It comes with 10 years warranty, new bench, a heater & 2 times free tuning. Is it expensive?

4) He also mentioned that a 10+years U3 is hard to find, not sure if it's because of this that's why he keep telling us that the 20yr+ U3 is a better choice.

5) The one he showed me is a model \"H\". I m new to pianos, didnt know there is a specific model for the Yamaha U3.

6) Does a 2nd hand piano comes with a certificate to state it's age, place of manufacturing & etc?

7) Does anyone know is there any website to find out the age of the piano by keying in the serial no?

8 ) Is there anything I should look out for/ or ask when getting a 2nd piano?

Sorry for asking so many questions! Appreciate anyone who can help me!

:thankyou:

[markfch]

Hi i3mum,


I don't have much experience with 2nd hand pianos (as I got mine new) but I guess this is what I'll check.

1) The sales person told me that a 20+yr U3 can last for 80 years, due to the wood which was made during that time. And a brand new U3 can last for only 30 years.
Just like a piece of wooden furniture, I read that some well taken care pianos are known to last 100 yrs. But some parts such as the hammerheads are 'wear & tear' parts and will need to be replaced once they are worn out. Regardless of whether it is 30 or 80 yrs, I feel that if you can enjoy playing the same piano for 20 yrs then it's very good value for money already.

2) And if we were to compare a 10 + years U3 & a 20+ years U3, the better choice is the 20+ years U3. Are these true?
Given the same price, I'll take the 10+ yrs U3 anytime.

6) Does a 2nd hand piano comes with a certificate to state it's age, place of manufacturing & etc?
No

7) Does anyone know is there any website to find out the age of the piano by keying in the serial no?
http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/ContentDetail/Text_WithCatMenu_XC.html?CNTID=12173

8 ) Is there anything I should look out for/ or ask when getting a 2nd piano?
Basic sanity checks include:

1) Opening the top piano cover and check for rust & worn out hammerheads
2) Playing every key (white & black) and check for stuck keys, sound tonal quality
3) Check that all keys are level.
4) Press all pedals to check for smooth mechanism.
5) Look behind the piano and check for cracks in the soundboard.
6) Open the lower part of the piano at the front and check whether heater is working.

Actually the most impt thing to verify is whether whoever is playing it likes the sound and touch of the piano.

[i3mum]

Hi markfch,


Thanks for your help. I will have to look out for the points that you have mentioned.

markfch:

Hi i3mum,

I don't have much experience with 2nd hand pianos (as I got mine new) but I guess this is what I'll check.

1) The sales person told me that a 20+yr U3 can last for 80 years, due to the wood which was made during that time. And a brand new U3 can last for only 30 years.
Just like a piece of wooden furniture, I read that some well taken care pianos are known to last 100 yrs. But some parts such as the hammerheads are 'wear & tear' parts and will need to be replaced once they are worn out. Regardless of whether it is 30 or 80 yrs, I feel that if you can enjoy playing the same piano for 20 yrs then it's very good value for money already.

2) And if we were to compare a 10 + years U3 & a 20+ years U3, the better choice is the 20+ years U3. Are these true?
Given the same price, I'll take the 10+ yrs U3 anytime.

6) Does a 2nd hand piano comes with a certificate to state it's age, place of manufacturing & etc?
No

7) Does anyone know is there any website to find out the age of the piano by keying in the serial no?
http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/ContentDetail/Text_WithCatMenu_XC.html?CNTID=12173

8 ) Is there anything I should look out for/ or ask when getting a 2nd piano?
Basic sanity checks include:

1) Opening the top piano cover and check for rust & worn out hammerheads
2) Playing every key (white & black) and check for stuck keys, sound tonal quality
3) Check that all keys are level.
4) Press all pedals to check for smooth mechanism.
5) Look behind the piano and check for cracks in the soundboard.
6) Open the lower part of the piano at the front and check whether heater is working.

Actually the most impt thing to verify is whether whoever is playing it likes the sound and touch of the piano.

[sleepy]

markfch:

2) And if we were to compare a 10 + years U3 & a 20+ years U3, the better choice is the 20+ years U3. Are these true?
Given the same price, I'll take the 10+ yrs U3 anytime.

i3mum

Ditto markfch

Have you checked the latest brand new U3 prices? I think there's some promo for U3 silent recently. No need to buy silent version. Ask about the usual U3 and compare the delta between new and old. If a brand new one at say $10K and a 20+ year at 4.5K, depreciation is only $275 per year (assume 20 years) :!:

For me, I would opt for a new one. Not worth paying $4.5k for such an old piano, regardless of what the salesman told me

[i3mum]

Hi sleepy & markfch,


I have a budget to get for a piano, not intend to get a new U3 because it is still too expensive for us :oops: .. will source for other younger U3.

sleepy:

i3mum

Ditto markfch

Have you checked the latest brand new U3 prices? I think there's some promo for U3 silent recently. No need to buy silent version. Ask about the usual U3 and compare the delta between new and old. If a brand new one at say $10K and a 20+ year at 4.5K, depreciation is only $275 per year (assume 20 years) :!:

For me, I would opt for a new one. Not worth paying $4.5k for such an old piano, regardless of what the salesman told me