I am trying to upgrade my Yamaha U3 to a grand piano. I narrowed down the choices among Yamaha C2, C3 and Broadmann PE 162. I recently see a used C3 made in 1980 asking for $11,500. With my budget of less $20,000, what can you recommend? Thanks.

You could have a look at pianos from Hailun, Kawai in your budget. And they are nice sounding too. If that used C3 is in good condition, it may be worth a look.

Welcome to PW alpha8,

Depending on the availability of pianos in your local area there is quite a bit to chose from in a budget of up to 20K. If you haven't looked at and read the free online resource "Piano Buyer" - link on side column - this can offer you lots of information on pianos and pricing.

New Yamaha C2 and C3 are over your budget but you mentioned seeing a used C3. Have you played it?
You also mentioned a Brodmann162. With your budget you could easily go up to the Brodmann187 which is about 6'2".

There are several grand pianos in upper grade consumer level (according to "Piano Buyer") that fall within your budget. These include Yamaha, Kawai, Brodmann, Hailun and Ritmuller. Check the Piano Buyer for specific models and prices.

Yamahas are good pianos, but keep in mind there are other good ones out there too!

Also, longer is usually better

Perhaps you should look for a good used C7? I'm sure if you
are patient you can find one.

Take care,

Steve

Welcome to the forum!

20k gives you a good bit of wiggle room these days.

I did not try a Brodmann, but almost everything I've read about them sounds good. Although modern smaller grands get pretty good reviews, I'd still encourage you to not go below 5 and a half feet, if you have room for it. And, of course, 6 feet is even better most of the time.

I'll also put in a plug for Ritmuller, too. I paid 10k for mine about 15 months ago and have not regretted it at all. I think it's a phenomenal piano for the price and size (note, best negotiated price I've heard from anyone else recently was in the 12k range). However, the Rit sound may not be for you if your really love the Yamaha sound (IMO, Rit is warmer).

But, of course, it comes down to what you like. Try a bunch and see from there.

Thanks for all your suggestions. I will try to get one at least 6' but probably have to find a used one. I have located two and will check them out this weekend, one is Yamaha 1979 C3 (6'1")($11,500) and the other 1987 C5 (6'7") ($13,900) with silence feature. Is aged Yamaha grand still good? Both seller indicates their pianos are in excellent condition. I am going to find out. Are they a good buy at the asking price? I would appreciate some advise if you have experience with aged Yamaha.

The C5 is a pretty good price if it's in good condition, but keep in mind it is very normal for a bit of bargaining room. Sellers always say they are in excellent condition, the only real way to know for sure is to get a technician to check it out for you, which is basically a must for used pianos.

Yes, you could get either the 25 or 33 year old Yamaha pianos you mentioned. Only you can determine whether you like either of those pianos and in turn have a tech check them out.

I'm not sure why you say you have to get a used piano , for the budget you mention.
There are many fine new pianos in the 6 foot range within your budget, several which have been mentioned here. Have you looked at any of these, or are you set on an older Yamaha?

I know exactly what I would buy with that kind of budget and it's not a Yamaha or Broadmann.

I would get the best Mason Hamlin A I could find - and you can find some awesome used ones in that range that will, in my opinion (as an advanced player for 50 years), out play any Asian piano in that price range AND hold it's value.

If you decide to move up in a few years you will get what you paid for a used Mason (assuming you maintain it properly).