Hello,

My daughter wants a new piano and a friend wants to sell their Boston GP 178 (5' 10") 1998 model. Are these pianos a good piano? Do they have problems I should be looking out for?

I have heard that all of these Japan pianos are made with MDF board. What parts are MDF?... I would guess that the lid is MDF, but is the curvature of the body also MDF, typically?

Any response and info that you can give to me is really appreciated, as we want to make a decision ASAP.

Thanks,
Roger

They are decent pianos. Kawai is contracted by Steinway to produce these under Steinway's design parameters. The MDF (If used)is limited to non-structural parts like the lid, the music desk and probably not much else. I can't think of another place to safely use MDF on a grand. On an upright you could use it on virtually all the flat panels as none of them are structural to support the tension of the piano wire.

You might want to consider looking at new Kawais like the RX-2(similar size). Depending on price. Steinway acts as a middle man to add another layer of expense to the Boston's and you may get a better deal on a new RX rather than a used GP.

Best of luck. No reason to rush, lots of pianos out there. If you miss this one another will show up.

Dale

Tuning stability can be a real problem with Bostons. They can have a very 'rubbery' feel in the pin and plank area and 'setting' or securing the tuning pins cam be very difficult. In my college we are gradually trading them back to the dealers.