I'm looking for a low-cost piano to add to the house (about to have kids, so not investing too much at this point)....

A mahogany colored Pearl River UP108 originally bought new in 2005 is on sale from a local resident.

It has hardly been played since being bought new, apparently. Seller is asking $1k, and would help with moving and has offered to hire a tuner as well once it has been moved.

I know these are entry-level type pianos, but might this be a good deal or something to stay well away from?? Would love some advice!

Have you or a friend played it? Assuming it's in good shape, that strikes me as a very fair price. Sounds like the original owner or his kids lost interest.

Thanks Emissary52.

The owner has sent over lots of photographs and it basically looks brand new - it was bought for an older lady who never really played it and now is moving house.

I'm going over to play it this week - I didn't want to waste my (or the seller's time) checking it out if the price wasn't right.

If $1k is a fair price and it plays/looks ok, I'll probably go for it (unless anyone reading this says, NO, NO, DON'T DO IT!!!)

I just don't know much about 2005-era Pearl Rivers.

So no kids yet; who is the piano player?

The 108 is a "console" upright and while they work as pianos, a "studio" upright is much more satisfying. The price is good... While I've never actually played a Baldwin Hamilton that's aged sufficiently to price at or below $1k, I'd lean toward that than a Pearl River console.

mdww - My only concern is that it hasn't been played or probably tuned, since it got its freebie tuning with purchase. A new Pearl River piano of that size will set you back about $2500-$3000. So if it has been kept indoors and not stored in a garage, it should be in pretty decent shape. If you have to pay for the tuning it might set you back $100 or more, depending on where you live. But in your favor, the piano is not that old! It's not like spending $500 for something that predates your grandmother and then having to spend $$$ to get it in playable condition. BTW, I just bought a Ritmuller grand which is also made by Pearl River. Their quality was suspect 15 or 20 years ago, but in the last few years, they've made some really nice pianos. So, if you test drive it (so to speak) and it sounds relatively good (considering its lack of yearly tuning) go for it!

Thanks everyone. I'm a lapsed-player - can still play by ear, but terrible at reading music these days.

I'll check it out this week and see if its in good shape. I'm not really sure what to look for, but if it plays for to me, then I guess its worth it for the asking price (i'll see if can get lower of course )

So I took a look at the Piano this morning. Played it and looked it over.

It was bought new in 2005, but has basically been sitting in an apartment of an elderly lady and rarely played (aside from a few visitors apparently). It still has the fabric covers on the pedals etc.

At $1k it seems like a good deal. I'm not looking to spend any more than that and I'm thinking I wouldn't get anything better in this condition for the price, unless someone thinks I could??????

Sounds to me like you like it... a lot.

I say go for it and enjoy!

As far as doing better for the money... you might, but probably not by much.

Good luck!

Rick

P.S. I too play mostly by ear, and it's a lot of fun. You can pick any key you like to play any song or piece.

I would thnk it is hard to find something that is in better condition at a lower price. I agree with Rickster, I think you should go for it. Best of luck