All About Choosing and Buying Pianos

[Dreamaurora]

If you are just playing for leisure, their difference is negligible. If you plan to pick up classical though, Yamaha’s Clavinova provides an affordable alternative to acoustic piano, especially if you can find it 2nd hand.

[ciaobella]

Hi Flyindolphin


I heard that at diploma level, you will be playing on grand piano and the closest vertical piano will be U3 or U5.
I just bought a U3 for $3800 about 3 weeks ago.
Based on my understanding, Yamaha is good brand that will last and got resale value.

[music_b_coach]

Hi Flyindolphin,


It depends on how far you want to go with one piano. For mid grades, Yamaha U3 may be sufficient. The low to mid range piano (~$3K - $6K new) typically peaks at about 5 years through 8 years, thereafter, you need to do quite a bit on maintenance like changing the felts and strings. Also some of the mechanism will give issues like high frequency "repeatability" - playing the same note alternating hands at a fast speed - and resonance (eg. holding on to a high C, play the middle C note once and detach, and listen to the ringing of the high C).

If you are going for long term and can afford, a German piano will last you very much longer which typically peaks after 8 years to 18 years if kept in good condition with heater and good airflow location. However, such upright piano would cost between $15K to the very high end of $60K.

[flyindolphin]

Hi,

Thanks for the feedback. From your view, i guess i will go for u3 secondhand:) Yeah i am planning to complete my diploma, but of course i have to go grade by grade from the grade i stopped.....unless i am supergenius can jump from grade 5 to diploma

Dreamaurora:

flyindolphin:

Hi,

What actually sostenuto pedal is and what brand of piano that have this type of pedal, budget range $3-4k. Thanks.

A sostenuto pedal sustains notes without lifting the damper mechanism, allowing notes to be played above the sustained notes without blurring them as what will happen if you use the damper pedal. Most modern grand pianos and some upright grand models such as Yamaha YUS5 and Kawai K8 have them.

It is a common misconception propagated by many piano salesman that you need a sostenuto pedal for diploma. In practice, it is almost never used at all. Sostenuto pedal is a relatively new invention and most pianos from early 20th century do not have them at all. And as such very very few pieces actually specify the usage of sostenuto pedal. A good regulated U3 or K7 would be sufficient for diploma level. My suggestion would be to get a 2nd hand U3, although you might want to increase your budget a bit. Anyway, am I reading this right? You plan to take diploma after passing your grade 5 practical?

[flyindolphin]

Hi,

I think i will buy U3 as suggested....U bought a 2nd hand U3 for $3.8k? where did u buy and how many years of the piano?

ciaobella:

Hi Flyindolphin

I heard that at diploma level, you will be playing on grand piano and the closest vertical piano will be U3 or U5.
I just bought a U3 for $3800 about 3 weeks ago.
Based on my understanding, Yamaha is good brand that will last and got resale value.

[jollyme]

i went piano shopping and saw this "Stainberg & Song UP125" model (SP$4,800).


I was impressed with the rich sound and its parts seems to be of good quality also. It also comes out richer & stronger than a second hand U3.

Appreciate if anyone can share their experiences or opinions on this. Thanks alot!

[rq1111]

I would like to seek advice from all of you. I am looking to buy a piano for my daughter and now I am looking at Kawai K3 or K5 or U1 Yamaha. Hope to hear any recommendation or people that have the experience or had these pianos to hear your thoughts. Thank you!

[suecat]

Hi everyone ,

I have a second hand kawai piano for sale . Model cx5 . Made in japan . Not full exam height but good for beginners. Selling at 1000 only . Interested pls email me at [email protected]

[philipsteele]

i think you can search with local journals or some internet sources…!!!

[Sun_2010]

I have one not using for some time now. Probably need to get it tuned.

Willing to let go of it cheap.

If interested, please pm