I see an Estonia 190 for sale in my price range but it is nearly a 4 hour drive away. If it was less than 10 years old I would check it out.

However it's a 1999 model. According to piano buyer they started making significant changes in 2001 and are "practically a different instrument" after that. I don't want to drive 8 hours if I'm not missing out.

Is it worth playing?

I am the happy owner of an Estoniam 168 from 2000, and I would not trade it for anything. It keeps the tuning very well, it has magnificent sound (in my ears), the action is good if not perfect, and there has never been any problems with it. If I were you, I would go for a drive and check it out. What is the price, if I may ask?

Whether the listing is dealer or private, I would press to make sure it had been recently serviced before making the drive.

I wouldn't equate it with the quality or design of the new ones. The changes were constant and ongoing during the early to mid 2000's. That doesn't make it bad, it makes it more on the level with pianos like Petrof from that era or similar to the level of the Vogel V177 that you are looking at. In so many ways, it is like looking at a different brand than Estonia of today. If the price is good and recently serviced, it could be a lovely instrument and worth the drive.

I agree with Sam.

I purchased a lovely Estonia 168 almost 2 years ago that is a 1999-2000 model. (Start to finish)

I also played the new Estonia L190 before I bought. They do sound different. I feel (to my ears) that the older Estonia is more lush and a little mellower/richer sounding than the new Estonia, which I would equate to pushing more towards the "Steinway" sound. Both were nice in their own way, but I preferred the older/smaller one to the new L190. The touch was not such an issue for me, the action is very nice on this older piano as well.

So, if you feel like trying the older model out, I'd go for it. You just might find one that will be quite to your liking.

Try a new one too, if you can to see if you can discern the difference. The more pianos you play, the easier it will be to narrow down to models that you might like to have in your home!

I just regulated a 2000 168 that's in the family, and I'm always surprised at its warm, rich tone. It's held up very well to regular use by an advanced player (of course, it's had excellent care! :-).

--Cy--

Great feedback that is "spot on"! (Bravo Chatnoir, Sam, Terilyn, and Cy)

The 2000 Estonia could be a wonderful piano, depending on the price and condition, of course.

Keep us posted.