Looking at purchasing our first grand / baby grand piano. Struck out on 1st piano that interested us.

We are now looking at a Kawai GE-1. Based upon the serial number & Kawai website, this was manufactured in late 1996. The piano was orginally purchased by a university where it was used for 1-2 yrs. I know no additional history while at the university. Piano was then sold to a local church (current owner). While at the church, piano was played heavily for about 4 years. Subsequently (over past 8-9) years, piano was used sparingly with little to no use over past 1 yr.

For majority of time at the church, piano was tuned 4X per year. In last year, tuned 2X. While owned by the church, piano was moved approximately 12 times (off site) for various concerts, etc by professional movers.

We saw the piece today. I would say it is in fair to good condition. Certainly not excellent condition. Exterior material on one of the legs has been broken and glued. There is a relatively small break in the exterior surface of the lower left corner, showing bare wood below. A few small scratches here and there. Otherwise it visible looks fine. Piano has humidifier control. This was unplugged, but supposedly has been used regularly.

Before purchasing ANY piano, we will have it reviewed by a RPT. Church is asking $7000. This seems high to me. Online search for identical model pianos with similar age are listed around $5000-6000. Per ebook of Pianos, new Kawai GM-10K (5'0") is around $12,000. GM-12 (also 5'0") is around $15K. Don't know if the GE-1 is more similar to the GM-10K or GM-12. Assuming closer to the GM-10K, ballpark depreciation schedule (50%) is around $6000.

Assuming piano passes an inspection by a RRT, any thoughts to a reasonable price (given heavy usage in early life, relatively extensive moving history (this bothers me), and aforementioned cosmetic blemishes)?

Thanks in advance for all of the help.
Chad

Update - Spoke to a dealer generally about the piano. With dealer unaware of heavy use early in life of piano, multiple moves, and cosmetic blemishes - dealer would consider purchasing for $4000-5000.

Any thoughts as to purchase price from a private party given history and cosmetic blemishes?

Thanks again for the help.

If you are going to consider this piano, take a tech to look it over. It its been in a university, a church, and undergone many moves, the price should be lower, because of the cosmetic blemishes and the amount of use its gotten. I'd say 3k

Rotom,

You are becoming a veteran! Your number agrees with mine exactly.

(Or maybe I am just not that good)

Rich & Rotom - Thank you very much for your input.

Chad