All About Choosing and Buying Pianos

[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

[Serendipity]

Hi all,


When would be the best time to switch from keyboard to piano?

I suppose most beginners switch to digital piano first? Up to what ABRSM grade can the digital piano last? Or is there a difference between models as well?

Thanks much!

[phankao]

Serendipity:

Hi all,


When would be the best time to switch from keyboard to piano?

I suppose most beginners switch to digital piano first? Up to what ABRSM grade can the digital piano last? Or is there a difference between models as well?

Thanks much!

We used piano from the start. My 3yo plays on a piano and with curved fingers.

[Serendipity]

Wow, how did you train your son to play on piano with curved fingers? Thought most toddlers don’t have the strength in their fingers yet.