Hi All-
I went to "just try" some pianos to see if my minor disappointment with my Yamaha GB1 justified an upgrade or change. Well, what do you know, there was a 1999 Baldwin L (6'3") that I could bring home for 4,500 plus my GB1 trade in. The Baldwin plays beautifully, and the tone strong and clear. However, I am a
beginner with almost 4 years under my belt, and really just one year since I got a teacher who could REALLY TEACH!! What advice can you give me? I know it is a good deal, but it is STILL 4,500
that might not be justified. Any one else have this experience? What did you do?
Thanks so much for any input.
MSH

I grew up with many yrs. of classical lessons,
and I've now been playing for more than 30
yrs., and I now work on some big pieces,
and yet I've never owned a grand piano.
Frankly, I've never liked what I consider
their strange, assymetrical shape,
and I think I might hesitate about getting
one even if I had a big house--give
me the solid boxy shape of an upright
any day. So I'm a little bewildered by you
already set to spring for your second one
after only 4 yrs. of playing.

However, if you have $4500 to burn (Don't
put it on a credit card; that's the way
to go bankrupt. Furthermore, what if
you buy it on credit and then you want to
"upgrade" while you're still making payments?),
then I suppose it would be okay. But
you realize that $4500 could get you
a digital console that would play like a concert
grand?

Hi MSH -

You might want to try the "Piano" forum - as they usually can give lots of very specific info about particular models and types of pianos...

When did you get the Yamaha? Was it brand new? Has it had time to "settle in"? Some people have had dramatic improvements after having a competent tech work on their piano...

Also - could you offset the cost of the new piano by selling the Yamaha? I think if you really love the new one and can find a way to make it work without putting yourself in financial jeapardy - then why not?

I don't yet have an acoustic so definitely not an expert, just some thoughts that I've picked up from reading here!

I'd have an experienced technician look "under the hood" before you consider buying this piano. While $4500 is a lot of money in general it's not much for a grand so you need to make sure nothing hidden is wrong with it.

One more thing, I had a Baldwin (not a grand) for many, many years and the action was very heavy. I was told (I don't know if this is true or not) that many Baldwins have this problem. When I was a beginning pianist I had no way of knowing this and the demands of the music I was playing didn't demonstrate the extra effort needed to make it play. You might want to get an outside opinion on this too.

I'd also follow the advice to bring this question to the Piano Forum. Lots of good ideas there.

The Baldwin L is a fine piano that should please the most discriminating advanced pianist. That certainly doesn't mean it would be wasted on a relative beginner, but only you can decide if the difference is meaningful enough to be worth upgrading from your Yamaha.

That price is definitely attractive, too. If you elect to proceed with the swap, it's standard advice to have any used instrument checked out by an independent technician before you buy.

Steven

I agree with those who suggest that you Post this on the piano forum. The experts there can give you good advice.

Also,I totally agree that before you make any commitment about purchasing it, have a tech look it over.

In addition ask your teacher's opinion, and if possible have your teacher play it. You should o pay her for her time,but it may well be worth it. Gaby Tu