All About Choosing and Buying Pianos
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chamonix:
Since credit card companies charge a certain % as service charge, I thought that if we pay in full by cheque, we can reasonably ask them for some discount.
We paid in full (not sure if it was cheque, nets, or credit card) but definitely didn't receive any further discounts.
As for the installation payment, I could have confused it with my current piano dealer who definitely offers interest-free installation by credit card. -
FQW:
I wish and think that should be the case. However, most would tell us upfront that their best prices are for non credit card payments only. Same thing when I bought a mid range Canon EOS Camera. Got to pay by cash only.
Since credit card companies charge a certain % as service charge, I thought that if we pay in full by cheque, we can reasonably ask them for some discount.chamonix:
We paid in full (not sure if it was cheque, nets, or credit card) but definitely didn't receive any further discounts.
As for the installation payment, I could have confused it with my current piano dealer who definitely offers interest-free installation by credit card.
At least if they allow credit card payments, we can still earn reward points from credit card companies. -
rinakurniadi:
If I remember correctly, the price difference between the k5 and k6 is 1k+, but the k6 sounds much sweeyer, has more personality. Btw, i found that the pianos at robert piano at milennia sound much nicer than the same models at centerpoint.
Could be due to the shops' interior. When I went Milennia, I felt that I'm shopping for an exclusive gift with the vastness of space, nice decor and all that. After Milennia, Centrepoint really looked a bit tight. Also, I realised that the best position to enjoy the sound of an upright is at the back. Unsightly, yes ... but the oomph factor is best there.
Btw, I'm talking about the old shop in the 2nd floor. Think they shifted to the 1st floor recently. -
VooVoo:
having in mind robert piano is the only dealer of kawai, they are in position not to budge when they see you have fallen in love with their productTks, anyone know if it is possible to get any more disc off the retail price at Robert?
They quoted $8385 for K3 and $10390 for K5. Not even giving. Full piano cover. -
Yamaha salesperson from PS told me that they can give 20% off list price (i.e. original, non-promotion price) for display set which is at least 2 years old.
No diff whether you put the purchase on credit. In fact, you get additional 5% off if you put it on Maybank Friends & Family (or Family & Friends?) card. -
By the way, is it safe to order a K3 and cross your fingers that the one Robert Piano sent u is not a lemon?
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I know of someone who ordered a K8 from RP. He requested for 2 K8โs to be placed side-by-side in the showroom for him to select. Of course, he committed to choose one of the two. Btw, every piano comes with a serial#. From the serial#, youโll know when it was made.
Think thatโs a good idea if you fear that youโll get a lemon. -
So we can choose a new piece from the showroom?
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Yes you can request for that arrangement. If you can convince them that you're a serious buyer, I don't see why not. After all, how often does a retailer close a deal of such amt.
I recalled reading in piano forums of this guy called Digitus who requested for 2 K8's to be transported to the showroom for him to select. He has a blog (below). You can go ask him.
http://pianochronicles.wordpress.com/ -
rosicky:
Just to share that I have bought a Hailun after much consideration, but the H-5 model, which cost 1k more then the HL-125. Both are attractively priced at 4.6k and 3.6k respectively.May I seek the advice from parents here. Guess I am facing the same old issue, need to buy piano for DS and DD, but parents know next to nothing about pianos. :? But after much googling, very much narrow down to 3 choices:
1) Used Yamaha U1 (20+ years) - Cost ard 3-4k.
2) Cristofori CU-123 EP - Cost ard 3.8k
3) Hailun HL-125 - Have not checked, but should be about 4k?
Not really comfy with the Yamaha as we are noobs, and thus unable to tell the condition. Between the cristofori and hailun, which is better?
Thanks!
As I dun play music, I can only rely on my ears as the sales person demo to me. We went to the showroom, and \"listened\" to the petrof, hailun and some used Yamaha, Kawai and Bohemia.
1. Sound. The Hailun is at least on par with Yamaha and Kawai based on our non musical ears. :oops: But the Petrof and Bohemia somehow sounds better, but expensive. Just like european cars...
2. Value. The Hailun H-5 is like 50% price of a new U1 or a entry Petrof. Same price as a 20+ year old U1/U3.
3. Quality. The built quality, and the material used looks good. But again, I am not a expert, so probably only time will tell.
