Bingo, Gary. Having a good relationship with a great tech is the best thing you can do for your piano and your continued playing enjoyment.

Kluurs,

I would have to say that I absolutely love the B and really, really, really like the L but would almost certainly trade up to a B a couple/few years down the road. What I would really like to know is whether $44K with everything included is a good deal on a five year old model that has some superficial issues (which will be fixed by the time of purchase) but internally is in very good shape. If not, I might just go ahead and get the new B, whether now or next year.

I certainly had a much stronger both emotional and intellectual response to those two specific pianos. I tried several other Steinways that were OK but did not really speak to me. I also tried three different Bosendorfers, two Estonias, three Petrofs, a Forster, several Yamahas, a Kawai (not Shigeru), two Schimmels, and a Baldwin. Plus, I listened to recordings of a Bluthner, a Fazioli, and a Bechstein (not ideal, I know).

Arnie, there will almost certainly be a loss when you trade up, particularly if you're buying the L from a dealer. Maybe try to learn how much it would cost to rent that L or another equally good piano for a few years, then compare that amount to the cost of trading up.

IMO if you want a quality grand now and expect to be able to afford to trade up, it'd be reasonable to compare expected loss to rental costs.

I was going to buy a Yamaha for 23k, then I decided that I didn't want to regret not getting what I really wanted, the Steinway, even though it was more than twice the price. In the end, I got the Steinway, it'll be paid off soon, and no regrets, or finding a buyer for the Yamaha (and losing money) to get what I really want.

Don't let money be the deciding factor, because soon enough it will be paid for. Get what you REALLY want. And don't look back.

I just wanted to thank everyone for their input. I decided upon the used Steinway L. Although the B was also excellent, the L had a special quality, and I just didn't want to let it go. I expect delivery on Wednesday.

Woo-hoo!

CONGRATULATIONS! Pictures, please when it arrives!

Arnie,

I was looking for this thread because I wanted to make a comment in favor of the L. I tuned a very nice 1985 L over the weekend that seemed to have a really special character. The kind of tone that 'blooms'.

Since Steinways can vary a lot, I would have had the same technician go over both pianos to give you a comparison, and buy the one with the most 'Steinwayesque' sound. Sound like that's what you did!

Congradulations. Not only will you enjoy the piano greatly but you will now be a much more educated pianist. And your knowledge should contribute to you music making and enjoyment.

All the best with your wonderful piano.

Congratulations on your new Steinway L!

You picked a great piano because it was the one that sang to you. Enjoy many happy hours with it.

congrats.

pics when it arrives please (once you're doing playing it for many hours!)

Thanks, everyone! I will endeavor to get some pictures up within a few days. Can't wait for tomorrow!