Hi -

I am in the market for a baby grand, and I found a Young Chang G-175 that was purchased in 1996 (thinking about it now though, I don't think I know the production date which is the important part). Assuming it is mid-90s production however...some members of the piano forum had some negative feedback, most important action problems and a strange "metallurgic expansion of the brackets". I thought I'd try here and see if anyone had more specific advice or information about Young Changs and/or this specific production era. I really like the piano, and I think I'll be able to get it for 5000-5500, but if it's a poor brand/model as compared to Yamahas or Kawais I'll steer clear. Additionally - I definitely will have an independent tech look it over, but I thought I'd start here. It is being sold privately, not through dealer/consignment.

My general impression is that they are very good pianos. I've replaced "growing" action brackets in two of them out of maybe a dozen that I service. It's unpleasant, but no big thing. Have your tech pay careful attention to the regulation when he evaluates it.

They're okay pianos, and they do support the expanding bracket issue well. If that's a problem on the one you're looking at, the regulation will be very out of whack, and quite noticeable in the touch and sound. If someone has been regulating it along the way as the brackets grow, it makes for a whole bunch of menial labor once they are replaced.

Young Changs are typically quite bright in tone. Most of the time, I'd prefer a Kawai or Yamaha, though, especially if the prices and years are in the same ballpark.

Having a tech evaluate is a smart move. Good luck!

Thank you both so much for your comments...I was worried because I hadn't heard anything good about YC on the piano forum, but I think most of that can be attributed to personal preference. I'm going to take a tech over with me, and also play it more thoroughly to get a good feel for the sound. With not a ton of used available out here, this will end up being about $5000 out of pocket less than the new Yamaha GB-1 or Kawai GM-10. So...we'll see! Thanks again for your advice!!

I was recently surprised by a Young Chang in a showroom full of Steinways and their 'children', M&H's, vintage Chick's...the growing brackets are easily fixed, if present. Be careful, but don't be afraid.

"...pursue the enemy with the utmost audacity. Never take counsel of your fear." G.S. Patton

Not the worst, but the regulation quality and the wood used for the flanges makes some surprizes idf no good prep have been done at some point.

If you find a model that is good sounding and have a pleasent touch, it may stay as that.

Hammers where very very hard but with a good felt, so they can be worked.

For a low cost piano I'd say they can be OK, certainsly better than some otheres.

Always a lot of work for regulate them correctly., and if it have not been done the uneven wear of "leathers" is not good, and difficult to repair.

If you play Jazz and popular music, they would be OK. For a more classical tone I would look for at last a Yamaha or a Kawai (assuming the price is not an issue, but a good recent baby grand of those brands would be certainly more than the 5000 USD you state).

What does Patton have to do with music, or pianos ?
I know that Steinway pianos where shipped to Europe during last WWII, with the different army, was Gal Patton at the origin of that ? , or is it some humorous citation ?