Hi people, this is my first post here after lurking for a couple weeks.

I'm looking for 2 cents from whoever would like to pitch em:

I'm between buying a used Bechstein from 1919 that needs quite a bit of work and tuning and a used Kurzweil RE-220 digital which I would use with some nice virtual piano, like Ivory.

Thing is, they're about the same price, 1300 USDish.

What should I do?

ps: Does the keyboard polyphony limit apply also to its MIDI out? Or it is just when you are using the keyboard's own samples? Cause the Kurzweil's spec page says 32 voice.

Why pay $1300 for a used digital that you're only going to use with software? You can buy a new Casio PX or a Korg SP series piano for half that (or less) and achieve the same results. Then you might be able to buy the Bechstein as well!

Oh sorry, I should have said it in the first post; I live in Brazil a country that, unfortunately for me, is still stuck in mercantilism so my choices are really limited.

This RE-220 is going for around 1400 USD. Just for comparison, a new CLP-320/330 goes for about 2900. I found a used Casio PX-310 in another city for about $1000, just the stage piano, no pedals for $1000.

Then I think I'd be tempted by the Bechstein - if it's not too far gone. And I'd look for a Moog PianoBar - which converts the acoustic piano action to a midi signal. Moog only made them for a short period and they're difficult to find now - but you never know...

Yah, the upright needs new strings, a tuning, regulating, the damper pedal needs to be fixed cause it doesn't work and the hammers need rounding.

The main problem to me is the cabinet, its in really bad shape. Seems like the company that tranported the piano let it rain on it, real shame.

I found a new Casio Privia PX-800 with stand and pedals for US$ 1756, tempting.

Have you considered using a supplier in the US to ship an instrument to you? I'm not sure of the protocol re mentioning names of dealers on this forum, but there's a reputable supplier of photographic and video equipment who also deals with electronic instruments, and is based in New York city. They ship worldwide. It would be worth checking how much shipping and customs will add to such a purchase. It might still be cheaper than the $1756 for a PX-800, which has been superseded by more recent models.

The Bechstein sounds like it's ready for the piano graveyard, unfortunately.

Could you send it as a PM, I might be interested in looking into that.

$1,300 is WAY to much to spend on such an old upright. Pianos do NOT get better with age the just becomes old.

It was also WAY to much to spend of that digital piano.

For $1,300 you can buy a very nice brand new digital piano. My Yamaha P155 sells everywhere for $1,200 and if you hunt you can do better. The P155 has key action likely better than most uprights. There are other new digital pianos also in this price range.

If you are buying a oldelr DP just to use as a MIDI controller there are plenty of $400 deals that will work fine. In fact for $400 you can buy a completely usable new one.

EDIT: I did not ntice yur location. You listed the price in USD so I assumes the US. I know prices are higher there but still what I said applies you'd be over paying because good usable DPs are available new for less

Marco, I've sent you a PM.