Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Piano Forum Very overpriced Young Changs or not??

I was really surprised to see the asking prices for both of these. They are 1985-90 grands, I think 5'9". Am I missing something?

http://rochester.craigslist.org/msg/5518205617.html

http://buffalo.craigslist.org/msg/5553186847.html

Craigslist is chock full of pianos where the owner erroneously thinks they appreciated in value, got some really dubious online appraisal, or someone inherited the instrument and has no clue of its worth. Of course, it is remotely possible that they had replaced the action or restrung it, which could start to justify the price, but that is 99% unlikely.

Don't worry, chances are it will be there for a while.

Or, maybe not.

I've seen the same used pianos/same price listed for sale on CL for years. Most of them are from dealers posing as private sellers. And, terminaldegree is correct, some private owners do think their piano is worth it's weight in gold.

I think the old adage "something is worth what someone is willing to pay" is still valid.

On the other hand, some buyers (who have not done their homework) may not know any better.

Rick

Thanks, I thought I woke up in a parallel universe, LOL! Those pianos didn't even sell for those prices, LOL!

LOL, the seller of the second piano said they bought it new for $9,000 late 80s. I told her pianos depreciate, but good luck. OMG, wow....

I could have bought a early 1980's 7 foot Young Chang for $6K from a private seller. Had it not been located in another state about 400 miles one way, I might have bought it.

Maybe these sellers asking such a high price take a look at what the newer grand pianos are selling for and use that as a price guide. I'm not sure. Again, something is worth what someone is willing to pay. (Economics 101 )

Rick

A 7' would be worth taking a look at!

When pianos appreciate, they do so because of inflation and the useful life, relative to the cost for a new one.

I certainly think those prices are ambitious, mostly because the prices for new Young Chang pianos of similar size have not risen as much as their Japanese counterparts for decent, consumer grade pianos.

If I were to take a chance on an older Young Chang or Samick (or branded product built by them), I would be more inclined to find a "deal" in a model between 6' - 7'. Many of these were way underserviced and are therefore hard to evaluate for touch and tone, but in the hands of the right tech, you can get much more than your money's worth in performance.

Apart from giving the serial number and model of the pianos, the sellers give scant information about the instruments. The age and tuning history would be a good start.
These pianos are no longer youthful and seem priced well beyond their value.

Regards,
Robert.

I dunno' what they're worth e-k, but Young Chang #1 sure is smack right in the middle of some rather unique decor, nestled away in a basement apartment perhaps, or?





Regards,
Andy

I actually went to see the one near me, the second YC. Out of tune, clunky and really LOUD action, very dusty inside, and I was told the owner, who passed away last winter, didn't play it because it was too heavy and made his hands hurt. Apparently he was playing a cheap Technics keyboard, which was set up on the other side of the room. HOW SAD!!! He was the sole owner, and it honestly had very little wear on the hammers and the strings had zero oxidation. Probably could have done with a solid regulation about 25 years ago (pretty sure it's a 1988 or thereabouts, was actually purchased in 95). Too bad, because with a good tech, it might be a nice piano. The case was lovely, mahogany and rosewood, but the action was very disappointing. Not that I have 10 grand to plunk down on it, lol, or would even be so inclined if I did have it!

LOL, maybe it's smuggled! How odd!

Well, it certainly looks beautiful in that Blair Witch Basement showroom!

LOL!!!!