I've been reading a whole bunch of posts, and looking on craigslist, the whole bunch. But when I went to find a piano dealer near me I found there was only 2 main dealers in the Orlando area.

I went to the first one today and played around on a few different ones, and left. I'm in college, would like to spend less than 6,000, and am leaning towards an upright.

I played and was priced for the following below;
Kawai K5 @ 5900
Yamaha U1 @ 3500
Yamaha U3 @ 4400
K3 @ 5200

The K3's are on back order, so I didn't get to try them. He doesn't carry Charles Walter pianos, and I really didn't like the Yamaha's that I played. My favorite of the bunch was definitely the K5.

Having said that, where should I go from here? Do I hire a piano tech and have them check it out? Is 5900 even a good price? Would it be worth driving two or three hours out to look at pianos?

Any and all information is appreciated, sorry for the long post. I just don't want to regret this purchase.

Thanks!
Alex

If you're discriminating about pianos, then yes, driving 2 or 3 hours to look at instruments is a good idea. When you decide to make a purchase, you'll feel like you really looked at everything... It helps to make an appointment in advance of your visit to ensure the specific piano you want to see is ready to show.

No need for a tech inspection for a new piano like those you mentioned, just the used ones if one of them becomes your top "contender". I haven't played a K5 recently, but many on the forum speak highly of this model, and feel it offers a step up from the K3. Seems like a great price to me, but I don't sell pianos... There is pricing information available at the Piano Buyer site for free (be sure to read the introduction).

Best wishes - hope this is useful.

Alex--it's hard to respond to this without more information. You say "Orlando" suggesting you're in the U.S., meaning your numbers are in U.S. dollars. If so, you must be referring to older instruments. New U1s and U3s cost more than this. So, before people can say anything about such possibilities, dates and serial numbers (or knowledge of whether these are gray market U1 and U3 pianos or not) would be helpful. If the Kawai's aren't new, you'd need to give the Kawai fans the same kind of information. I'm guessing at least the K3 is a new piano, judging by the price. If so, you're comparing apples and oranges--old Yammys to new Kawais.

I write this knowing you didn't like the Yamahas. However, if they're as old as the prices suggest, then it may be the wear that's bothering you. (If not voiced, both the U1 and the U3 tend to get way too bright over time. This can be worked on by piano technicians by "voicing" the hammers. In any case, good luck.

If the pianos are new, an inspection by an outside piano tech is not really necessary. If they're used, yes, have your own tech in, even if you're buying from a store.

The K5 is a nice piano. If you can negotiate a price of six grand, you are doing very well. But, sometimes store managers become more malleable in the face of a cash buyer, so it does put you in a good position. Just remember to smile as you negotiate.

It's true that Charles Walter sellers are harder to find, yet it could be worth your while. I wonder if you may have better luck looking in Tampa, Tallahassee or Jax, even Miami and Atlanta if you happen to be over that way.