I am new to this forum, been reading for a few days and trying to learn what I can. I am buying a piano for my wife for her birthday. It's not a surprise, she knows, but I am in charge of doing research. I've been mainly looking at Craigslist. I already have a technician lined up to do a thorough investigation ($45) when I go to buy. She and I grew up playing/hearing a 90yr old grand that was out of tune and she a Kimball console piano. So all of these will likely sound great to us.

Yesterday we visited the Young Chang, 1981 U-131, for $2300. Sounded beautiful, she loved how it played, very nice condition, tuned regularly until 2yrs ago. But my technician said "this is not a sought after piano".

Palatino 123T is listed at $2800 but I expect to get it for less. It's very new which I like but it has only been tuned once in those 6yrs, and moved twice. Haven't gone to play it yet because it's very far away.

Yamaha U1 is listed at $3000. I have heard this is a very nice piano from these forums. Says it's well taken care of. Haven't seen this either.

We both really liked the YC but is it true that this was a 'bad' time for them? Also, 30yrs seems like it's getting up there, should that be a concern? My wife is a casual player so I am expecting this to last a lifetime, more or less, not upgrade constantly.

Finally there is a Steinway 1098 for $3000, 1972. But now we're up to 40yrs old. Could this be a gem though with some money put into it in the coming years?

Thoughts? Thanks.

If you can get a U1 built after 1990 in your price range grab it. Otherwise, why not new? $3500+tax+delivery will get you a Yamaha T118 or a K2 in many regions of the US. They come with a 10 year warranty.

3500 is really the absolute max. If we can find something around $2000 it would be great. The YC sounded great and she loved playing it, but the age and tech make me nervous. Plus it sounds like I may be over paying slightly.

Welcome to the Piano World Forums!

I’m not as experienced as many here on the forum, but I’ve played a few older YC’s that I was rather impressed with. It might not be a highly sought after piano, according to your tech, but that doesn't mean it is not a decent piano for your family. Also, $45 is a really cheap price for a professional evaluation.

I’ll bet the price of the YC is negotiable, if you all really like it.

Good luck, and keep us informed!

Rick

I own a U1, used to possess a YC(lesser grade than u-131 though) You should test drive the Yamaha, there's something about the action feel and precision i find satisfying. Will likely last you much longer than the YC, heck ill sell you mine for 3k$! good luck