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Joined: Oct 2014
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OP
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I am looking for a grand piano to practice on daily, and I have found what seems to be a magnificent piano (though I haven’t played it yet): a Leipzig-built Feurich 170 cm grand from 1920, completely restored in and out. Looks like new.
For the same price I can get a brandnew Feurich 161 Professional built in China from German specifications and materials. What I am asking is, I think, if the older piano would be intrinsically a better instrument, or if the new piano would be a better choice for an instrument that will be used daily? The music I play is classical on an advanced level.
Thanks in advance for any ideas.
Last edited by Sehnsucht; 10/17/14 04:12 AM.
Yamaha C2X
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Joined: May 2011
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Probably you know better after you have played both. German built Feurichs can be wonderful instruments, including the shorter ones. And in principle 170 is a better length than 161. But without knowing the particular instrument in question there is no way to tell what its present quality is.
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Joined: Sep 2013
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It is unlikely that a 1920's piano in original condition will be better. If it is rebuild (partially or fully), have it checked out, it could be a VERY good piano.
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Joined: May 2001
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Yikes! 10000 Post Club Member
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When you are considering a piano that has had restoration work done, the worst thing to base your decision on is how it "looks". Putting in new parts and refinishing a body is only part of the story.
Were the correct dimension for all action parts chosen? If the geometry or style of action was changed, what was the reason? How have those parts been prepared? Was there belly work done? If so, what was the quality of the work done? These are just a few questions to ask about this piano.
First, play the pianos. I doubt that if a 1920's piano is in the same price range as a new Chinese Feurich that it will have been restored to the point that it will perform well with any assurance, but play the piano. If you do not play, bring someone who does.
I hope that helps and please keep us posted,
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Joined: May 2011
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The OP says s/he is playing "classical on an advanced level". So s/he should be able to make a judgement. Of course it will be wise to have a technician inspect the quality of the restoration!
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The OP says s/he is playing "classical on an advanced level". So s/he should be able to make a judgement. Of course it will be wise to have a technician inspect the quality of the restoration! It would be more than wise. Professionals still have their pianos checked out if purchasing from new or unknown source.
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Joined: Nov 2009
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When you are considering a piano that has had restoration work done, the worst thing to base your decision on is how it "looks". Putting in new parts and refinishing a body is only part of the story.
Were the correct dimension for all action parts chosen? If the geometry or style of action was changed, what was the reason? How have those parts been prepared? Was there belly work done? If so, what was the quality of the work done? These are just a few questions to ask about this piano. This bear repeating a thousand times. I've come across too many "rebuilt" pianos that clients bought mainly because it looked pretty and was "rebuilt" at some point, but far too many of the rebuilds (actually, usually a cleaning, restringing and new hammers, at most) I've come across are real clunkers. Don't let a pretty finish fool you into ignoring the rest of the instrument!
Adam Schulte-Bukowinski, RPT Piano Technician, University of Nebraska-Lincoln ASB Piano Service
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It all depends on the quality of the rebuild. My grand is from 1925, but was rebuilt by a top rebuilder. It performs like the very best pianos currently made today, which makes sense when you consider that the original design of the piano was very good, they used the best materials in the rim and plate, and then the rebuilders work at a high level.
But what if a good piano, let's use Steinway for example, were rebuild without doing all the work that was needed or with less than artistic work. It would perform poorly, and I've seen this many, many times. The China Feurich could outperform such a piano (based on my experiences with Hailun. And the Feurich should rival or outperform the Hailun. The Feurich comes out of the Hailun factory, at least if I've been able to keep the whole story straight).
Pianist and Piano Teacher
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I will repeat this common sense observation from earlier in this thread. If the rebuild is in the price range of a new Feurich 161, then it is mostly cosmetic and will not be suitable for regular, daily practice. It is not possible to turn out a fully rebuilt, 90+ year old piano for this price range.
The new Feurich will be very suitable for regular, daily practice for advanced classical music. The instruments made at this level in the Hailun factory are quite capable and robust. Ideally, you would consider the larger 178 for the natural benefits of size to your music.
Good luck in your search.
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Joined: Oct 2014
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OP
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Thank you all for your input. This is what happened.
It turned out that I was able to expand my budget, so I finally decided to buy a Yamaha C2X, which was delivered yesterday. I tried this model at the Yamaha/Bösendorfer store and I was immediately struck by the tonal beauty and mechanical precision of this instrument. Seems to be of solid build, a great instrument. I never tried a China-built Feurich, but I would – perhaps unfairly – assume that this Yamaha is a far better instrument.
Yamaha C2X
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Joined: Apr 2014
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Well based on my signature line I think you made a very wise choice. Please send pics when you can.
Yamaha C2X | Yamaha M500-F Groucho Marx: "Those are my principles, and if you don't like them... well, I have others." Curriculum: Faber Developing Artist (Book 3) Current: German Dance in D Major (Haydn) (OF); Melody (Schumann) (OF)
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Joined: Apr 2008
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Congratulations getting your new piano! Any pictures yet?
David
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Stellar choice well done!
YAMAHA Artist
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OP
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Here are some pictures.
Yamaha C2X
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Beautiful piano, congratulations. Question though: does that bird often sit on your music desk?
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Joined: Oct 2014
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OP
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Beautiful piano, congratulations. Question though: does that bird often sit on your music desk? It’s a stuffed nutcracker. I’m not sure I want him there, so I might find a better place for him.
Yamaha C2X
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That could definitely startle you!
David
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Beautiful piano, congratulations. Question though: does that bird often sit on your music desk? It’s a stuffed nutcracker. I’m not sure I want him there, so I might find a better place for him. Once again congrats! A couple of things to consider from a 8-month C2X owner: First, it turns out that our piano had not been completely prepped by our dealer. When our local RPT came out for the 3 month tuning, he discovered some of the key pivots were not properly lubricated, causing some slight binding in random keys. He spent an extra hour doing this properly, and the action now plays like a dream. Second, although the new CX series is now voiced more toward the smoother side, our RPT noticed that the voicing was not consistent across the middle and upper registers. I didn't notice this myself (he has golden hearing and perfect pitch according to our teacher), however this will be addressed during the next tuning early in 2015. Enjoy!
Yamaha C2X | Yamaha M500-F Groucho Marx: "Those are my principles, and if you don't like them... well, I have others." Curriculum: Faber Developing Artist (Book 3) Current: German Dance in D Major (Haydn) (OF); Melody (Schumann) (OF)
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Piano
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Piano
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