So far I have my choices narrowed down to three fairly realistic choices and one not so realistic, but maybe. I know these are very different choices, but I really like all of them, for different reasons. Could I get some input on these (especially the "maybe"), please?

Vogel 177T: this new piano was purchased from another store that was going out of business and has been sitting for about 18 months, so they're willing to "deal". Right now the price they're offering is $21,900. I love the richness of the tone.

Boston GP-178 - they're quoting me a price of $25,500. I know that's around the "MSRP", so I'm sure I could deal them down. Very easy to play (I have a light touch), pretty but brighter sound than the Vogel.

Sohmer and Co. 90T - price on the piano is $18,600 but I know they will give me a better price. This is the piano that caught my ear on the first day. Bright, happy sound (OK, not very technical, I know) and it's very responsive. I was a little concerned about HOW bright it is, but the tech assured me he could mellow it out for me.

And here is the one I truly would love to have: 1984 Steinway L. It has just been reconditioned and is in excellent shape. One owner, well maintained and absolutely gorgeous sound and touch. It is on consignment, and the tech didn't know how much they will be asking for it (it's not quite finished yet). But he thinks mid to high $30s. That's quite a bit over my desired price, but if it's a great deal I might spend the extra money.

So...what does everyone think?

I can tell you what I would pay, if that helps:

Vogel $17,000

Boston $15,000 (you'll never get it for that)

Sohmer Forget it

Steinway L $29,000 max

Great choices. Can't go wrong with any. Euro, two Asian, and one domestic.

Vogel may not be technically a "new" piano and may not have a factory warranty if sold by a non-authorized Schimmel/Vogel dealer. Price is a little high. Good piano!

On the Boston, make sure you compare the Kawai RX-2. You may like it even better, and for a lot less dough.

On the Sohmer, I like them too. Can be bought for less. You might compare the Wm. Knabe 5'8" and 6'4". Same factory, slightly different design features and tone character.

Hard to comment on the S&S L without knowing what has and will be done. 1984 is in that gray area of age. Not a slam dunk to rebuild. At 24 yo, not fresh. Know the history? Hope not institutional. Depending what is done, low 30's would be in line.

I was quoted about $17k-$18k for the Vogel 177T last month. It is a very nice piano! Great sound, but the touch was a bit light for me.

Keep looking and try a few more. Try a Knabe, Kawaii, Brodmann, even Nordiska. None of those prices are super "deals" that need to be jumped at. They're about par for the course. If you still have 4 you can't decide on, you need to keep trying pianos and trying to narrow it to two. Then, if one doesn't jump out at you, let price/value be the tiebreaker. You might also want to try a JP Pramberger. They're in that price range and a solid piano for the money.

Don't buy a piano unless you're happy with the sound as it is, and don't count on vague promises to make the piano sound the way you want.

VERY IMPORTANT!!

As the dealer to voice the Sohmer. Then re-evaluate it.

I think it will be the best deal, IF you really like it after the voicing.

I spoke with the technician who is working on the Steinway. It is a one owner piano, has been well maintained but not played a lot because the owner is out of town quite a bit. It has always had a four season humidity control unit on it (it still does). Sounds like a great option, IF I can talk my husband into spending that much!

I will probably go back this weekend and play the Kawai they have in the showroom. I don't think they have any Knabes or JP Prambergers right now, although they do carry those lines. The technician said he would work on the Sohmer a little so I can see what the difference might be.

Oh, and the Vogel does come with the factory warranty...this dealer carries the line.

Looks like I'll be doing some more research! My husband makes fun of me...but he does the same thing with his techie gadgets (he was telling me all he's learned about player systems today!).