I agree, read and read, and look at as many pianos as you can. Get as much information as you can on the many different brands and styles being offered. Doesn't hurt to start a note book. You'll find the right piano.

Since all the concern about the pricing has surfaced, I have re-checked my prices and indeed those prices are a bit high. That Pearl River should be lower. I think I heard it offered at $5500 after brief negotiation, but that was at one of the locations they were closing so they had a bit more incentive to sell it.

Look up BHA PianoCenter in Dayton, Ohio. They have a HUGE range of uprights and grands, many of which are used, and they are the only Hailun dealer in the area.
When I was there months ago, I may have accidentally sold one of their spectacular Hailun uprights to some other customers there; I think it was new, about 50 inches, and priced around $4,000 or less. It was also the most beautiful upright I have ever seen.
The prices on the pianos there are very honest and clear.
Also, their website shows a great portion of their inventory, and many of the used ones have prices posted online.

I really can't give better advice than that. I have a business relationship with a different dealership, and I am recommending you go to BHA first. After that, go to Cincinnati's Kawai dealership (Seta); he's a great guy, he will keep you in the right direction, and I think the Kohler & Campbell pianos he has are better than Pearl River for the same price.
The Henderson dealerships are very nice and I wish them the best, but I think Pearl River needs to improve quality to do them justice. Their Yamaha's are of course excellent, but they are out of the relevant price range when new.

There is only one nearby dealership I have not recommended. There is nothing wrong with that final dealership, but they are my "least preferred" (possibly for arbitrary reasons, such as I drove past it a few times before seeing it). But Seta in Cincinnati and BHA in Dayton are well worth the time, in addition to the Henderson dealership(s) you've already seen.

Hi,

For 5K, you should be able to get a niced used grand with Japanese make. I would avoid places like dealers because what they are asking is too high IMO. I would check Craiglist and deal LOCALLY where you can see the piano in person. You have many to choose from with your budget for a nice quality grand. As long as the piano is still in good condition and your technician gives a seal of approval, even a 20-30 year old piano still have a lot of life left. I just got a 1984 KG-2D Kawai that is barely used around your budget through CL. DP

Thanks for all the additional advice. I checked BHA in Dayton and will probably go there to see what they have. One thing I noticed about them is they make a big deal about 'promotional' grade vs 'premium' grade, almost to the point of saying not to buy a 'promotional' grade piano such as a Yamaha GB-1. They also like to highlight single features such as an aliquot bar or the lack of.

Is there that much difference between the two?

The aliquot bar is for the purpose of having what's called duplex scaling at the hitch pin end of the strings--which if it works right might add a touch of additional color to the sound. However, if it doesn't make that instrument sound better to your ear than another instrument you're considering that does not have it, then it's only a sales pitch. The experts say it makes a small difference--one that can entirely be overridden by other factors.

As for grading, there is always some subjectivity to it but Larry Fine's categories in "The Piano Book" are FAR from meaningless, even though some might slightly disagree with a few of his calls. I've found it to be a surprisingly big deal. Many pianos he's listed as "performance grade" (e.g., several Steinways) have been so good just they've blown me away. I've discovered that "professional grade" (a baby step below the various performance categories) is as low as I can go and enjoy the instrument I'm playing. Good luck.