The new Ritmuller line (2009)apparently has been totally redesigned to compete in the higher quality Chinese made pianos and has been reviewed very positively in the Piano Buyer Magazine. They also put this in the same category as the Hailun.
My question is, given that the prices are very similar due to a store clearance sale, would you buy the 5' Hailun or 5'3" Ritmuller. Ritmuller does not have a 5'. It is 4'9 thenthe 5'3. I have yet to play the Ritmuller but I am sure to me they would feel very similar. Thanks.

Peter

Nothing wrong with either brand.

However, a fairer test would be to try a 5'3" Hailun, not a 5'00" against the 5'3" Ritmuller.

Regarding your thoughts that they would feel the same, I think you will find that they don't. Especially as good dealer prepping and regulation can change the feel and the tone dramatically. Seek out a dealer who is willing to prep the pianos to a high standard so you can be sure about making the right choice.

I agree with chris 100%

I found out myself that dealer prep is what makes a piano shine, my GC1 was a great little piano but since it had a few extra hours of TLC from my dealer a few weeks ago it has changed from a 'normal' piano to a very nice lovely piano.
The tone has changed dramatically and the piano is much more enjoyable! I never imagined that there could be so much difference achieved, after all, it is still the same piano, but so much better

Good luck

pixels,

Are you absolutely sure the clearance is a new series Ritmüller GH 159 and old the old version GP 159 ?

Would it be a GP 159 I could not give favourable advice as I owned one once: weak bass, thin sounding for the rest of the spectrum, so and so finish... nothing compared to a W&L 161 (also Hailun factory).

schwammerl.

I think Hailun would be a safe choice.

I am going to see them next week but I would not go for the GP line. They just started selling the Rimuller line. Thanks.

Peter

Are you absolutely sure the clearance is a new series Ritmüller GH 159 and old the old version GP 159 ?

Just so I can check, is the model number printed somewhere on the piano?

pixels,

Most often the model number is stamped at the front end of the frame.

schwammerl.

With the prices they charge for the new models, I would think you would go for a Kawai etc.

I visited the store and it was indeed the Ritmuller GH160. It felt really good. Apparently the manufacturer is offering some incentive and therefore they are having a huge sale.
The only thing that bothered me a bit was that the black keys are made of real wood so it lacks the shinny luster.

Peter

If the keys are ebony then this is usually considered a plus. I would think that shiny black keys would tend to be more slippery but am not sure about this. You may not like the look of less shiny black keys but you may find them easier to play.

I don't think the 3" difference should be crucial because this is quite small. Nor do I think you should choose a piano because you think you might be getting a better deal on it. I think you should choose the piano that you think sounds and feels the best.

It's interesting that you have picked out these two. The one low-priced small grand I've played that I felt could give the Hailun 161 a little competiion is that GP160. I think Pearl River has a lot at stake with that GH line and is approaching the export market a little differently with the GH series.

Hailun 161 has a bit of a track record now and the warranty is a little stronger, but I don't think you would go wrong either way.

The ebony sharps are there because a lot of players complain about slippery sharp keys. I think you would adapt quickly to the feel, if not the appearance.

I think Pearl River has a lot at stake with that GH line and is approaching the export market a little differently with the GH series.

So do you feel that buying the GH line is a bit of a risk because it is too new? I really would like to get some view points of the GH line from the people here. There simply isn't too much info out there other then a few accolades. Thanks.

Peter

I'd like to get a few more viewpoints myself. I don't think that many members here have tried those GH pianos. There's much more familiarity with older Pearl River pianos which many people have judged to be less than satisfactory.

If all else were equal, I'd probably have more confidence in the Hailun because that 161 has a little history now and the history is positive. I wouldn't buy a Hailun 150 though because the 161 doesn't cost much more and the difference is worth it.

The reality however is that things are never equal. Chances are you'll be drawn to one of these more than the other. If you have confidence in the dealership selling that one, I'd go with it, whichever it is.