Advice for piano purchase

JohnEB · Post by **JohnEB** » 10 Apr 2006, 10:49

Hello all, I'm in the market for a new piano, my old Ernst Kaps having finally got 'beyond economic repair.' I've seen a great Sauter 116cm and liked a Schimmel 116cm (wanted to try the 122cm but not in stock) however both these are slightly above my budget (I'd really want the taller Schimmel if it's as good as the 116). Then I saw a Wendl & Lung 161 grand, which had a fantastic tone and touch, and of course a good price, but I've read some remarks about quality which put me off.

Tomorrow will try some Pleyel uprights and a Gaveau. Also keen to try a Samick baby grand as have had them recommended, but not yet played one and concerned the tone will be too bright (prefer softer, more rounded like the Sauter).

So that's what I've done so far - any advice or comments on what I've said? I'm leaning towards just trying to negotiate a better price on the Sauter or Schimmel uprights, but at the same time a baby grand would fit very well in my house and would probably be very motivational for my children, who have been learning for a few years.

Thanks

Post by **Barrie Heaton** » 11 Apr 2006, 19:16

To be honest I have not had a lot of dealings with Wendl & Lung a retailer I do some work for did get 6 and all 6 were send back manly problems with the case finish

Other tuners who prep them say that they are inconsistent in quality but if you spend the time on them they can be a worth wile piano for the price The Schimmel is in a different league however, I have come across some not so well prepped Schimmels but they do come up very nice and log term would be a better bet I would look at the Ed Seiler if you get a chance they are nicer than a Schimmel IMO

But a grand will have that pulling power when you walk into a room and your eyes are drown to it more than an upright

Barrie,

JohnEB · Post by **JohnEB** » 12 Apr 2006, 08:34

Thanks for your thoughts - I did try a Seiler but playing it and a Sauter side by side I found the Sauter preferable for tone and touch, and I even preferred the Schimmel to the Seiler, although that was in a different shop with very different acoustics. I just need to spend more time trying more pianos. My wife is pushing me towards a baby grand but *insists* it's my decision as I'm the one that plays the most. But knowing her what she means is 'make the right decision or else'.

Post by **Barrie Heaton** » 12 Apr 2006, 19:52

Dont go with your instincts do as the wife says because if your correct with your instincts and you sit there playing the upright your wife will not see it that way get the grand unless you want nagging for the next x amount of years

A Women can be wrong, but a wife is never wrong ever

Barrie,

JohnEB · Post by **JohnEB** » 21 Apr 2006, 09:19

Well I'm still undecided about my new piano. Maybe I should rephrase my question: what are the pros and cons of a mid-height (116cm) upright Sauter/Schimmel/Pleyel vs a smallish (161 cm) grand Samick/Kawai/other?

Thanks

Post by **Barrie Heaton** » 21 Apr 2006, 18:53

The grand will have a better playing mechanism and a better bass if you get the Kawai

Barrie,