A friend has been offered a 1992 GS-40 for £4000 and asked my opinion of it. To be honest, though it looks pretty good, I didn't feel that it played particularly well and the uneven sound would need some work from a good tech. I don't feel in a position to give advice about whether or not he should buy it and then spend money on it, because I know nothing of this model.

Can anyone advise?

The value is dependent upon the condition of the instrument. Having a tech evaluate it would be the best course of action. Condition of action parts, strings, board(probably in good shape), etc. are key issues.

If the piano hasn't been used much, it could be a good bet. Neglected Kawais like this are fun to work on, because they can be brought back to a musical state fairly quickly. These were nice pianos, a predecessor to the current model, the RX 3, I believe.

I don't know the exchange rates between US and UK, but it sounds similar to what the prices are here for a similar piano.

The Kawai GS40 though a predessesor of the RX3 is by many the more prefered mdl.
A great piano!
In total agreement with DS. If brought back to life cost effectively it is a more than fair deal for 4000 pounds or near 8000 US dollars?. Maybe the seller would be in agreement to mitigate the $ cost of the needed work to get it up to snuff.
Tech assessment in this case is mandatory to uncover any legit shortcomings.

Thanks very much - this is most helpful. I will have a tech look at it. I am beginning to wonder why I didn't enjoy playing it! By complete coincidence I played a GS-30 today, reckoned by the current second owner to be about the same age, and found it to be very enjoyable. I think, therefore, that this may be an issue of condition.

I will post again when it has been looked at.

About 4 years ago I bought a '82 GS-30 for $7,300 in Los Angeles. No regrets its a great sounding piano. As a coincidence, its getting regulated & voiced this week. Regulated for small adjustments here & there & voiced to mellow the tone to my taste.

Every piano is different & the right tech is important but if you want I can give you an update after the work has been completed.