Hi - I'm new to the foums! I am looking for a small format studio piano for the house and love the sound and feel of the 1098. I found a local, 1996 model in great condition, but the seller is asking $11K which is above my price range.

Do you think this piano is worth $9,500 or so? Any other thoughts? Thanks in advance!

just make an offer.. - you never know. make sure he has your contact info. I would think it would be rare to sell a piano for it's asking price... and tht is not that far off at all.

$9,500 still seems high to me for a small 16 year old Steinway piano. It sounds like you have your heart set on the 1098 but if not there are far better uprights for less money. One example would be a Charles Walter Studio piano. Good luck.

Rich

Steinway 1098's are average upright pianos, IMO. If you like that one, that is great, but don't be swayed by the name.

A 16 year old one is worth about half or less than that asking price. Check on E-bay and google "Used Steinway 1098" for price comparison.

I had a 1098, didn't like it, my tuner absolutely hated it, and I had difficulty selling it, finally did sell it for 5K or a bit less if I remember correctly.

The price seems high for a 16 year old piano. I have seen 1098 for sale at different places (craigslist, dealer etc) and the prices I have seen is a 2006 for 11k, 2009 for 15k, 2005 for 14k and someone selling a 1982 for 3800.00.

They are nice looking pianos but a big price to pay for an upright.

My mistake! The instrument I was looking at was the 2006 model (not 1996) that is listed on Craigslist. Does anyones opinion change for a 6 year old piano (vs 16!)?

I have seen a number of references here to the Charles Walter Studio pianos, but have no experience with these. Can anyone tell me what the advantages would be over say a 1098?

I am looking for a 45-48" upright, so I know my options are more limited. I like the sound of the U1, but not the feel and I felt like the 1098 had a good balance of playability and character, though it seems there is a lot of disagreement on that point, relative to the price!

Since 11K is less than 50% of the price of a new model and the piano is only 6 years old, the offering price seems reasonable to me and is certainly within the Fine depreciation guidelines(see free Piano Buyer in the side column). The best value on a used piano is often within the first few years because it depreciates most rapidly during that time.

While Steinways are expensive, if you love the piano I would have a technician check it over and see if you can get it for somewhat less than the offering price.

Thanks for all the great advice. Never heard back from the guy on the 1098, so...

Based on all of the feedback I've seen on the Charles Walter pianos, I tracked one down at a local dealer here. It's a 45" studio upright from 1996 and is in good shape, it sounds and plays very nicely, and is on special for about $3,600 with a warranty and setup. Seems to be all that I saw in the 1098 and possibly more.

Any final thoughts before I take the plunge?

Yeah...hurry up!

Charles Walter is a Very Fine Piano!

Excellent Price.

Do it and never look back. You very nearly made a big mistake.

Don't be pressured by a few PW posters. If you've tried enough pianos to know how much you like the Walter in comparison then decide based on what you like.

Don't buy the deal...buy the piano. If a similar Walter would normally go for more I think that's only relevant if you love the piano.

Buy the piano you like better.

Thanks for all of the tips and advice, I really appreciate it. I played the Walter and really like it. It isn't a 10 cosmetically, but clearly well loved and very musical. I put a deposit on it pending a look over by my Daughter's piano teacher. Will follow up with the results!