Buying a new piano!

gillianmcilrath · Post by **gillianmcilrath** » 13 Sep 2007, 17:13

Hey I'm trying to buy a new piano. I played as a child but never really took to it.

Now I'm a teacher I would like to be able to play for my class and for pleasure. I've discovered that the reason I never took to the piano may be that my piano wasn't very good...infact it's truely awful!

The piano needs to be upright and mahoganny, size is not an issue, but i don't want to stray to far from £1500.

I've played a Kingsbury, a Steigerman and a Waldstein. Currently leaning towards the Steigerman as I like its action and sound more than the others....any suggestions!!

PianoGuy · Post by **PianoGuy** » 13 Sep 2007, 20:33

Right. All the makes you're looking at are Chinese. The Kingsburg is made in the old Perzina factory by Yantai Longfeng; the Waldstein is made by Pearl River and the Steigerman is probably a Hailun factory piano.

All are similar quality starter pianos, but the edge will be with the Steigerman if it's a Hailun one. The more upmarket Wendl & Lung is made in the same factory.

For my money, I'd seek out a Yantai Perzina "European Standard" model which can be badged as variously a Perzina, Eavestaff, Carl Ebel, Sangler, and probably others. These are made using 60% minimum European sourced parts and materials and are imported by a Dutch company with a huge backup of spares and tech knowledge should it be needed.

I would point out that £1500 will probably only buy you any of the above if sold at a massive discount. Discounting already cheap pianos will result in an unacceptable standard of preparation. Unlike a Yamaha which sounds wonderful when prepped well, but actually OK out of the box with next to no preparation, all these will be severely lacking. You need to raise your budget to £1800 at least. If you're prepared to do that it's well worth finding a Perzina.

Post by **Gill the Piano** » 14 Sep 2007, 19:21

What about a decent second hand piano? You'd get a better quality instrument for less wonga!

gillianmcilrath · Post by **gillianmcilrath** » 14 Sep 2007, 20:28

Thanks for the advice guys!

I have found a Kawai on sale at £1999 and the salesman said he'd give me £250 for mine without seeing it, as I was able to describe it quite well.

However, this is the sort of thing that makes me really scared about buying second hand. I would have to take a tuner with me to see all of them!

Does anyone know if someone sells the Perzina recommended above in Northern Ireland...preferably close to Belfast?

Oh and is it possible to prep it once I have bought it i.e. is this something a good tuner could do for me?

tuna · Post by **tuna** » 15 Sep 2007, 00:13

As to whether the Kawai could be considered good value or not depends on the age, model and condition.

If this Kawai is with a dealer in the North, surely it will come with a guarantee?

I'm a full time (qualified) piano tuner and technician working in Leinster, I will pm you my mobile no. feel free to call for any advise.

Tuna

PianoGuy · Post by **PianoGuy** » 15 Sep 2007, 14:25

gillianmcilrath wrote: Does anyone know if someone sells the Perzina recommended above in Northern Ireland...preferably close to Belfast?

The only official stockist who carries any number is in Limerick.

If you can't get down there, Dawson's of Manchester are an official dealer and they have a small shop in Belfast. Speak to them nicely and they may do something to enable you to try a Perzina before you buy. I think they deal with the Gehr. Steinberg models.