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I have located a Baldwin Grand at a church that is selling it. I thought it was a Baldwin R, however the serial number is B291992 and the person I emailed with thinks it's 5'3". I'd have to drive a couple of hours to look at it, so I want to know the model and size ahead of time. It was built in 1990/1991 I believe.

Here is a picture:

It looks longer than a B1 to me, but who knows. I figured I'd ask the experts here. I have listened to the R on youtube and really like it, but of course need to hear one in person.

Here is another picture from the front:

They are asking 3500 for it, but I'm sure I could get it cheaper, but with moving costs I don't want to bother with something that's not going to have good sound.

The Baldwin R is 5'8", I believe.
Just a word of caution: institutions like churches tend not to get rid of pianos until they are pretty worn out, with some sort of problem they didn't want to pay to fix. Also, given their weekly pattern of usage and to save money, churches tend to vary in temperature quite a lot from day to day, which isn't great for the instrument. Maybe you should hire a technician to inspect it for you before you spend hours driving to see it.

Although not impossible, finding a decent grand piano in serviceable condition for less than $3,500 is going to be a challenge. You can find new low-end verticals and decent quality used verticals for that price pretty easily, however.

Terminaldegree is right, churches can be rough on pianos... on the other hand, you can usually buy a piano from a church pretty reasonable. If it needs work, it needs work, for better or worse.

The music desk looks unusual on that particular piano and I am not aware of 1990's something Baldwin model "B"... an older model "B", yes, but not that late a model.

If you are really interested in the piano, I'd take a look at it in person, measure it yourself, (front edge to tail/back curve at the center of the piano) and then have a qualified tech to look at it for you.

A lot of sellers are not sure, or just don't know what they really have, in terms of size. I've had sellers call a 5'8" a 6'; when it comes to pianos, that's a big difference.

Good luck and keep us informed!

Rick

Re: the music desk- almost looks like it is fastened to the flylid.

I think it is. That is generally the sign of a poor-quality piano.

Del has discussed the problems with the Baldwin B often here. I think this is one to avoid.

Thanks for the advice, this would explain why it's not sold yet, it's been on craigslist for awhile. I think that I will not travel to look at it, but when I get down that way I might see if it's still available.

I'm not necessarily looking for a grand for $3500, but right now I'm limited in funding. It's going to have to be more of a long-term plan it looks like. I'm keeping an eye on Craigslist, but not much is coming up there.