All About Choosing and Buying Pianos

[klchew]

Just my 2 cents worth. My dad bought a Yamaha X series (a step above the U series) piano in KL back in 1980. Its served me and my children very well since and its still doing well after almost 32 years. The piano was made and imported from Japan. As for humidity problems, well, it had a heater in it from the start and was kept in the living room, without any air conditioning. It hasn’t suffered any damage from any humidity problems.


I think that by leaving the bar heater on permanently, regular tuning of at least once a year and the occasional wipe, a good piano would last for at least 30 years (in my case) or more. I seriously think that my Yamaha would be playable and be in good voice for my grandchildren!

We did have the felt pads replaced and the strings restrung a few years back by Yamaha technicians. However, they told us that other than that, the piano would be good for another 30 years as the wood and frame were in excellent condition. Seems that the later Yamaha pianos which were made in Indonesia, were not of the same quality or standard as those originally made in Japan all those years ago. Strangely, they also said that the Yamaha pianos that they were selling now were actually inferior to those that were made in Japan all those years ago, in terms of sound and quality

After moving to Singapore last year, and after doing our research, we bought a Hailun H33P from Piano Masters. The sound is lovely but different from the Yamaha X. The Yamaha is a brighter and has a better action, whilst the Hailun is mellower with a stiffer action. Different but still enjoyable. I would actually recommend the H33P over the 125 as the sound is bigger and fuller.

I would agree with those who have tried the Petrof and say that it has a lovely singing voice. To me, my wife and kids, the Petrof sings better than the Yamaha or Hailun. However, it was out of our budget. Hoping to get a Petrof baby grand in a few years’ time once the kids hit Grade 8. There’s where the 50% buy back policy from Piano Master would come in handy.

[Blessed Homemaker]

For 2nd hand piano, does it come with warranty? If yes, what does it cover in general? If your seller is also the tuner, are you restricted to using him forever or are you free to engage another tuner?

[Dreamaurora]

Blessed Homemaker:

For 2nd hand piano, does it come with warranty? If yes, what does it cover in general? If your seller is also the tuner, are you restricted to using him forever or are you free to engage another tuner?

Normally the warranty covers all damages not directly caused by the player. The seller will normally give a few free tuning sessions, but of course you are free to source your own tuner after that.

[cnimed]

Anyone has a good tuner to recommend?

[Admummy]

Urgent advice needed…


Just received my brand new piano from Cristofori…unfortunately, when I tested it one of the key is not working properly…the tune doesn’t sound right when I hit it…saw the string inside for that note is a bit not straight plus the cloth flag like blocking some of the keys when hit…oh iam not piano train hope u guys understand what I mean…call the staff, she said ask senior tunner to help me tune shld be ok after that…do u think I shld take her words or demand for a new set?

[fatcat811]

Hi all,


New here. Thanks for all the sharing about what to look out for when buying a piano. Hv really made my shopping for one a lot easier, though I am still as confused!

See, I did make a trip down to Piano Master n tried on both Hailun and Petrof. Though I could hear a difference between these n the usual Yamaha n Kawai, was curious if it could be the fact that the Yamaha n Kawai was not ‘in their tip top conditions’ hence the ‘inferior’ response?

P125 is beyond my budget, so I tot of settling for the other cheaper model P118 (at $7800) … But was worried the ‘missing of the 2 legs’ due to the simplified structural design would compromise on the stability of the sound … Am I right to have that fear?

Plus, with this price tag, would I be better off getting a new Hailun 133 - which is modelled after a upright grand (equivalent to Yamaha YUS5 series?) at only $5600???

Any comments n advise is much appreciated! Tks!

[Dreamaurora]

Admummy:

Urgent advice needed..


Just received my brand new piano from Cristofori...unfortunately, when I tested it one of the key is not working properly..the tune doesn't sound right when I hit it..saw the string inside for that note is a bit not straight plus the cloth flag like blocking some of the keys when hit...oh iam not piano train hope u guys understand what I mean...call the staff, she said ask senior tunner to help me tune shld be ok after that...do u think I shld take her words or demand for a new set?

As long as nothing is broken, a tuning session can fix most of the problems. Sometimes the delivery may cause some of the components inside to be dislocated.

[wl78]

Is $6400 for a 1yr plus Kawai k3 a good deal?

[jce]

I believe it is. Brand new costs around $11500 I think. One year piano shouldn’t have depreciated that much. Have to take a close look and make sure all things are in good condition.

[soneat]

wl78:

Is $6400 for a 1yr plus Kawai k3 a good deal?

If it is really 1 year+ (you better check the serial number and make sure it is not altered) and everything looks and sounds alright, then you have had a good deal.

For this pricing, most likely its 3yr+.