Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Piano Forum Some advice on the purchase of a new piano

Hi,

I am a piano student in Australia. My piano teacher has intimated to me that it is time to get a new piano before my 7th grade exam later this year as he says I have outgrown my current Renardi (circa 1920s unrestored).

I have been doing some research and played many different pianos. At this stage, there are three totally different options for me and I would like some advice on which to choose.

1. A brand new Yamaha U1J. I really like the touch of this but many people have warned me against Indonesian Yamahas and my tuner suggests the tone will be lost in 5-10 years. Price $6200.

2. A second hand 1991 Yamaha U3. I liked the sound of this one especially. Price $6500

3. A rebuilt 100 year old Roensich Three Crowns. I should confess that my tuner is trying to sell me this, but I really loved this piano also after trying it and it has more subtlety than either of the other two. I am leaning towards this, unless someone can give me a good reason not to! Price $5500

Any advice on choosing, or on any of the three would be appreciated.

Thanks!

1. What your tuner suggests is nonsense. The Japan product might be slightly better but it is a good piano. Price seems good but depends on the local market.
2. Depends on the condition. Have it checked out by a tech.
3. Depends on the condition. Since your tuner is biased have it checked out by an independent tech. It is 100 years old and I've never heard of Roensich Three Crowns piano. So if that really is the name it is probably worth 0. If it is on the other hand a Rönisch piano which is fully rebuilt (emphasis on the rebuilt!) it might be a good instrument.

Your selection is still quite small so if in any way possible: go out, play a lot of piano's. Take your time. It is not that your other piano is collapsing right now is it?

Did you already try grands?

Yes, sorry, it is a Rönisch piano. And I have checked around to ensure that it is rebuilt. Definitely brand new action and strings.



I have played many many pianos of many brands! It's just that these are the three which I have liked the best; no bias. I'm not experienced enough for that! I am quite a fan of the touch especially of all three, a significant improvement on my current Renardi. However, I have an exam soon so it would be nice to organise the new, hopefully better piano in advance of that.



Of course! I have found some magnificent ones, but I really don't have the space. So it's now about finding the best upright.

In that case, have the Rönisch checked out by an independent tech and if he think it's good go for it.

Hmm I had to google this piano. And I found one listed on Gumtree Australia!

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/killara/keyboards-pianos/ronisch-3-crown-piano/1037924164

Ah, but mine has the original candelabra....

No, seriously, I think I will buy the Rönisch. It's the best piano I have played in the whole process. Thanks to all for your advice!

I don't know the market in Australia, but my gut feeling is that the Roenisch price is too high. In any regard, it's a second-hand piano, so don't be afraid to haggle on the price, or services (delivery, warranty, future tunings, etc) that he'll throw into the bargain. Is your tuner also the rebuilder? If so, expect a warranty of some sort. At a minimum, expect him to deliver it and tune it once it's acclimated.