Replacing my 13 year old Young Chang E109

[uglybeauty]

This is my first post on these forums. I would like to replace my 13 year old Young Chang E109 piano. It is the piano in which I have learned to play (not very well) and it is and old friend I would like to keep. My grandmother bought it for me two years before she passed away so you might understand my feelings towards it and I love its sound. But now I am looking for more volume and a smoother action. It has to be an upright and I can´t spend much. 5.000 euros the most which is little for an accoustic piano. My skills as a hobby pianist don´t deserve a more expensive piano either.
I live in Madrid (Spain) very close to HAZEN (Yamaha oficial importer) and I went to try a few pianos. I had the Yamaha B3 in mind. The price is excellent (only 3.490 euros including bench and two tunings and 5 years guarantee). I loved the action but the sound seemed dull to me. It was placed in the showroom beside the Yamaha P121 (price 4.900 euros) so I could try both. I noticed no difference. But I must admit I have never had refined listening abilities.
So they showed me a Pleyel (romantica model). I did not like the action. It was stiff and the price 6000 euros.
So they showed me their own brand of pianos "Hosseschrueders" which are really Pearl River. The piano they showed me was the tallest of all, 131 cms for 4.000 euros. I was impressed by the volume and the action was smooth, but I can´t tell if the sound was good. I can only say it was loud but, at the same time, it sounded familiar to me. It made me feel comfortable. Close to the sound of my Young Chang but louder. I liked it more than all the others but I am not sure if this is because I am used to a certain sound and I am affraid I might be seeking for an undesireable or "cheap" sound.
They also had Boston pianos, Essex and Steinway but I did not try them because I can not afford them.
The other option I have is Petrof or Weinbach but I have not tried them yet because HAZEN does not carry that brand. I should go to another shop.
I am very confused. I thought Yamaha would impress me. But the confusing fact is I like a cheap chinese piano. I must admit prejudice towards chinese pianos are making me not to consider the 131 cms. Hosseschrueders´piano.
I need some advice from a clear mind thinking person from these forums.
Thank you!
John

[Barrie Heaton]

I would go back and try the Steinway then the Hosseschrueders even if you can't afford a make of piano it will give you and idea of different sounds then buy the piano you like best and can afford, no matter what it says on the fall

Some times is good to take a friend that plays as well so you can stand back and hear the piano for a different perspective

Barrie