After looking around for a while, I finally settled on the Ritmuller GH170R for my daughter. The piano was delivered the next day. Needless to say, she is thrilled.

When I started the process of looking for a piano, I was mostly clueless about the market. Based on space available, I know that I wanted something in the sub-6' size. Initially I was inclined to get a used Yamaha or a Kawai. After I stared visiting the local dealers, the consideration set changed. The Yamahas I heard somehow did not appeal to me as much. I was much impressed by Hailun's marketing messages, but once again somehow the sound was not my favorite. Eventually two Ritmullers and a used Kawai RX were the best fit for my budget / size / tastes. I settled on the GH170R. As it turns out, I had overestimated how big a piano I can get :-) This one is just the right fit.

A word about my experience with sales process. I indicated earlier that all the piano dealer were helpful, but two very different sales approaches. Most of them talked about the technical merits of the piano -- high tension scales etc, which early on were very persuasive, and definitely influenced my leanings early on. Right around the time I was getting over my technical detail fetish, I visited a store in San Jose that had some lovely used Kawais, and R.Kassman in Berkeley. Neither talked about technical details. It was all about how does this piano sound to you. At Kassman, it was a treat for my daughter. Russell would not allow me to open my mouth. He walked my daughter from piano to piano, talking to her about what she liked and did not like, which pianos sounded similar, ... Ultimately my daughter liked a Kawai RX and a Ritmuller the best. She did not know anything about the brands, about where they are made, whether they had renner hammers or alpine spruce soundboard, ... As I silent observer, I completely agreed with her choices. It was only at this point Russell talked about the technical differences between the pianos, and obviously his inclinations :-) By then the choice had been made. I am glad that somehow the decision making was ultimately was independent of any prejudices I may have had. My suggestion to others in a similar situation as me: ignore the marketing and trust your ears and fingers. You can't go wrong.

The post got much more long winded than I had intended ... Thanks to folks on the forum for sharing their knowledge and opinions.

Looks beautiful, congratulations!

Jonathan

Lovely piano! Your daughter is lucky to have such a great dad.

Wow! A lovely piano and a lovely home! And, I'll bet it sounds and plays as good as it looks!

Congratulations!

Rick

Yes, congratulations on your new piano. By the way, I was in the store while your daughter was trying out the two Ritmullers. I was there looking at two pianos myself and was on my way out, but stopped to listen for a bit. Your daughter plays very musically and has good ears. I predict she will become a fine musician - she already is. She is very lucky to have such a nice piano at an early age.

Aaron,

Thank you so much! Of course I remember seeing you at the store, though I did not anticipate hearing back on the forum!

That was actually the day we went back to buy one of the two pianos. The main selection process happened the weekend before. But, the experience was very consistent across both days. We ended up spending quite a bit of time on the second day going back and forth between the two pianos again, and Russell was great throughout the process.

rlinkt,

I think you made a smart purchase. Although I purchased a different piano, I did play the Ritmuller and thought it was a very nice piano and one of the best bargains out there.

Congratulations! Beautiful piano!

Congratulations, great choice!!

We just sold same piano to a very advanced local student with plans of going to university next year. Again winning out against several others...

Some of our customers for this piano had actually come with planned budget [and available $$..] of twice that.

Scary....

Norbert

ESP

Congrats on your new piano, and your musical daughter!

We're still enjoying our Rit (also a GH170R) and have had it for about 20 months now. She's holding up very well and still gets great compliments whenever we have friends over who play.

I'm glad you found a piano you and your daughter enjoy. I hope she has many years of creating lovely music!

Mike

Congratulations, and thank you for your patronage. It was my pleasure to work with you and your daughter. I know the instrument will bring you and your family many years of musical enjoyment.

Thanks Russell -- it was our pleasure. The piano sounds lovely in our living room, and is getting extensive use during these early days!