Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Piano Forum Can't find the perfect (for me) piano!

I'll say up front, I know this is highly subjective, BUT....

I've been looking on Craig's List for a vertical (taller than a console) for several months. I prefer a more mellow tone so I would go for a Kawai K3 or higher over the Yamaha U1. I've missed out on two K3's in the $4,000 range. Both were four years old.

I haven't seen a Charles Walter in person, but from what I've read, it would probably be a good fit for me. Once again, I missed out on a 2002 CW for $3500.

So, for the subjective question: Since I need to expand my search, what other models should I consider? It's been suggested to me that I'd probably prefer the big sound of an American-made vertical. I'm confused about the Baldwins since they seemed to vary in quality. Which years should I consider?

I would prefer to pay under $4,000 on a model less than 20 years old. Thanks, all!

The piano can speak for itself. You just have to listen.

Pam, it sounds to me like you need to be ready to act/respond to these pianos a bit more quickly when they come up for sale, and you won't keep "missing out" on them.

Of course, I've missed out on a few good deals on nice pianos myself.

Thing is, the really good buys don't last long. The rest seem to sit for sale perpetually.

Good luck, and keep looking! The perfect piano for you will come along; and you will know it when it does.

Rick

Hi PamDD

Don't get too frustrated I think you just have to be ready as soon as you find one that suits your tastes and budget. My feeling is that good used pianos get picked up very quickly.

I originally was looking for a used Yamaha in your same price range, but after searching I ended up getting a new piano. I wrote a review of the piano I purchased in the new piano section of the forum. It's a 48" upright Knabe, built by Samick and has a quite nice warm sound in my opinion. I played it side by side with a Yamaha B2. You may like to try one of those out and see if it suits you.

Good luck on your search, enjoy it, buying a piano can be a very fun experience