Hi!
I want to start my child on piano lessons and was told to have something at home to practice on. So now I'm on a hunt. I ruled out digital because a decent one cost as much as a used piano. Been looking on CL and haven't had much luck until I saw this: Baldwin Acrosonic spinet
I prefer something bigger than a spinet, but also want to get my child started asap with an instrument. Would a spinet do? Or hold off lessons and wait until I find the right one within our budget? Or pursue dealer? Any tips/advice would be greatly appreciated by a rookie buyer!
Thanks!

I think you should wait until you find something better. That piano is small and old. You should be able to do better.

This just got listed! Is it asking for a fair price? It is older. Sohmer Studio

For a child beginner, with a budget of under $1500, I would automatically recommend looking at current digital pianos, 88 weighted keys & pedal(s). There are acceptable models starting in the $500-$750 range. They will be more consistent and accurate in both touch and tone; acoustic pianos in that price range will have different qualities, but not the consistency and accuracy (or reliability) that a beginner benefits from.

And if you haven't played a nice digital recently, go before you pass judgment.

We have a Baldwin Acrosonic Spinnete (not sure about the year but it was made in late 60s I think) that I got off CL a couple of years ago at $250. it was barely played, needed tuning but
it was and is still a decent instrument. Now that we are sure we want a bigger and more serious instrument we are looking for a grand. But I will NOT give the Baldwin away.
My daughter first practiced on Yamaha Clavinova when she started at 5. Our teacher indeed recommended switching to real instrument (they all have this thing about electric pianos, it's a different touch). I play as well regularly. the difference is tremendous. I much prefer real instrument, rather than electric.

That Acrosonic doesn't look too bad, and you should be able to buy it for $800 or less. Make sure there is no rust, water stains, or sticky keys. We can date it for you with the serial number. Acrosonics less than 40 years old make perfect starter pianos - better than many other spinets. Yamaha and Wurlitzer spinets less than 40 years old are usually pretty good as well. 30 years old is even better. Have a tech check it out.

It would probably make a pretty ok starter instrument. So would the sOhmer, but seems a little pricey because of its age. You will have to play them , i guess.

Thank you all for the responses! I have another lead. Will find out more tomorrow so please stay tuned

No. Either get a nice digital or wait. Honestly, waiting never hurt anyone; some of the people I know from grad school didn't start playing until their teens.

I'm going to take a look at Kawai UST 8c tonight, serial A71499. It was referred by a local tuner who appraised it recently for about $3000. I can have it for $1500 (includes finders fee). Excellent condition and the tuner highly recommends it.

I'd say the Kawai is, by far, your best choice of the ones you have listed. Pierce Piano Atlas lists A71499 as made in the U.S. in 1996. Let us know if you get it.

I'm with Eric; the UST-8 is a great choice. If it's all the tuner says, it should serve your child well for many years. I've had my UST-9 for a couple of years and I'm still quite happy. I like the UST series a lot.

Charles

I like the UST-7 & UST-9 better than the 8, but it's clearly a standout from your list. Pursue it.

My advice is NOT to wait with piano lessons. The older the kids are the less time they have for extra-curricular activities unless you are homeschooling. If it is just for introduction for piano then it's one thing, if you seriously want your child to be playing, decently, do it now, while they have time. It is hard as it is with elementary school student... Fitting the music practice at least one hour a day in every single day of their busy life. It gets more difficult at middle/high school level.
Then again... some might say I am a "tiger mom", but I am in fact not and I still recommend early development.

Woohoo! The Kawai UST-8 is now sitting in our living room. It's definitely worth the wait. Thanks everyone! Now the search begins for the right piano teacher...;)

Awesome! Congratulations on a nice piano, and enjoy! It's almost certainly worth the wait..,