I'm new to PW and I need some advice. I'm looking to purchase a piano for my 6 year old who has been playing for about a year now. I think I have narrowed my search down to 3, but I’m not sure which direction to go.

2005 Kawai GM 10 LE from a shop. Never sold according to dealer. They are selling it as a new piano for $6320. Looks nice and sounds nice, but I'm a rookie. The dealer mention that some people have had problems with some parts that are made of some sort of plastic composite as opposed wood. Any idea what he might have meant and if I should be concerned?

Yamaha G1 from a shop for $5995. Not sure of the year. I have not seen it yet. I understand from reading other posts here that the last ones were made in 1993/4. I'll know the year tomorrow.

Kawai KG1 from the same dealer as the G1 above. Not sure of the year and have not seen it either as this shop is further way. $7500-one owner and in great condition according to dealer.

I would like to decide between the KG1 and the G1 since the prices are in alignment with what I want to spend. I actually want to spend less, so I plan on negotiating a little. I also plan on having these inspected by a tech after feedback from you all.

I looked at other sites, but there was just too much bickering. I hope to find this one worth my time.

Thanks!

4099

The "plastic" in Kawai is a feature and not a bug! Kawai still costs more than many other pianos, so apparently people find it appealing enough.

During your search did you try the Kawai GE30? It has the better Millenium III action. I don't know how much it would cost, though.

Also, have you looked at new Korean- and Chinese brands? I think the best values are in the under-appreciated brands.

And welcome to PW. We only bicker in the most subtle manner!

lol. Thanks a lot gnuboi. I limited my search to what's available at the local shops, but I will say that I like what I have read about them on line. I'm in no hurry, but it's a buyer's market or so it seems. I doubt that it will change soon, so I have time to wait.

Others have warned against non-Japanese brands, so please enlighten me.

I understood that the plastic was a feature, but the dealer said that others had issues with it. He might have been more interested in selling me one of his higher margin Kohler and Campbells.

BTW, there's nothing wrong with a little confrontation. It keeps us all honest and on our toes.

4099

The Yamaha G1 is gone. Still considering others above and a Baldwin that I need to look at next week. Not sure of the model, but it's a '72-'73. The want $4800. Private owner. I read that issues started to arise in these after '70.

4099

Piano dealers lie.
A lot.

The ABS-Carbon fibre action parts on new Kawai's are an improvement over wood in most people's opinion.

As to being warned against "non-Japanese" brands, I've been warned against non-Ferrari cars but unfortunately my budget has to be acknowledged.

Some of the new Chinese brands are great quality for great prices.
In my opinion the best are Brodmann and Hailun but there is also Ritmuller and Perzina.

Make sure you read the online version of Piano Buyer.
Just click on on the ad that you see off to the left.

Keep an open mind and try everything you can get your hands on, even brand-new Yamaha C and Kawai RX grands. I was pleasantly surprised that even lowly Pearl River and Chinese Baldwin these days can easily beat the entry-level models from Yamaha and Kawai.

Yamaha has its merits, but it's just so hugely popular (like, have you noticed all these Steinway threads recently?). Kawai is slightly less hugely popular... you gotta at least try out a new Kawai or Mason and Hamlin to see what all the composite-action-stack fuss is about.

But anyway, don't be afraid to "test" the non-Japanese pianos. It doesn't hurt anyone around for you to play some tunes on pianos you think are above or below your budget.

I would also check out a Kawai GM 12. I was just looking at one of those and comparing it. It has not quite the sound of the concert Kawai's but for a personal home it is great. And the plastic parts (they are just fine). The touch was one of the best pianos I have ever played!

+1

This small grand would be my first, or second, pick out of small grands. The action is very good, better than that of the GM10.

The GM12 has millennium III action, the GM10 has only ABS action parts, with ABS- carbon part.

Thanks to all. I'm still looking. I met with the dealer to discuss the GM10, but he was more interested in selling me a Knobe that was out of out my price range. He was unwilling to negotiate on the price of the Kawai as he stated he would. To Sparky's point, dealers do lie. This is not as bad as the car buying process, but it might be getting there.

4099

If I were you, I would go try some different brands in the same size range, and I would let the dealer know you are doing that!

Of course, you might find something you like better, but putting the dealer on notice that you intend to look elsewhere may make him rethink his stance .