Hi, I'm considering purchasing a used Young Chang U 121 (48" upright.) The seller says she bought it new 8 years ago for $3,000 and is selling if for $2,000 (although she says she is willing to come down in price.) I don't want to spend too much for a piano -- hoping to spend about $1,500. I called the piano store where she said she purchased it and they said that they don't carry Young Changs anymore but it's possible that they discounted a floor model and think that the piano might be closer to 10 - 12 years old. Any advice? Is $2,000 a good deal? How much should I pay for piano like this that is supposedly in "very good condition"?

It depends very much on the condition and quality of this piano. In my opinion, which is not a qualified one, some Young Changs that age are OK and others are not so good.

$1500 is a tough price level to get anything good.

Thnnks David for your response. Does anyone else have an opinion? How much do you think a piano like this is worth?

IMO, I wouldn't get a young chang, period.

I went to see the piano today. The piano was in excellent shape as far as it looked (i.e. no scrathes, very nice finish). The sound was okay -- I know it's not the best sound but I'm not willing to pay for the best. The piano hadn't been tuned in 3 years and 2 keys got stuck when I tried it out (one being middle C.) I offered $1,000 but she countered with $1,500. Any advice? If a couple of keys are getting stuck will this be a problem for the life of the piano or will this be fixed with a tuning?

Check the serial number for the age. If you listen closely as every key is being depressed slowly, it shouldn't be squeeking but go down smoothly. Ask the technicians forum to see if they can be loosened or need replacing. For $1500 it might be as good an alternative as you would get.

You MUST get the piano tuned before you agree to buy it. If it won't tune up properly then it's not worth two dollars let alone a thousand, and you would want to know that ahead of time.

I just wanted to thank those of you who provided your advice. We ended up getting a tuner to assess the piano and he said it was in pretty good condition although would need about $100 worth of repairs. So we offered the owner $1,400 and she accepted. The piano was delivered last week. During the assessment the tuner was able to fix the keys that were sticking. The piano still needs to be tuned but my children are already enjoying it. It's a great started piano and we were able to get it at a reasonable price. Getting the tuner was a great idea. He charged about $100 to do the assessment but it was worth the piece of mind. Thanks again for the advice.