We settled on a new Polished Ebony 5'10" Boston Performance Edition. I couldn't believe the sounds my son coaxed out of it. Playing and listening to the nuances of different pianos made it a lot clearer. Man, even Metallica sounded pretty good on it, and I hated when he played "One" on our Roland. I felt like the notes were attacking and enveloping me. And when he toned it down for Shubert and Chopin, I felt like it all worked.

The lesson here is that we can read Motor Trend a million times and think we like a BMW over a Benz based on the specs/reviews but we just don't know what will really get the heartbeat going until we're finally behind the wheel. But I am glad that I read The Piano Book and The Piano Buyer as well as these forums to get a basic foundation of information that all came together when we actually started touching and hearing the pianos. Early in the process I was convinced that we were going to get a Yamaha U1 or U3.

I think the only piano he wanted more was a Steinway A. I told him if he keeps working hard that someday one might be in his future. It never hurts to dream!

And time for me to dust off my old Alfred Beginner Piano books. For me, the experience sitting behind a grand piano was so unbelievably different than sitting at our Roland Digital Piano. I'm ready to give piano playing a second shot.

Happy to hear you made a decision you and your son are so happy with. Congradulations! Don't forget the pictures when it is delivered!

excellent.. enjoy playing. congrats on your purchase and enjoy the piano in every way.

Congratulations! Hope your son and you enjoy playing and listening to it. Sounds like you made a really good choice for your family!

Sophia