Originally posted by Sir Lurksalot:
On the other hand, priorities often come into play. It's amazing to me that people who repeatedly spend $30K on a car that will be worthless in 8 years typically think that's a lot to spend on a piano that will provide joy for generations if treated properly.

Originally posted by John Citron:
I know what you mean about priorities in life. I've come to the conclusion, after going through a really scary time a few years ago, not counting the more recent times, that you have to do things that mean the most to you when you can. This woke me up, to put it lightly, and now if I want something, I will persue it to the best means I can.

I'm telling everyone don't ever say someday because "someday" may never come. I know too many people who have said someday about a trip to visit relatives, someday to spend time with their spouse, and when the time comes, either of them is too ill to enjoy their time together, or it's plain too late. The same goes with owning one of the best, within the means, musical instruments whether its a piano or something else. If you can afford it, go for the best you can get. Why settle for something your soul would regret later.

You sum it up perfectly here: "My pianos are a window into my soul....a way to express myself like nothing else I have ever known. I would pay whatever I have to to have that level of joy in my life."

Sorry to hear about your dad.

John [/b]

Originally posted by CC2 and Chopin lover:
Iconoclast,
As personal as your question is, I will address it, because I do want people to know that it is all about priorities. First of all, I am NOT independently wealthy, by ANY stretch of the imagination. When I was in my early forties, I went back to college to ultimately get a Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy....(best move I ever made in my life). That opened up doors for me that I could have never imagined back then. Today, I am a Hospital Administrator in Healthcare Quality Improvement, I teach in the Schools of Medicine and Physical Therapy at my local State University, and I still treat patients in a Private Orthopedic Clinic on Saturdays. In other words, I work my a** off for what I want in life. I live alone, and don't have to answer to anyone. I drive a very modest 2002 Subaru Forester. I don't get caught up in worrying about whether or not I will have too many payments and not enough in the bank, somehow I always make it work out. My house has equity, I use it. Three months ago my father went out to his car with a rifle and shot himself.....he did all that worrying stuff and look where it got him. I will not duplicate that pattern. My pianos are a window into my soul....a way to express myself like nothing else I have ever known. I would pay whatever I have to to have that level of joy in my life. Like I said......priorities. I hope that satisfies your curiousity. [/b]