I'm getting into the market for a piano again. I found a 2000 Boston 178 for $13k. Does this sound like a decent deal, assuming it's in good shape?

I'd rather have a Kawai, but I just haven't been seeing used RX models, and the showrooms want a pretty penny for them. In fact I'm having a hard time finding a good used piano at all ($12k for a 28 year old C3 with a cracked soundboard? No thanks).


I've played Bostons before and they were well-rounded instruments in my opinion. I'm just curious if $13k is on the cheap side or expensive side. I probably don't want a piano much older than 2000.

I've played at a lounge on a $ 28,000 Boston for about three years and really wasn't impressed. I believe that Boston's parent company is Steinway, but Kawai build them for Steinway. Go figure. I'd still shop around on Craigslist or similar for a Yamaha C-3.

A quick search on eBay came up with 10 RX grands ranging from 9k -26k.

Did you play the Boston? Did you like it?

I played a new 178 and really liked it way out of my budget.

Jonathan

Killer:

If you restrict yourself only to used pianos, your choice will be somewhat limited. Sure, good deals cone up once in a while but first of all they "have to be", second you need to "recognize" them and of course - like the piano.

If you would extend your search to some of the new pianos often discussed here, many at same price range,you may be in for a surprise.

One of Vancouver B.C. top teachers did yesterday: she had in the past been very outspoken against certain ["Chinese made"] made pianos.

Good luck in your search: always follow your heart [and ears...]

Norbert

Laughably predictable Norbert post. Must have appeared many 100's of times saying virtually the same thing.

On the other hand, the same question gets posted 100s of times too, everybody has a certain opinion of the industry so if they happen to reply frequently, their answer will begin to look predictable. An alternative interpretation might say Norbert's response is "consistent" rather than predictable.

You will also get the same questions being asked 100s of times in other forums. eg in the Pianist Corner: fingering for octave melodies in Beethoven. In the Digital Pianos Forum: what is the best value DP under $1000. Certain posters always answer the same question the same way - why? Because that's their opinion. Is the answer from specific individuals to the same question about buying pianos expected to be any different just because they happen to be a dealer in pianos?

Interesting. There was a particular Chinese piano I wanted to try. There is an official dealer in my town but they never have any in stock and don't want to order one for me to try out. I then contacted a dealer in another town about the piano. They highly discouraged me from purchasing a piano from them, as there already was an official dealer in my area.

Funny how those piano dealers work...

Piano dealers work they way they do to a) make money and b) follow their dealership agreements.

No retailer of any big ticket item (cars/boats/etc) will go out and buy a model that they don't normally carry just for someone to try it out. I'm sure they'd be happy to order one for you if you were ready to commit to buying

As for the out of town dealer discouraging you, that is what is most likely required by the manufacturer of the particular instrument. However, if you walked in to an out of town dealer, they would be happy to work with you while you were there.

KillerCharlie,

When I was searching for a new piano I ran into this exact situation. I traveled to see and play the piano I wanted to try out.

If possible, find a dealer that is "easy" to get to - close to an airport, train station, etc and go see the piano. You might regret it once you see it /play it, but you will get over that. If you pass on the chance to see/play it, you might not ever get over the regret - "I wonder if I made the right decision without playing a ....."

Good luck,

Jonathan

To get back to your original question, the Boston piano can be a very, very nice piano if it's in good shape and well maintained. Your deal sounds like a good deal to me considering its age, as long as it's in superb condition.

I think it's a decent price. Don't forget to bargain!