I have a $12000 budget for a 6 foot grand. Below are some possibilities. Would like a tech to inspect a couple of these, but I'm also interested in value. Or should I skip and buy new? Thanks in advance.

1)Kawai Grand Piano - $8950 - kg-5c black 80" made in 1980s??
2)Schimmel Grand Piano SP187 Tradition Ebony Black $14,000 74" black made in 1974
3)Kawai KG-3 grand $12,000 73" black made in 1973
4)Kawai RX-3 grand ebony polished. $13,000
"73 made in 2000
5)Yamaha C3 6'1" GRAND $9,800 black "73 made in 1985

Without doubt, if you were to check all of them out, you should put #3 the last, overpriced isn't it?

I'll look at the RX-3 first followed by C3 and KG5C. I am not familiar with Schimmel but I believe they always manufacture good pianos. Try to wait if anyone knows more about Schimmel can hop onto this thread and give their comment.

Anyway, the price for the KG5C sounds nice. You really have to check out the exact date of manufacture as well as the condition. Nonetheless, look at the RX-3 first.

2 cents from a piano shopper.

In this order:

Kawai RX-3

Schimmel

Kawai RX-3, Schimmel

It appears as if they are all on the high side(except the RX-3,but I seem to remember people buying new for around that price) but I'm thinking SoCal prices.Are these dealer prices or private party?The 73 Kawai could be found down here for about $5,500.Maybe you need to drive down here and buy.Check out the Craig's lists for Orange County and L.A..Good luck.

Thanks for the responses thus far. These prices are Craigslist/Ebay prices in So. Cal, Las Vegas and Phoenix.

I thought that the C3 would garner more support. Aren't the RX-3 and C3 in direct competition?

Fifteen years is a big difference.

RX-3 and maybe the Schimmel if you don't mind that it's 34 years old.

There's no way to predict things here.

Take one piano at a time and then check out the ones you're most interested one more time.

*Last*[/b]

Norbert

The RX3 stands out to me as the best value and it is an excellent instrument.

The KG-5C would be from the 70s. The price seems nice, but needs to be carefully checked by someone.

The RX-3 is a great piano, and I would also lean that way if it checks out - and if you like it!