I received a quote of $9,653 on a new 5'8" ebony polished Wurlitzer. Having visited a number of websites, it seems the consensus is this piano is a low priced, not a high quality piano that has design limitations. Granted they all do. I am not interested in an upright and really do not want to spend more than $10,000. Any advice out there? I need to make a decision by mid-week.

BA:
Those with greater expertise will, I hope, address your question. In the meantime, I'll put in my two cents' worth. According to Larry Fine's latest edition of "The Piano Book" the 5'8" Wurlitzer is manufactured for Baldwin by Samick in Korea. It is just a little bit better than an entry level piano. How reputable is the dealer who quoted you $9653 for this piano, and what is included in this price: a bench? regulating? voicing? tuning(s)?
However, I see a couple of problems with your method of going about purchasing. The first one is the element of time. You should be prepared to devote - even if your prepared to spend "only" $10,000 on a piano - several months of trying as many pianos as you can get your hands on before you decide on buying one. I do not feel that it would be much of a loss if you were to pass up this piano at $9653 while you were looking for something better.
The second, is that you should do a lot of playing of pianos, even those that may be slightly above what you can afford, just to give you an idea of what may be the limitations of a grand at $10,000.
Many on this forum would agree that for that amount of money you will get a much better upright - I know you said you're not interested in an upright - than you will a grand. There are too many compromises in design - to say nothing of materials and construction - in a grand at that price. You might, with time and some luck and a good technician, find a better used piano than the new Wurlitzer you are looking at.
Caveat: This is an unprofessional opinion, but simply based on my own purchasing experience and the reading of hundreds of posts on this forum. I still think that deciding on this particular piano because you have to by the middle of the week would be a mistake.
Please keep us posted. Good luck,
Regards,

To add to what Bruce said, which was right on the money, I do think that for your budget you CAN get a very good used grand that would be much better than a starter grand. I have seen rebuilt, turn-of-the-century (1900-1930s I really mean, the "golden era" of piano making) Chickerings for just a bit more, and even a rebuilt Mason & Hamlin AA (around 6', they don't make that one anymore) for $12k (though the rebuild was not very recent and the case wasn't fabulous, the sound and touch were fine).

There's so much research to do, pianos to play, Larry Fine's "The Piano Book" to read. Please don't have buyer's remorse! Do your homework.

Good luck and keep us posted.
penny

Now for the opinion of a professional

.............I am sorry, but the two "amatuers" said all that needed to be said. I will add this, however:

If you enjoy a piano, like its tone, like its action, it is in your price range - buy it! (But have it examined by an independent tech)

Well, I'll buy the Larry Fine book, and visit more show rooms in the mean time. The sales person I talked with today gave me the history on Baldwin filing bankruptcy and issues over warranty. This is such a difficult decision to make. Quite frankly, there was no discussion over tuning, regulating, voicing, tuning. The search continues. Thanks for responding. I'll keep you all posted.

Lots of good advice already, but I'm a big mouth. If you don't rush into anything, $10,000 can get you a very nice used grand or a so so (or worse) new one. I hate to say it, but a private party may get you more piano for the $$$. There are lots of good used grands out there.

Buying from a private party will take longer, and it will feel more risky. You must find and hire a good local piano technician to check out any prospects. Don't buy anything until you spend at least a few months getting some piano education.

The Piano Technician's Guild has local tech listings. www.ptg.org. Also, talk to local music departments in colleges, piano teachers or churches to get referrals for a good tech.
The techs themselves may know about pianos coming up for sale.

On the other hand, you may feel that there are good reasons for buying a used piano at a dealer. You may get a warranty and there will be a business address to go back to in the event of problems. If so, shop the dealers too. Compare service they are willing to give. How well are their used pianos preped? Will they let you bring your own independent tech to check out the piano?

[ July 23, 2001: Message edited by: kenny ]

BA,

A C153 is not 5'8, rather just over 5'1". I beleive the 5'8' is the C173. I bought a C153 over a year ago and it was an ok piano for the money-I paid $8,000. I traded it in for a Petroff III and took a beating on the trade in (with another dealer). I did not do my homework at first and paid for it later.

The bass is terrible as can be expected on such a short piano. If you plan on serious playing, take the others' advice

Marc,
Thanks for posting your reply and telling us about what was probably a painful (at least financially!) experience. It probably isn't easy to admit, but I'm sure there are some here who can learn from it.

I hope you're enjoying your Petrof!

penny