Haven't played in many many years and want to get back to it. Been looking for awhile now and think I have narrowed it down (though that may change tomorrrow!) between a new Kawai K2 or a late 1990s (think 98 or 99) Young Chang 52" U-131. Seems the 45" K2 has a bigger/richer sound than others at that height. But can't put them side by side to really differentiate how much more I might get out of the 52" young chang. Like the touch of the kawai and the clarity of the sound. But again.. tough to compare as they are at different locations. The YC seems to have a rich full sound. Wondering if the Kawai might hold up better for the long term? But the Young Chang has a good warranty also. So I just can't make a decision!

Any input would be appreciated.

Also seems the real price of a new K2 is all over the place. What should I expect to really be paying for a new one?
Thanks so much.

K2 would be my choice between the two...

i would take the new K2...than a 25 years old young chang

According to Larry Fine's Piano Buyer (see the link to the left of your screen) a K2 can be anywhere from $5790 - $7195 (for the French Provincial model).

If you like the sound of both pianos, I would choose the K2 over the YC. It's new (25 is getting up there for a lower-end model like YC) and Kawai is a better name and higher quality instrument.

I looked at Kawais today and was very impressed. Didn't play the K2 but the K3 was a very nice piano indeed and looked like good value compared to a new Yamaha U1.

I would tend to agree that the Kawai is a better option than a YC of that age even if it is a bit smaller. The quality of the Kawai will be superior.

While the quality of the K-2 might (arguably) be better, it is hard to overcome the physics of string length and soundboard area. A good 46" studio likely lacks the depth of tone found in a decent 52" piano.

Depending on its condition, i wouldn't eliminate the YC so quickly.

the YC was only 15years old. It was from 1998 or 1999.. per my post. One of the following posters did some strange math. So does that alter anyone's opinion? 15yr old YC or new K2?

And also, I was wondering what the "street" price on the K2 was. I know under 5K but how far under?

Why not just go for the one that sounds and plays the best?

Good luck with your decision, and keep us informed.

Rick

My k3 (bought in uk) is now 3 months old... built in indonesia...


Going with a well respected make because of where it is built is questionable these days..

Going with a well respected make and liking the individual pianos personality is imo more prudent.

If your (like me) not sufficiantly advanced to know too much of a difference between pianos... taking a friend along with you can really help... it pays to stand a couple of meters away and listen rather than your mind being split between playing and listening...


Good luck and hope your happy with what you choose :-)

After reading the posts again i think i mistakenly thought origin was an issue... my mistake. :-)

Time for a coffee