First of all a big thank you for everyone who has taken the time to reply to my posts. I'm new around here and I'm learning lots with my Larry Fine book at my side I was looking at another piano and took Bob's advice to have a piano tech to check things out. I asked him what kind of upright piano he would recommend and he mentioned trying to find a used/previously enjoyed Charles Walter. I actually found one about a 3 hour drive from here - private sale - so I've arranged to see it tomorrow and as Bob suggested I've arranged a piano tech from that area to meet me to see the piano. The Charles R Walter piano is about 17 yrs old I'm told. It is an italian-provincial console in dark walnut colour with matching seat. Serial #502819 They are asking $3500 CAN - When reading on the forum I get the impression that this is a very nice brand of piano. I am sure hoping this will turn out. If anyone has any comments or suggestions regarding this piano, I again would value your thoughts/opinions/experience... This is a great site and I can't wait to read what I'll learn next!

I wouldn't hesitate to contact Walter Piano by phone to see if they have any warranty or purchase/sale history on that piano. The phone number is on their website @ http://www.walterpiano.com

Good luck on your trip tomorrow.

Bill
A very happy owner of a CW1520 Queene Anne in mahogany.

CW uprights are very good pianos.

Hey Shauna,

I bought a CW1500 / mahogany early this year and I couldn't be more pleased. I would urge you, however, to play several uprights in your price range. I found significant differences (to my ear & touch) among many fine uprights from Kawai, Yamaha and Petrof. There was something to like about all of them. I was literally jumping from one piano to another in several stores playing the same tunes and chords until I was satisfied that the CW was the one for me. In the end, I went with my gut and I have not been sorry.
Good luck.

Ridgewood

The value of a 17 year old piano will depend on its condition. It could be heavily used, or barely used, well-maintained or never maintained.

Pay to have a tech inspect it before you make a purchase decision.

CWs are very well made as well as very musical pianos. Assuming the condition is good, $3,500 Canadian sounds like a realistic price.

Shauna, I've been lurking here for sometime, and thought I should register to let you know that if that is indeed the serial number, then this Charles Walter piano is NOT 17 years old. It's closer to 30. (I only know since I was recently checking out a used CW, and had the list of CW serial numbers printed out on my desk).

I thought you might like to know that before making the trip to see that piano.

Good detective work, Kristl! (And welcome to the forum, btw. )

Shauna, this new information should give you some negotiating leverage if you decide to pursue the piano. However, keep in mind that most pianos start to need some serious maintenance at the 30-40 year mark, e.g., replacing strings, hammers, etc. This would make a technician's inspection even more important in this particular case. It doesn't necessarily mean that you shouldn't buy the piano, but you want a good idea of how much work you may need to put into it in the near future... and that should affect the purchase price accordingly.

Thanks, Monica!

I hope I find a piano someday, but so far I'm just looking for that "right" one.

Glad I could help (if I did help...).

Shauna: while there are several used vertical pianos that might fit your price range, as an owner of a 1986 CW 1500, I feel you'd be hard-pressed to beat a CW price/value-wise, new or used.

You've also done enough homework to focus on a Charles Wright, but I'm guessing they're few and far between where you live.

I know that Norbert, one of the knowledgable posters on this Board is located up you're way; give him a holler.

First of all thanks for all your posts.

Bill G,
Thanks for your great advice on calling the Charles Walter Company. They were very helpful and I did find out the piano is 27-28 yrs old. I would have never thought to call them so I appreciate your suggestion. The gentleman I talked to was very nice and helpful. I had this information before I went to see the piano and of course let the owners know that the piano was much older that they thought!

Monica,
Knowing the age of the piano was good leverage and worked in my favor. I pre-arranged a piano tech to come with me to evaluate the piano. As a furniture piece, the piano is still in very good condition - a few dings but I am not bothered by these. The piano checked out beautifully and still has lots of life left. The technician told me in front of the owners that to get the best out the piano it needed to be regulated and gave a price of how much that would cost - this also gave me leverage in decreasing the price. I loved the way the piano played and sounded. I offered them $2700 as there was work that needed to be done and I need to make a big move to another city. We settled on $2800! I am soooo excited about my purchase. Now, I'm working on having it shipped home. This is so exciting and I have a piano tech all lined up to make this baby sing!

Thanks to everyone for your help. PW has been a real educational experience for me - very valuable and I am grateful for all of you who take the time to post and discuss your experience and knowledge with the rest of us. Thank you so much!

Shauna,

You're very welcome and congratulations on your purchase of a Charles Walter console piano.

Make sure you don't park it too close to the wall and if possible, play it with the top open. It will sound better, at least I think so.
It is an amazing piano for only being 43 inches.

Bill

Congratulations, Shauna, on your new piano! Glad it worked out for you, and I'm glad the information you found out here helped you get a better deal.

If you can, please post some pictures of your piano after you get it delivered.