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Joined: Dec 2009
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I've found some very useful information on here while researching used pianos, but now have some questions. My young daughter started taking lessons a few weeks ago and we need to get a piano for her to practise on. I played a Yamaha U1 as a child and would like to get something similar, but noticed how expensive they are - around $4K for a decent used one, and more if it's local (I'm in Vancouver BC). I'm still undecided if we want to fork out that much money, but I'd like to look into other brands that might be also decent but up to $2000 for a used one that might be OK unless one of my children became a concert pianist. I am trolling Craig's List and have found some pianos that I can't seem to find much info on. I do plan to hire a tech to inspect before I buy, but at $100 a pop, I would hope to narrow it down to 2 or 3 at the most before scheduling a tech. I know I can't afford to be picky, but don't really like the look of a spinet, and would prefer something not too old, like 1970s onwards. I like the functionality of the middle damper key to make practising quiet if needed.
Anyone have opinions on these:
-Baldwin Hamilton 48 in, 1981, one owner, original receipt available, made in USA for $1700
-Howard full size upright piano 59in for $250 (seems too cheap, but the photo looks good LOL!) Seller bought 2nd hand and doesn't know history or date manufactured
-A local store says they have used Yamahas that have been fully restored at the Samick factory in Korea after it went bankrupt and that these pianos are virtually in brand new condition. He is selling U1s for $4000 - does this sound reasonable?
Any other models/makes I should look for?
Thanks!
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Joined: May 2006
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I'd look into the Baldwin. Yamahas restored at the Samick factory? That's a new one.
Jazz/Improvising Pianist, Composer, University Prof. At home: C. Bechstein Concert 8, Roland RD88 At work: Kawai GX2, Dave Smith Prophet Rev2 16-voice
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Joined: May 2006
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Also, since you're in Vancouver you might want to get in touch with Rod Verhnjak (might be misspelling the last name) or Norbert Marten. They are both frequent posters here and seem like really honest guys who are passionate about pianos. I think Rods dealership is in Van and Norbert is in Surrey. They might help steer you in the right direction
Jazz/Improvising Pianist, Composer, University Prof. At home: C. Bechstein Concert 8, Roland RD88 At work: Kawai GX2, Dave Smith Prophet Rev2 16-voice
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Thanks AJF. The more I read and research, I realize there's so much more to know! Yikes.
Were there cheaply made Yamaha 44inch studio style pianos with three pedals in the 60s/70s? The cheaper ones I've found at stores have only 2 pedals, but have come across one on CL with three pedals and owner said a piano store appraised it for $2200, which seems inexpensive. . . owner wants $1300 for it.
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Joined: Sep 2008
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I like the functionality of the middle damper key to make practising quiet if needed. Don't let this be a dealbreaker. Mutes can be installed in any piano and are relatively inexpensive (couple hundred dollars, maybe). As for the pianos you've mentioned... they are kind of all over the place. Take your time, see many pianos, and I think you will have a better idea what is best for you and your family.
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That's a question for the experts. Maybe Marty Flinn will chime in. He seems to know a lot about Yamahas. Good luck.
Jazz/Improvising Pianist, Composer, University Prof. At home: C. Bechstein Concert 8, Roland RD88 At work: Kawai GX2, Dave Smith Prophet Rev2 16-voice
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Samick has not gone bankrupt. I know of no reconditioning of used pianos at the Samick factory in Inchon.
Co-Author of The Complete Idiot's Guide To Buying A Piano. A "must read" before you shop. Work for west coast dealer for Yamaha, Schimmel, Bosendorfer, Wm. Knabe.
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Samick has not gone bankrupt. I know of no reconditioning of used pianos at the Samick factory in Inchon. Thanks. Well, that's good to know. I had said to my husband that if we decided to spend around $4000, we would go with those ones. . . .
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You really need to get the serial number to check the age.
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Hmmm...For what it's worth, I just (5 min. ago) read at pianobuyer.com that Samick did go bankrupt, in the "late 90s due to the Asian economic crisis" but that it quickly reemerged.
Jim D Tempe, AZ
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The original post was in the present tense. Another example of gray market misrepresentation.
Last edited by Marty Flinn; 12/13/09 03:07 PM.
Co-Author of The Complete Idiot's Guide To Buying A Piano. A "must read" before you shop. Work for west coast dealer for Yamaha, Schimmel, Bosendorfer, Wm. Knabe.
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There were no Yamahas reconditioned at any Samick facility.
Whatever dealership told you that....run away from them.
Piano Industry Consultant
Co-author (with Larry Fine) of Practical Piano Valuation www.jasonsmc@msn.com
Contributing Editor & Consultant - Acoustic & Digital Piano Buyer
Retired owned of Jasons Music Center Maryland/DC/No. VA Family Owned and Operated Since 1937.
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Wow, he sounded so knowledgeable and sincere, too! Thanks for setting that straight, and thank you, Achillle, for info about installing a mute. Will keep looking. It's pretty confusing for a newbie, though! Is there a trick to reading serial numbers? The owner of the aforementioned Baldwin 1981 said the serial number is 355-846, but according to the Baldwin page on this site: http://www.pianoworld.com/baldwin.htm that would mean it's newer than 1997? Also, someone selling a Kawai said his serial number is 49017, which would indicate a 1961 date, but could this be that old? http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/nvn/msg/1507049263.html Owner said it's a 49in piano he bought used 10 yrs ago from a local dealer, but doesn't know the history . . . . Thanks!
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Not to raise a dead thread but recently a credible piano professional wanted to know if I was interested in distributing newly refurbished Yamaha and Kawai pianos remanufactured in Pusan,Korea. This entrepenural firm purchased the manufacturing equipment from Samick and set up shop having distributed these pianos in Canada for near a decade now.
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