I posted at length on my piano hunt a couple of weeks ago, but the thread just wore itself out (http://www.pianoworld.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/1936489/1.html0). Meanwhile, I've had halfhearted flirtations with a whole series of possible contenders -- various new and preowned mid-size Kawais, Yamahas, Petrofs, even an Estonia L190 . The hunt continues, and yesterday's foray saw me and a most accomplished friend take on a new Kawai RX-7 and a gorgeous rebuilt Steinway B (vintage 1972, which I understand wasn't a great year for S&S). I can't really afford the Steinway, but am still leaning that way because of its rich bass and complex midrange compared to the Kawai... thoughts from the collective wisdom??? It seems there's a huge wiggle-range in the pricing of Kawais, but not so much with the Steinway...

I am in the same boat. I was locked in on a Kawai RX6. I checked out some Steinways at their store and went on the factory tour. Once I saw that there was no budging room on their price I took a new one off the list.

I saw that a poster here purchased a 1977 Steinway L for $14,500. It got me thinking maybe I could buy a used one and have it rebuilt at the Steinway factory since I live in NY.
The opinions here seemed to indicate that was a waste of money.

Now I am keeping my mind open to Estonia and Mason & Hamlin.

I still love the Kawai RX6 but I am also seriously considering a Shigeru SK6. I need to play more Shigerus at different stores before I commit.