My husband and I are looking to purchase a starter piano that our 3 and a half year old can start learning with. Both hubby and I played a little bit while growing up... although it has been a while. I like the look of the grand piano, and so would love a baby grand. Anyhow, since it's just for starters, we are looking for something under $5000. I saw an ad for a Samick SG-140BF and would like to know more about this piano. Online search doesn't come up with too much. Serial number is LKLG0144( or IKIG0144), but I can't find a place to look up the year, so that would be helpful. Anyhow, the (estate sale) seller says the piano looks brand new and in excellent condition; the only thing that he mentioned was that other piano experts that came to have a look mentioned that two keys were slightly lower than the others (he said maybe 3 paper thin, and hardly noticeable) and one key plays sometimes and other times not, but he said these should be fixed with a good tuning. Asking price is $2000. Is this a good deal and worth looking into? Color AWMHP Thanks in advance for all information

The piano is very small, it would be shorter in length than it is wide. It would be a fine starter piano for you though. It would be probably be helpful to have a technician inspect the piano for flaws and things that may need to be repaired, as a methof of safeguarding against hidden costs. The few keys that have a bit of problems, it would be able to be fixed with a good technician. Tuning involves the adjusting of the tension of the strings, not the action, which is what makes the hammer move, so it won't fix the problem keys. At $2000 it seems quite a good deal, although it could come down a bit more.

Welcome to the forums!

Thank you for your warm welcome and response and suggestions to this newbie, Rotom. We may go have a look and then possibly bring in a technician to inspect it. Based on the serial, does anyone know how old this piano is or where I can find some information? I've emailed samick and am waiting for a response. Thank you.

I did also eye this $3500 1925 model R Baldwin piano as I heard Baldwins have nice warm sound but hubby isn't sure he wants an old piano (almost 100 yrs in a few years)
http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/msg/2822123401.html
Also this early 1900s Baldwin
http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/msg/2819583035.html
Both are being sold by a retired music instructor and piano tuner who reconditions and sells pianos as a retirement hobby/job.
Any thoughts on these? Thanks again piano experts.

Hi, and welcome to the PW forums!

Though the price is good on the small Samick, I think I'd keep looking.

The Baldwin might be a nice starter grand for you... and, the price is not too bad if it is in good condition. I'd suggest having it inspected by a different piano tech than the one selling it just to be on the safe side. The seller shouldn't mind.

Good luck!

Rick

I second that emotion about the Baldwin.... No comparison, IF the right sort of work has been done on the Baldwin. Even a fairly knowledgeable pianist could tell you something about it (if it seems to expensive to get a tech to inspect.)

JG

I would take the Baldwin over the Samick. If the work done on the Baldwins was good, there should be no worries over an old piano. Good advice above. Best of luck.

Thanks everyone. After reading the responses and speaking to a few people, we decided not to pursue the Samick. The space we had in mind to put the piano in is not very big, but I've read in general one may be better off getting baby grand of at least 5'. Anyhow, we saw the baldwins, and unfortunately the 1925 classic sold an hour before we got there... But, he did have a nice polished ebony finish 1992 Korean made kohler and Campbell skg500 for sale for$4500. Seems like a fair price, and in excellent condition, good scale with no issues ( sticky keys, un- level, etc). Is this a good value? Hubby and I are leaning towards this.

Sorry you all missed out on the Baldwin. I've learned that when a good deal on a good used piano comes up, you have to act quickly, or someone else will.

The K&C baby grand may be a nice piano, and the price is not out of reason, but not a bargain either (at least in my view). You might be able to negotiate a little on the K&C. At this point, what matters is whether or not you like the tone and touch of the K&C.

Good luck!

Rick