Hi everyone,

I'm considering getting a 6'7ish Kawai (KG-5) from the early 1970s (from a seller in Austin, TX). I've seen the piano and it's in great condition (looks new other than a few mild surface scratches and slightly tarnished strings). It has only been owned by one person, who imported it from Japan back in the day. The action is responsive and I could detect basically no problems with sound other than some very minor buzzing here and there.

Everything seems well preserved, even though nothing has been replaced or rebuilt.

I could really use your help with the following:

1. Is there anything in particular I should be looking out for when it comes to Kawai pianos of this age bracket? Potential problems etc.

2. The seller has come down to $7500. Is this a good price for this kind of piano?

Thank you!

Lisa.

Dear Lisa,

At this age? Such a piano needs to be looked at by a technician before purchase, if possible. Bass strings do not last forever, hammers compress and wear out (..or may have been reshaped several times), keybushings, dampers, and other parts compress, harden, or wear out, too. "Some buzzing" raises concerns about the instrument, of course..but it needs a competent examination to be sure there are no fundamental problems in there.

All that said; these Kawai pianos are very well-built and sturdy! You'll find a lot of positive comments on the quality of Kawai pianos on this forum.

It is very likely that your piano may want new bass strings, or hammers, and some action work or regulation...but at a starting point of $7500, it may well be worth the effort. That is a seriously nice piano, of a good length, and high quality in initial build.

Sipping the coffee,
I am,
the armchair technician,

Thanks Jeff,

I'll definitely have a technician look at it. The buzzing sound was very mild and only affected a few keys so it really could be anything but I definitely want to rule out any sound board problems or similar.

I just wanted to make sure that, all things being equal, this is a good deal at $7500, and that there aren't any particular issues plaguing pianos of this "vintage" and brand.


Lisa.

Unfortunately, without a technician's report on the piano we can't really tell if $7500 is a good price or not. Condition on a used piano is everything. 1970 is certainly old enough that it could need a lot of work. On the other hand maybe it has been in a perfect environment, played lightly, and always maintained.

Well it got a green light from a technician other than some cosmetic scuffs (e.g. scratches). I ended up getting it for $6900 and am pretty excited about that. Thanks everyone for your help!

Lisa.

Congratulations! I think you got a fantastic deal on a fantastic piano!

Post pictures (and a recording?) when you can...

Welcome to Piano World, by-the-way!

Rick

Dear Lisa,

Outstanding. Very glad to hear it! On a grand that size and quality, with a tech's approval, your price is very good! Enjoy.

Smiling,

Good! Sounds like you got a great deal - enjoy the piano

I play a KG5 at church that was built in 1980 and it is a fantastic piano, great sound and has never had any rework other than consistent tuning, maintenance and a little voicing. Hope you enjoy your new purchase.