4. Warranty. The Hailun comes with a 10 year full parts+labour warranty, and a 5 years trade-in scheme at 50% of the sale price.
It has been a stressful experience buying our first piano, going thru many shops and warehouses, seeking advice from teachers and friends. But we end up buying something that they have not heard of.... -
Hi all friends here,
I have been reading all your posts for some time since we have planned to buy a piano for our ds who is now in 4th term (book 2) of Yamaha Junior Course. My son is 5.5 years old but he is very interested in piano playing and can play quite well without a lot practice.
I just placed the order for a brand new Yamaha U1 at $9100 with 2 tunings, 1 bench and free piano cover. By paying with Maybank Family and Friend credit card, you will get 5% rebate in your bank statement.
Just to share with you my experience in trying to settle a piano.
Initially we planned to buy a 2nd handed one after reading some of the comments in this forum since our son is so young and we won't know how long his interest for piano playing can last. We went to see and touch some pianos in a Christofri road show. They have used U1, U3, Kawai etc. On the price tag of a U1 model, it reads: $4299, 25 years. We were allowed to take a photo of the serial number of it, and we did the same for the U3 which is priced at $4999 for 25 years too. Then the next day since I went to Yamaha school together with my son for his weekly lesson, I checked with the staff about the 2nd handed piano. The staff showed me a booklet: The fact about re-conditioned Yamaha piano, in which there is a reference list with the manufacturing year and the serial number. So I checked the serial numbers of the used ones that I took photo for and wanted to confirm the serial number is real. Guess what?! It appears that both the used U1 and U3 are 43 years already! I was kind of shocked by this....... How can they cheat on the age of the piano?!
The same as some of the forumers here, we almost know nothing about piano. So to play safe with minimal risk, we finally decided to invest in a new one with a goodwill that it will become my son's accompany in his leisure time
The piano is going to arrive this Sat. Can't wait to see my son playing on it. And hope he enjoys every moment playing it. -
Yes, you can check the production dates for Yamaha & Kawai pianos. i also having headache whether to buy new or used. Just cannot bring myself to pay $4k plus for a 20yrs+ piano. Budget for me is about 4k....been to several used piano dealers and they all say their used Yamahas & Kawai were \"handpicked\" from Japan. Dont know how true is this. Haiz....really cannnot make up my mind...new Yamaha U1 Japan is out of my reach. :imanangel:
springwater:
Hi all friends here,
I have been reading all your posts for some time since we have planned to buy a piano for our dd who is now in 2nd term of Yamaha Junior Course. My dd is 5.5 years old but he is very interested in piano playing and can play quite well without a lot practice.
I just placed the order for a brand new Yamaha U1 at $9100 with 2 tunings, 1 bench and free piano cover. By paying with Maybank Family and Friend credit card, you will get 5% rebate in your bank statement.
Just to share with you my experience in trying to settle a piano. Initially we planned to buy a 2nd handed one after reading some of the comments in this forum since our dd is so young and we won't know how long his interest for piano playing can last. We went to see and touch some pianos in a Christofri GSS road show. They have used U1, U3, Kawai etc. On the price tag of a U1 model, it reads: $4299, 25 years. We were allowed to take a photo of the serial number of it, and we did the same for the U3 which is priced at $4999 for 25 years too. Then the next day since I went to Yamaha school together with my son for his weekly lesson, I checked with the staff about the 2nd handed piano. The staff showed me a booklet: the fact if re-conditioned Yamaha piano, in which there is a reference list with the manufacturing year and the serial number. So I checked the serial numbers of the used ones that I took photo for and wanted to confirm the serial number is real. Guess what?! It appears that both the used U1 and U3 are 43 years already! I was kind of shocked by this....... How can they cheat on the age of the piano?!
