Hello, I am new. I have three boys. The oldest one has been using our old (running down) piano for his piano lessons. We were holding on getting a new piano for him since it took a long time before he started to enjoy piano. So we are to buy one for him now, thinking it will benefit all my three boys in a long run.

The short list I have in my mind after reading Fine's book and googling internet is:
Yamaha U1 or maybe U3 depending on how much difference in price
Kawai K3 or K5 (his piano teacher has a grand Kawai K, we love it)

My budget is in 5K range (can go up to 6K but do not want to be too much from 5K plan).

I haven't made my mind to settle on the above choices. Any suggestions for alternative will also be appreciated.

Thanks

In most markets, the only new piano on your list that will fit your stated budget is probably the K3.

The pianobuyer site (linked to this page) has model and pricing information for the US market. More info can be found with the google search function on this site.

Do you have an idea how it should sound?
For example, did you listen to some good pianos at the dealers?

I liked the K3 a lot more than I expected, and it will be the most affordable of the pianos you listed, and it still may be over 5k new. It's a good piano.

A couple other uprights to try that would actually fit in your budget would be those by Ritmuller and Perzina. These are both made in China but seem to be doing it right. They are well-designed, quality instruments at lower prices than "equivalent" pianos by other manufacturers and get positive reviews in Piano Buyer.

I have not played a Perzina upright, but from everything I've seen and heard about them, they seem like a very strong option. I own a Ritmuller grand and have played a Ritmuller upright. I liked the upright but preferred the K3.

Good luck,
Mike

Have you tried the Yamaha P22? It's a terrific value in its price point. Very reliable and well made instrument.