All About Choosing and Buying Pianos

[Mandie]

Besides going to the 2nd hand dealer, you may also go direct to owner. Try ebay, gumtree etc, search "piano for sale", you may able to get a good deal, I just got one Kawai(exam model and less than 4 yrs) from an American who leaving Spore at a very good price. But just remember that will not come with warranty, so need to view the piano carefully before place deposit. Good luck!

[corneyAmber]

Do check the serial number first as they will tell how old the piano is.

[piano_lessons]

June:

Actually not all U1 are made in Indonesia, U1 are usually made in Japan, but JU xx are made in Indonesia, U1 model is usually the exam model and has a height of 121cm which provides a richer, more resonant voice. Hope information helps.

Yes correct
I want to add on http://www.yamaha.co.jp/english/product/piano/product/oceania/acoustic/upright/lxlu_s/lxlu_s.html
& from my knowledge U1J is made in Indonesia
U1S is made in the US, some people found it not suitable for tropical climate.

Quality wise I wouldnot say that they differ a lot from those made in Japan, since they are produced under strict Yamaha quality control.
I would say that they, in my opinion, are better than many China-made ones.

Beware if you decided to invest in European made pianos.
Many of them are not suitable for high temperature and high humidity in tropical countries like Singapore, so you might need to reconsider or else invest more for humidity controlled room. Experts suggest 42% of humidity level is necessary for the maintenance of optimum sound reproduction.
Regards,

[cocoon]

Hi all


My daughter has recently expressed interest in learning piano. However due to tight constraints, I am thinking of starting on the keyboard first. Does anyone have a electronic keyboard to let go ?
Many thanks

[Cin]

My girl have been learning piano for about 2 years, till now she still practising using keyboard. Would like to get her a piano but like all parents worry she might lost interest … anyone heard of Samick brand? Is it good enough for beginners or better get a second hand Kawai or yamaha instead… pls help

[piano_lessons]

Cin:

My girl have been learning piano for about 2 years, till now she still practising using keyboard. Would like to get her a piano but like all parents worry she might lost interest .. anyone heard of Samick brand? Is it good enough for beginners or better get a second hand Kawai or yamaha instead.. pls help

I have never touch a Samick before, except once many years ago. (couldnt remember)
But I know Samick is korean brand. Some are made in Indonesia and China.
I know many say that China made piano are getting better, but since I have never touch a recent one, I could not comment further.

IMO, I'd rather go for second hand Yamaha or Kawai. But you have to be very selective as not all second hand (made in Japan and shipped from Japan) are in good condition. But most are around 20 years old (from families during Japan booming economy in the 1980s). Some are seldom played, but some are just like any other piano. Bring along experienced friend or technician.

IMO, also dun buy refurbished / reconditioned piano. They are not refurbished by Yamaha or Kawai, so, the quality may be inferior.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Joseph

[Miracle Child]

June:

Actually not all U1 are made in Indonesia, U1 are usually made in Japan, but JU xx are made in Indonesia, U1 model is usually the exam model and has a height of 121cm which provides a richer, more resonant voice. Hope information helps.

Hi, we were looking at JU109 from Yamaha as it is having a promotion for the model now. The model is 109cm in height. We were told that the model is good til Grade 5. Any comments whether this is correct? Is there a lot of difference bet made in Japan and Indonesia? Thanks in advance.

[wildboys]

I’ve just started to learn piano, now practising on a portable keyboard. Wanted to buy a digital piano to save space but has heavier keys close to a real piano. Intended to let my kid use it too when he starts piano lesson in 6-12mths time.


Is it possible to get one with $1000 budget? Any recommedations? I know nuts about choosing a piano!

[bbmummy]

Hi


I’m deciding between a digital piano and a acoustic piano. Prefer the digital one due to space constrains. My girl started music group class last june. Can the digital piano bring her till grade 2-3? When do kids usually take the Grade 1 test generally? I know an acoustic piano is definitely better but I cant fit that in the room and there are too many distraction in the living room. I only practice piano with her at night so the digital one is preferred as the volume is adustable. I have spoke to one salesperson from a reputable piano shop who said that using a digital piano is not recommended as the kid will take time to adjust back to the piano touch. I’m looking at Yamaha Clavinova CLP series. Any advice?

[piano_lessons]

Miracle Child:

June:

Actually not all U1 are made in Indonesia, U1 are usually made in Japan, but JU xx are made in Indonesia, U1 model is usually the exam model and has a height of 121cm which provides a richer, more resonant voice. Hope information helps.

Hi, we were looking at JU109 from Yamaha as it is having a promotion for the model now. The model is 109cm in height. We were told that the model is good til Grade 5. Any comments whether this is correct? Is there a lot of difference bet made in Japan and Indonesia? Thanks in advance.

If I were you I would rather spend $3700 on a better second hand Yamaha or kawai.

He's quite right although technically there is no such thing as a piano is good till which grade, but most pianists feel that beyond grade 5 it is advisable to get a better piano, and similarly beyond grade 8 it is advisable to get a grand piano.

But it's again up to you to decide.