Hi everyone,

I have a student who is looking to purchase an electric piano to start lessons on. They are under a budget and came across a Roland KR 570 for sale in their area. I am not too familiar with these so I am wondering if anyone has an opinion on this make and model. It is 10 years old.

Also the add asks the buyer to make an offer with no mention of an asking price. Does anyone have an idea of what a fair price would be, preferably in Canadian funds, but I can do the math to convert U.S. funds.

Thanks in advance,
Stephanie

If you look on Google, you'll find most of these go for about $2200-$2600. If I had that kind of cash to spend on an instrument, I'd go with something new - 10 years is forever when it comes to technology...

Stephanie,

About 2 years ago, I almost bought one for US$ 2000. The one I was looking at was virtually brand new, belonging to an old lady. But I found something else instead.

If I were buying it now, I wouldn't pay more than US$ 1500 for it.

An electronic piano is half musical instrument, half computer. As you know, a computer is worth nothing after a few years. So, what you are buying is only the musical instrument half.

Unfortunately, many sellers don't see it that way. They base on the price they paid when buying it new, and ask for a high price because "it is a musical instrument, it does not depreciate!" I met a young lady who wanted to sell a Casio AP80 for US$ 2000!

So, offer whatever you think reasonable within your means, and if the owner doesn't want to sell it, find something else.

Here are a few pointers:

http://annarbor.craigslist.org/msg/291820863.html
http://www.musicalinstrumentsales.co.uk/elpianos.html
http://fr.audiofanzine.com/produits/index,idproduit,12119,mao,roland_kr570.html

I have owned a KR 570 for about 15 yrs and love it. It has served me well. I like the versatility i.e. simply a piano (of may types) all the way to a full orchestra!

Unfortunately, after all these years, it is now failing. The sound has become distorted. I have contacted a local repair guy but he seems to be having difficulty getting info from Rowland. I sense from this lack of response by Roland that repair may be difficult. I am wondering if I should buy another one for parts (smile).

In short, if it works, and the price is affordable, go for it.

Holy smoke. I just responded to a 6 year old post. What a dope!

Newbie