About two years ago, this forum helped me choose a great digital in my budget - the Korg SP250. I've been playing a lot and have since bought a house, so it is time for a "real piano."

I have a maximum of $1500 to spend on a piano.

I went to a dealer down the road and spent some time trying out a few of his twenty or so pianos that were in my price range. My favorite was a Baldwin Hamilton 243 from 1975, professionally painted black.

The price on the piano is $1595 not including delivery. Plus tax this works out to about $1700. Delivery would be about $100 (I live very close) so this is $1800 all together.

Does this seem like a fair deal?

I don't have any idea if the sticker price is the "final price" or if some negotiation is expected.

This, for me, is a lot of money, so I thought i'd check in. Sorry if this isn't the right forum for my inquiry.

That's pretty high. Include the delivery, and a couple of free tunings, and make that lower, say 1-1.2k, then its a fair deal if the piano is in real good shape. Negotiation in a piano sale is always expected. Good luck!

Thanks! If he'd go down to 1200 I'd almost certainly buy it. That seems like a big discount to ask. I don't want to be "insulting." But better to ask than not to know, right?

BTW, any experience with this particular model of piano?

I have not had experience with this model, but some others here have, and they like this model a lot for what it is. However, I have heard that in, I think the 1970's, Baldwin experimented with a new synthetic material of some sort, I think was for the knuckles, and over time the material hardened, causing clicks or something. Not saying the piano is a no-no though

If I were you, I'd take an independent piano technician to look over the piano, so you can be sure the piano doesn't have any defects that will result in the need for repair in the future. Baldwins were well constructed, solidly built and sturdy instruments.

You mention this like it's just a suggestion. IMO anyone who buys a used piano without a technician inspection is asking for trouble. It will give you one of the following; ammunition to negotiate a lower price, confidence that you're getting an incredible deal or reason to walk away.

Interesting. Part of the reason I thought of the dealer over craigslist was because I assume the piano is in good shape if I'm getting it from the dealer.

I am bumping this thread to provide an update.

I stayed patient and just yesterday found a 243 from 1993 in very good condition with some minor scratching on the finish for $1200 including tuning and delivery.

I'm so excited to have my first acoustic piano!

Good for you! Enjoy.

Congratulations on your piano!

And, you got it at a good price!

I have a Baldwin 243 (mid-1980's vintage) and I like it a lot. The tuning stability is good and the tone is nice.

I wish you many years of enjoyment with it!

Rick

i actually reread the email and he said his serial number list only goes up to 1993, and this is beyond that. the serial number is 401xxx, so I'm not sure when it is from exactly.

Rickster - how often do you tune your 243? I'm going from digital so i'm not sure what to plan for

I've tuned it once since I got it about 6 months ago; and, I've pounded the heck out of it.

Good luck!

Rick