I've posted this over on another Forum, so for those of you who are reading this a second time, my apologies for the redundancy.

I Am just starting (as in JUST STARTING) to learn to play the piano. One of the important things I have always wanted to do in my life. Please don't ask how old, let's just say I should have started sooner!

What prompted me to renew my interest is that I stumbled across an old McPhail (circa 1900) approx. 5 ft Baby Grand. FREE! After talking to a piano professional, he convinced me that it needed way more work then it deserved. Said it would make a lovely piece of furniture IF I had it refinished. ($$$$)

That led me to look at new pianos though I vowed I wanted an antique. The sound quality of the new pianos blew me away and I realized that I not only wanted something that looked good but also SOUNDED GOOD!

Budget is in the $10,000 or less range. I've been researching and talking to folks, and I have heard good things about the Yamaha line (very bright in sound but appeals to me), yet one salesman wanted to sell me an Everett (5 ft. new for about 7G). I have not seen the brand talked about and am not comfortable there.

I don't want a used piano (though I realize that there are many good new ones out there)so am now looking at the better quality smaller new pianos in my price range.

I have read that many don't like the smaller pianos and recommend the "real" grands. But space is a problem and if I actually stay committed to the art I can trade up one day.

Any input would be helpful and much appreciated

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Heidi

I'm no expert, all I can tell you is what I learned during my recent piano search.

Advice I received, confirmed in this forum, was that it isn't worth getting a baby grand. Unless you're looking at 6' and up, I was told that I was better off with a higher quality upright piano. Not to mention, it takes up less space.

Have you looked at "The Piano Book" by Larry Fine?

You should start by reading, and understanding what's on the market and the relative merits of uprights, grands, expensive, inexpensive, new, used, etc.

There is a link on this page to buy a copy, or you can see if your local Public Library has one.

You are about to spend a whole lotta money. You owe it to yourself to do your homework.

Welcome to the Forums.