As some of the forumers here, we almost know nothing about piano. So to play safe, we finally decided to invest in a new one with a good will that it will be my son's accompany and best friend
The piano is going to arrive this Sat. Can't wait to see my son playing on it. And hope he enjoys every moment playing it. -
springwater:
I am eyeing a 2nd hand U1 (said to be bought less than 6 mths as the expatriate is going back his country) but I am unable to check online to verify its age. Even Yamaha website does not provide serial number after 6280000 (http://usa.yamaha.com/support/finding_age_of_yamaha_piano/). Can you let me know the serial number of your new U1 piano (after you receive your new piano this Sat) so that I can do a simple extrapolation. Appreciated in advance!Hi all friends here,
I have been reading all your posts for some time since we have planned to buy a piano for our dd who is now in 2nd term of Yamaha Junior Course. My dd is 5.5 years old but he is very interested in piano playing and can play quite well without a lot practice.
I just placed the order for a brand new Yamaha U1 at $9100 with 2 tunings, 1 bench and free piano cover. By paying with Maybank Family and Friend credit card, you will get 5% rebate in your bank statement.
Just to share with you my experience in trying to settle a piano. Initially we planned to buy a 2nd handed one after reading some of the comments in this forum since our dd is so young and we won't know how long his interest for piano playing can last. We went to see and touch some pianos in a Christofri GSS road show. They have used U1, U3, Kawai etc. On the price tag of a U1 model, it reads: $4299, 25 years. We were allowed to take a photo of the serial number of it, and we did the same for the U3 which is priced at $4999 for 25 years too. Then the next day since I went to Yamaha school together with my son for his weekly lesson, I checked with the staff about the 2nd handed piano. The staff showed me a booklet: the fact if re-conditioned Yamaha piano, in which there is a reference list with the manufacturing year and the serial number. So I checked the serial numbers of the used ones that I took photo for and wanted to confirm the serial number is real. Guess what?! It appears that both the used U1 and U3 are 43 years already! I was kind of shocked by this....... How can they cheat on the age of the piano?!
As some of the forumers here, we almost know nothing about piano. So to play safe, we finally decided to invest in a new one with a good will that it will be my son's accompany and best friend
The piano is going to arrive this Sat. Can't wait to see my son playing on it. And hope he enjoys every moment playing it. -
I also went through the same process as you and in the end, I bought Hailun HL125. Should be value for $.
rosicky:
Just to share that I have bought a Hailun after much consideration, but the H-5 model, which cost 1k more then the HL-125. Both are attractively priced at 4.6k and 3.6k respectively.rosicky:
May I seek the advice from parents here. Guess I am facing the same old issue, need to buy piano for DS and DD, but parents know next to nothing about pianos. :? But after much googling, very much narrow down to 3 choices:
1) Used Yamaha U1 (20+ years) - Cost ard 3-4k.
2) Cristofori CU-123 EP - Cost ard 3.8k
3) Hailun HL-125 - Have not checked, but should be about 4k?
Not really comfy with the Yamaha as we are noobs, and thus unable to tell the condition. Between the cristofori and hailun, which is better?
Thanks!
As I dun play music, I can only rely on my ears as the sales person demo to me. We went to the showroom, and \"listened\" to the petrof, hailun and some used Yamaha, Kawai and Bohemia.
1. Sound. The Hailun is at least on par with Yamaha and Kawai based on our non musical ears. :oops: But the Petrof and Bohemia somehow sounds better, but expensive. Just like european cars...
2. Value. The Hailun H-5 is like 50% price of a new U1 or a entry Petrof. Same price as a 20+ year old U1/U3.
3. Quality. The built quality, and the material used looks good. But again, I am not a expert, so probably only time will tell.
4. Warranty. The Hailun comes with a 10 year full parts+labour warranty, and a 5 years trade-in scheme at 50% of the sale price.
It has been a stressful experience buying our first piano, going thru many shops and warehouses, seeking advice from teachers and friends. But we end up buying something that they have not heard of.... -
I was on a hunt for a new piano recently as
my current kawai cx5 wonโt last long. 30 years
already.
Have u heard of kholer and Campbell? Made in Korea.
K131. Dont know k131 or km131. Iโm getting a 131 because I want it to
last till dip. For my girl.
Itโs an unknown brand at least to me, so
it was kind of a struggle. I played it at chiu piano recently.
Nice tone, kind of in between Yamaha and
europe made pianos. Definitely not like kawai.
And also Yamaha baby grand GBk1.
Made in indonesia
Anyone here has any feedback? -
Oh My Gosh:
Sure I will inform you about that.
