purchase with a limited budget

[norfolk dapple]

Hi,
I have been taking piano lessons for 2 years, have recently passed my Grade 5 piano exam and am now looking to sell my Yamaha Clavinova and buy an acoustic piano. My budget only extends to a little over £2,000.
My lessons are taken on a Yamaha U3. Clearly I cannot afford to purchase a new U3 and am unsure whether it would be best to track down a 25+ year old U1/U3 or a new piano by Reid-Sohn, Waldstein or Steinmayer.
I have read earlier postings on the U3 debate but would appreciate any guidance you may have on whether a new piano would be a better buy than an ageing Yamaha.
Many thanks for any guidance or observations.

[Openwood]

Hi there,

In your situation I would focus on finding a good dealer and seeing what they can offer you. Pianos are so individual that it's difficult to say new instrument A will automatically be better than old instrument B.

Presumably you're in the Norfolk area? In that case you could have a look at the 'pianos for sale by shops' link on the left of the screen and if any of them are within a reasonable distance go and take a look. I'm sure other contributers here will be able to point you towards good dealers in your area too. I've learned the hard way that not all piano dealers are the same, so it's well worth finding out who have the best reputations - they're the ones who will give you the best value for your money.

[joseph]

I second that.

what about a high quality chinese piano like brodmann? then in a couple of years or so when you have more cash you can upgrade.

[mdw]

If you are going to change again in a few years be prepared to loose a fortune. Buy a 2nd hand piano if thats the case.

[norfolk dapple]

for the advice. I am now on a tour of piano dealers in the East Anglia region and hope to find something within my budget. The short list so far comprises a second-hand Kemble, a 23 yr old Yamaha U3 and a new Waldstein.

I can't wait to make a decision and start to play!

Thanks again for the help.

[PianoGuy]

for the advice. I am now on a tour of piano dealers in the East Anglia region and hope to find something within my budget. The short list so far comprises a second-hand Kemble, a 23 yr old Yamaha U3 and a new Waldstein.

The U3 could well be OK.

A Perzina would knock the Waldstein well into touch I reckon. Sold under various brand names: Gehr.Steinberg, Sangler, Eavestaff, Carl Ebel, Gebr.Perzina, Dale,Forty. and others. The Waldstein is very standard Pearl River fare whilst at least the Perzinas incorporate about 65% European componentry and have a European quality control centre in Holland although like the Waldstein the construction is Chinese.