Hi all,

I am a new user, somewhat of a novice, with a question for "those who know". We plan to purchase a baby grand for our family and I view this as a one-time deal so I am looking for quality...with a reasonable price. We do not live near major population centers, so with somewhat limited options what I'm looking at is a used Samick SG150 (Serial ISJG0132, claiming 10 years old) which is 2 hours away one direction, or a new Hailun 161 which would be 4 hours away the opposite direction. I can't find the time to drive all over the world to try everything out.

I have played a Hailun and just loved it, both the touch and the clarity/resonance. I've heard talk about the aloquit bar being part of the reason for that sound. Is this a sales pitch? I'm wondering if the Samick, which I can get for around 50-60% of the cost of the Hailun, has a chance at the quality and sound of the Hailun? I have read good things about Samicks also, recognizing I'm not looking for concert quality here.

Appreciate any advice!

Comparing apples to apples the two pianos would be competetive, however that isn't the case here.

The Hailun is new and considerably larger that the Samick. Its tone is therefore likely considerably better as well. The savings is significant, but the best value for you can only be determined by you.

Forget the "why" it sounds good as it is the rsult of many factors.,,to complex to easily explain.

Yes, I wondered that...what is there, 5 inches difference in size? That makes that much difference in sound? I have not been able to sit at models side by side to compare. I had also considered the Hailun 151, which would be a more comparable size to that Samick.

You can always verify the serial with Samick in Gallatin. I would say that model of Samick does not have the musical potential of the Hailun 161. The higher level Samick brands and mid-sized models are often undervalued, but IMO, that model is unremarkable as an instrument. You would do better on a 5'9" or 6'1" if Samick brand.

The Hailun 161 is quite musical (YouTube).

My preference would be the Hailun-161. Subjectively, that Hailun is the best sounding small grand which, to me, actually sounds like a larger piano. It has a responsive action, also. Objectively, you have a 15 year warranty with the Hailun.

Between the two - I would also choose the Hailun. I understand there is a difference in cost, but there is also a difference in quality.

Good Luck!

Offhand I'd probably go with the bigger piano as well.

My vote goes to the Hailun. Simply a better made piano from the start.

But that's my opinion. How do you like the sound and feel?