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I'm considering purchasing a 2000 Boston GP-178 vs 1996 Yamaha C3 for my 14 year old son. He's 6'2" already, and has trouble fitting most pianos. I'd love feedback on which piano would be best suited to him for now and in the future. He plays classical, but likes to mix things up with Jazz and more progressive music. Thank you

What does this mean?

Unless you find a piano with a 7/8 keyboard (smaller than normal), all pianos keyboards are a standard height above the floor with a standard keyboard size.

The bench you can adjust, if you have an artist bench. Otherwise, I am not following...

Since he's going to be the primary or only player, the best idea is to have him try the pianos and see which one he prefers.

What I mean is that yes he has trouble using the peddle as his legs are long, but mostly he just dwarfs the piano. I hope that's more clear. He does try his best to adjust the bench, but he likes to lean forward over the keys, so it's a matter of being far enough back without being too far out of reach. I'm sorry if I'm not very clear, I'm not a pianist. I'm trying the best I can to educate myself, hence joining this forum.

As SonatainfSharp mentioned, for the most part, pianos are a standard size. I'm 6'1" and am comfortable at the piano, with a standard bench. At the same time, in pictures I'm surprised how I sort of dwarf the piano. If your son needs more dimensional flexibility, then perhaps digital keyboards would be the way to go. But an adjustable bench might help too. Anyway, I don't think your son's size is going to make a distinction between the Boston and Yamaha.

I agree you should try both piano then decide the best. But for me I still go with Yamaha. It is really famous here in Panama. Most of the musicians used it.
Regards,
Gustavo Woltmann

the player's position relative to the keyboard and pedals can be altered quite a bit with two basic variables -- seat height and distance from the piano, and the type and height of the casters on the piano legs. different pianists have their own preferences about how far they're comfortable extending their arms and how deep into the length of the keys they like to play the note combinations. unless a 6 ft. 2" person has short fingers/hand span, there are probably more advantages to height and reach relative to someone 5'4", than there are disadvantages.

I am 6ft 2" (just over) and used to have a Boston GP 178. Does that qualify me? I have also payed a C3 extensively. Both are perfectly good pianos. But why limit your choice? Look around at what else you can get in your budget - there are some very good pianos around now.

Buy a decent bench. He is not abnormally tall.

I had to elevate my pianos with a quarter-inch pad under the wheels, so that my legs can move freely without hitting the bottom of the piano. My technician said it's a common problem with a simple fix.

The fix is not an adjustable bench. People with long legs need a taller piano, not a shorter bench.

If it is going to be on caster cups, and I would advise that, simply get a wood turner to turn some for you which are extra thick. That way it will all look perfectly normal. You can add a pad under those to raise it a bit more as he grows.

The problem is going to be when he plays someone else's piano and it isn't the height to which he is accustomed.

Sergei Rachmaninoff was 6'6".

I suspect your son may have more troubles in some uprights as they have pedals that are closer to the pianist than grands.

As others have mentioned, bench height and piano height can be adjusted to accommodate your son's need.

I wouldn't worry too much about his ability to adjust to other pianos' (unadjusted) height, likely more specifically regarding the pedals. Among different makes, pedal heights are not the same anyways.

Yes, he currently has an upright and it's very uncomfortable for him!

Can you make any recommendations on what to look at? My budget is upto $10,000, and would prefer something 6" or above.
Thank you

I have a Boston 178 in my studio where I teach. Aside from all the cost or marketing considerations, I enjoy the piano quite a bit!

Cheers,
Chris

Assuming you mean 6 feet, not 6" (inches). For a budget of $10k, it will be difficult to find anything decent new. Careful shopping may yield results in a decent used instrument . An older Yamaha, Kawai, Baldwin (M or R) is a good bet PROVIDED that it is in decent condition.

A lot also depends on where you are. It would be helpful for us to know your general location so more specific advice can come from those familiar with the market in that area.

It's also been my experience that grands generally have more legroom than uprights, so he should be more comfortable with a grand.
A digital keyboard like a Kawai MP-11 would let him put the keyboard and pedals wherever he was most comfortable with them.
At 6'1", I would think he should be able to accommodate any standard grand piano, regardless of length.

Boston GP-178 is not 6'. I also doubt you will be able to find a 2000 Boston GP-178 or 1996 Yamaha C3 in good condition for less than $10K. Of course, it all depends on your local market.

The Boston is 2000 GP-178 5'10", asking $10,000. The Yamaha is a 1996 C3 6'1", asking $6,500. We are in Florida.

the type and size of casters on grand pianos can significantly alter the keyboard and pedal heights from the floor and you should not find it difficult to accommodate a player 6'2" with long legs (unusually short arms combined with very long legs might present another issue). it might involve extra expense of course ; caster cups are not dear, but not sure if they'll suffice for your requirements.