Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Piano Forum 1998 Schimmel 182T vs 2010 (New) Estonia 190

Hello all,
First, what a great site. This is my first post but I have been reading on here for quite a bit and learned so much. Great Site.
I am looking to purchase a Grand piano and wanted to get opinions on a 1998 mahogany Schimmel 182t, Serial #333-009 in Mint condition, $16k, and it includes the artist bench, 1 year free service and a 5 year warranty. Or a new (2010) from showroom Estonia 190 polished ebony, serial #16957. which includes the piano,artist bench,delivery,ten-year warranty and two tunings after delivery. $25,600. Tax included for both.
The person I have been working with seems to be a very nice gentleman and told me to do my research and gather opinions.
I am a beginner and only been taking lessons for less than a year. My instructor has a Steinway and I finally had a break through where I could actually hear the difference between her piano and my digital. So now I really hate playing on my digital. But still very much a beginner. I am an middle age adult learner so probably won't be purchasing another piano or would like for that to be the case. I have learned quite a bit about Estonia from this site and also believe the owner is doing something special with his company. Everyone on here seems to love the Estonia and the quality vs price. The Schimmel 182t seems to be held in high regard as well and is 10K cheaper but 12 years older. Assuming the Schimmel checks out and is in mint condition what are your thoughts? Are the prices about right for both? Can I not go wrong with either? They both play and sound great to me but I have no experience to base that on. Thanks for any advice and Merry Christmas.

The Estonia number doesn't jive...it's probably not a 190...unless you made a typo o...

My 2008 is 6879...I doubt they made 10k in 2 years.

That is what was given to me..I will ask again but maybe they made a typo and the "1" needs to be dropped. 6957?? thanks for letting me know

Both are excellent choices. I think newer is better when it comes to pianos. And in most cases that is true. (my opinion). The Estonia "190" has great tone and playability. But so does the Schimmel.

When comparing the two I prefer the tone quality of the Estonia "190" on most pianos. There can be exceptions. The individual characteristics in each piano can't be overlooked.

The only way I know to make a decision like this is to spend more time with the pianos. Eventually one will start to simply 'feel' better.

My 190 is #7284, purchased in April 2011 and probably "born" mid to late 2010. Don't know about the range for Estonias smaller model 168, except the numbers are higher than the 190's and 16900' s sound familiar.

Assuming they both check out I' d trust my ear and gut instinct, regardless of playing ability.

merry Christmas

jim

I'd first ask yourself which piano you'd buy if the prices were the same. After answering that you can start factoring in the financial considerations. If you have difficulty deciding which you like better you might consider hiring a tech to go with you to point out the differences between the pianos and give you some pros and cons for each.

It sounds like a pretty sweet dilemma.