Hello all,

My wife and I have 5 young kids and want to get them a music education (something both her and I lack). We've had them enrolled in preschool type music appreciation courses, and my eldest (8 yrs old) has been taking guitar lessons for a year. In any case, we've decided to invest in a piano for the family.

We have what is basically an entry level budget (approx $4k Canadian). The selection of used pianos is pretty limited through dealers at this time. Plus, I'd prefer a new instrument for aesthetic purposes as well.

We've read through a lot of postings here and research throughout the web. We think we may have shortlisted between a Kohler Campbell KC245 and a Kawai KX21. I believe both are Chinese made. I can purchase either new for approximately $3800 Cdn (different dealers).

So, considering approximately equal purchase cost, here's the kicker. The service is appearing much better for the Kohler Campbell. The Kawai dealer just sort of looked at me strangely when I asked him what type of predelivery service they did (he indicated he checks out the piano and tunes any obviously out of tune keys, but no regulation or voicing). No real preparation from the Kawai dealer beyond a free tuning 4-6 weeks after delivery.

So, overall I think Kawai has a better name than KC, from what I've read. But the service looks much better for the KC. Given equal purchase cost between the two ... which should be weighted higher in my decision (dealer service of the KC or "name brand" of the Kawai)?

Hi
Id personally be looking for another kawai dealer who knows and cares about what they sell.

We're looking at the kx21 for budget reasons comparable price here is a Lipp and Sohn and both are sold by the same shop but my daughter preferred the kawai sound and then it became a k3 or kx21 pay 2k more or not is my question.

I think I've ruled out the Kawai mostly based on the dealer. The next closest Kawai dealer is about a 4 hour drive from my location, so its not really feasible.

I visited the Kohler place again today (they deal with Steinway, Boston, etc, Kohler is their entry brand I guess). I clarified what the they do for service, and they indicated its a couple of days full service, regulation, etc. Their service and love of the instrument is so much more evident.

I have to admit I also like the sound of the Kohler. It was next to a Yamaha T118, and the Yamaha seems really bright in comparison.

I'm considering a KC-247 now. Its almost 2 inches taller, and is their so-called institutional model. The dealer indicated that it has somewhat better insides than the 245, but doesn't have the full Millenium insides (kind of between the two). Does anybody have any experience with the KC247? They didn't have any in stock, but expect some in at the end of August.

I've had the Kohler and Campbell 245 since December '04 and it's been an excellent piano for myself and my daughter, getting about 4 hours per day in total play.

Yes, the 245 is in the top 2 "shortlist" for us, along with the 247. We have 5 kids and we homeschool. We're thinking that perhaps the additional "institutional" type specs on cabinet, etc might make it a bit more durable in our situation, since I guess we're a small institution onto ourselves I also understand that while we want to introduce all our kids eventually to the piano, not all of them will show interest and/or talent, and will move onto different things. But I'd say its reasonable to expect 1 or 2 of the kids to stick with piano at least. Its tough to say overall how much play it will get since everybody is still young.

The difference in price is about $800 from the dealer between the two.

We'll have to sleep on it for a few more nights.

We are a Kohler dealer and have been for over 15 years. They are great pianos, excellent values. Many Steinway dealers carry them across the country which IMO speaks volumes to the quality of the Kohler product.

The 247 is more money but it is a substantial upgrade from the 245. It has a more durable case, and even though it is only 1.5 inches taller the #1 bass string is 3.5 inches longer.

Both are good pianos but given the potential use of the instrument, I would suggest spending a little more and buy an "institutional grade" Kohler. Good luck =)