Well, I've watched two of my good friends buy pianos, and have let my own flights of fancy go while watching them research and buy them.

But now it's my turn.

It's a good time to get it as my daughters take piano, and my son will at some point as well.

The budget is modest, but having seen my two friends have very successful experiences at both ends of the price spectrum, I'm sure there's something out there for me.

My benchmark was (and still is, to some extent) the Yamaha GC1. One of my friends got that, and is happy. I've played it and enjoy it. Plus, we live in the same neighborhood and her living room is almost exactly the same as mine in dimension and layout. Her only complaint is that she was very worried about space but once the piano was in there, she thinks she could have easily added a few inches. Her sense is that the pianos rapidly get better at 5'6" (I think the GC1 is 5'3" or so) and she'd probably do that had she to do it over again.

My other friend bought a concert-sized Steinway, so his experience is not going to be particularly helpful to me. I briefly considered getting one of their smaller pianos at the same time as there might have been an opportunity for a very steep discount, plus the idea that we would be buying both at the same time might have benefitted me, but it never got within budget for me, so he bought his on his own.

It's a dream to play, though. Sigh.

Anyway, back to reality.

Who has some suggestions for me that would keep this endeavor firmly under the $20k mark (out the door, not MSRP)? I'd love to keep it under $10k, but that's going to necessarily be a used piano. Not out of the question--craigslist tells me there are plenty of people who buy nice pianos in my area and then try to get rid of them. I'd buy a recently-manufactured cream puff ("I bought it for my wife two years ago and she doesn't play it") as I could generally get the information to determine if it were in good condition or not.

I'm in the Philadelphia/Main Line area. I have been to Jacob's Music, though that was a while back.

Models and their Actual Street Prices are really what I need to start wrapping my head around.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Seems like the Kawai RX1 is one that ought to be on the list, yes?

Snowflakes

To me this would be a complete no-brainer.

Make a bee-line to Cunningham Piano and ask to play the Cunningham 178.

You cannot do better in your price range.

Beats the other pianos you have mentioned hands down. I think you will agree after you play it. At least 2 faculty members at Curtis own them.

Good luck.

Well, that is a ringing endorsement. I will go check it out. Thanks! Do you have any idea of street price here?

In your price range - comfortably.

Snowflakes,

I completely agree with Furtwangler. The Cunningham-178 (5'-10") is an excellent instrument. When I had a chance to play these pianos, I was genuinely surprised by the complex tonal quality of the instrument and the fine action. It truly gives back what you are able to put into it.

The co-owner of Cunningham Piano, Rich Galassini, is an active member here at Piano World and will give you first class treatment and service. You couldn't be in better hands.

The purchase price will be a surprise to you and is certainly in your target range.

Good luck in your piano search.

Well, folks, I'm heading to Cunningham tomorrow! Wish me luck! I'm quite interested in this piano and can't wait to see it. I'm also going with the friend of mine above who bought the Yamaha. She is the executive director of a non profit organization that helps adults with intellectual challenges live independently. Anyway, one of the adults the organization works with is also on the autism spectrum, and is a musical savant. So the organization is trying to find a piano worthy of his talents because it's a really important part of his life, obviously. So we're going to go together tomorrow and see about some pianos!

Have Fun!

Make sure you call ahead and let them know you are coming.

You are super lucky to live near one the best dealers in the country.

I've had to fly all around to see pianos like the ones you will see there!!

TwoSnowflakes,

We look forward to seeing you tomorrow. Thank you for considering us.

Feel free to take all the pictures and video you'd like of your visit.

Yep, thanks. I spoke to them earlier in the week and confirmed it today.

Thanks, see you tomorrow!