I am eyeing a 2nd hand U1 (said to be bought less than 6 mths as the expatriate is going back his country) but I am unable to check online to verify its age. Even Yamaha website does not provide serial number after 6280000 (http://usa.yamaha.com/support/finding_age_of_yamaha_piano/). Can you let me know the serial number of your new U1 piano (after you receive your new piano this Sat) so that I can do a simple extrapolation. Appreciated in advance!springwater:
Hi all friends here,
I have been reading all your posts for some time since we have planned to buy a piano for our dd who is now in 2nd term of Yamaha Junior Course. My dd is 5.5 years old but he is very interested in piano playing and can play quite well without a lot practice.
I just placed the order for a brand new Yamaha U1 at $9100 with 2 tunings, 1 bench and free piano cover. By paying with Maybank Family and Friend credit card, you will get 5% rebate in your bank statement.
Just to share with you my experience in trying to settle a piano. Initially we planned to buy a 2nd handed one after reading some of the comments in this forum since our dd is so young and we won't know how long his interest for piano playing can last. We went to see and touch some pianos in a Christofri GSS road show. They have used U1, U3, Kawai etc. On the price tag of a U1 model, it reads: $4299, 25 years. We were allowed to take a photo of the serial number of it, and we did the same for the U3 which is priced at $4999 for 25 years too. Then the next day since I went to Yamaha school together with my son for his weekly lesson, I checked with the staff about the 2nd handed piano. The staff showed me a booklet: the fact if re-conditioned Yamaha piano, in which there is a reference list with the manufacturing year and the serial number. So I checked the serial numbers of the used ones that I took photo for and wanted to confirm the serial number is real. Guess what?! It appears that both the used U1 and U3 are 43 years already! I was kind of shocked by this....... How can they cheat on the age of the piano?!
As some of the forumers here, we almost know nothing about piano. So to play safe, we finally decided to invest in a new one with a good will that it will be my son's accompany and best friend
The piano is going to arrive this Sat. Can't wait to see my son playing on it. And hope he enjoys every moment playing it. -
Dear All,
Someone asked about Yamaha Serial Numbers. Here's the official listing with age and place of manufacture:
http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/ContentDetail/Text_WithCatMenu_XC.html?CNTID=12173
Yes, there is a shop which lies about the age of the pianos. The one which lied to me that the U1s were 20 years younger than they actually were is located in an Industrial warehouse in Jalan Peminpin. However, the shop I eventually bought my U1 from was honest about the age and condition of the pianos and I managed to verify it on-line as well.
Hope this helps! -
Chattyirena:
Currently no website available for checking the age of \"newer\" U1 piano. Apparently, those after 628xxxx are not available.Dear All,
Someone asked about Yamaha Serial Numbers. Here's the official listing with age and place of manufacture:
http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/ContentDetail/Text_WithCatMenu_XC.html?CNTID=12173
Yes, there is a shop which lies about the age of the pianos. The one which lied to me that the U1s were 20 years younger than they actually were is located in an Industrial warehouse in Jalan Peminpin. However, the shop I eventually bought my U1 from was honest about the age and condition of the pianos and I managed to verify it on-line as well.
Hope this helps! -
Oh My Gosh:
I am eyeing a 2nd hand U1 (said to be bought less than 6 mths as the expatriate is going back his country) but I am unable to check online to verify its age. Even Yamaha website does not provide serial number after 6280000 (http://usa.yamaha.com/support/finding_age_of_yamaha_piano/). Can you let me know the serial number of your new U1 piano (after you receive your new piano this Sat) so that I can do a simple extrapolation. Appreciated in advance!
If it helps, my new U1 silent delivered in Feb 2012 has serial no. 6334XXX. I figure it was built sometime in 2011 seeing as the Yamaha website say 6280000 was made in 2010.
Incidentally, I gave up on getting a 2nd hand U1 when I realized that paying something like $4-5k for a 20-25 year old U1 from the shops did not seem like a bright idea considering that it probably cost around that to get a new one 20-25 years ago! :faint: -
Szepinge, personally, I think thereโs no point in getting baby grands. Grands should be at least 6 ft in order for it to really function in a way that a grand should in terms of tone, action, response etc.