Another new piano buyer here, I really know nothing about piano’s other than what I’ve learned in the last few weeks. We’re looking at a used Young-Chang G150, small grand piano, made in the mid 90’s. The dealer is asking $4700. Does that seem like a fair price for that make and model? Some of the strings have a little rust on them, does that affect anything? Should I have a local RPT inspect and appraise the piano? Is there anything on the piano I should look at in particular?

The piano is for my 12 y.o. daughter. She’s progressed to the point where she needs to practice on a real piano rather than the electronic keyboard. She’s played the G150 at the store and likes it. She also plays the cello, but likes the piano more.

Any advice/direction is greatly appreciated.

Mike M.

Hi Mike:

If your daughter is 12, and has advanced to where she needs a better piano, this one will probably not be the one you need.

Take care,

Steve

This will be our first piano. Currently she practices on a keyboard at home.

The RPT reported that the piano is in excellent (near new) condition and that he thought it was a very good deal.

Mike

Hi Mike:

It may be a good deal as an entry level piano. That's OK if you don't expect more from it. If you want a piano that one could grow into, you may find something better. I believe a good upright would be more musically pleasing than that piano.

Take care,

Steve

If I was the one buying the piano, that would not be the one I'd pick, because of its size, AND because of the price.
My grandparents paid $6k in early 1999 for a new PG-150 (an "upgraded" model from the G-150) for my mom. I would be very surprised if a dealer could get $4,700 for our piano if we were to consign it, even though it is still in almost new condition.
As for the size, I have a 45" 1956 Baldwin Hamilton vertical sitting next to it, and the Baldwin is by far a better piano, especially with a much better tone in the bass. In fact, I have played a few Acrosonic spinets that I actually would prefer (tonally - the action is better on the grand though) to the PG-150.

Way to much dinero for that piano!. I would think twice for even half the asking price. You might want to inquire about the factory warranty recall on the Young Chang expanding action brackets. Keep looking!

I dunno about the price being way too high; searching the interwebs, the price is in the low end of the ballpark. I only found one really low price for a Young-Chang G150 and that was a "motivated seller" on ebay.

-Mike

Hi Mike, and welcome to the PW forums!

The PW forum is a great place to get great, even expert advice regarding anything to do with pianos; however, the problem with all the collective advice you get is that it may confuse you to the point that you’ll never buy a piano.

The woods are not full of cheap baby grand pianos that are 20 years old or less. The price you mention is an average price that most dealers would ask for such a piano, if you and your daughter likes the YC, try to negotiate a lower price. $3000 to $3500 would be a very fair price for that piano for both the dealer and you. Chances are, the dealer doesn’t have more than $1500 or $2000 in that piano.

If you can shop around, see what else is available. Availability is the problem with good used baby grand pianos.

My advice to you is worth what it cost!!

Best regards!

Rick