Which piano?

[Rooty Toot]

Hi there, just after some advice about which piano to buy.

I have decided to learn to play the piano after years of wanting to. My parents have one, so I can play a few pieces, but now I would like to take exams and learn to play properly.

Originally thought about a digital piano (so I could plug myself in and not annoy the other half), but I think I have now decided against this as I would really like an upright. Then saw the silent pianos....but wasn't so keen on the price tag. Went to visit my local piano showroom, who suggested a standard upright with a practice pedal. Since then I have looked at many, many pianos, and need some expert advice.

The piano would need to be smallish, so it doesn't take up too much of the dining room (depth is more of an issue then width), have a practice pedal and be suitably for me to keep through all exam levels. I would be happy with a reconditioned or second hand better quality one, than a new cheap quality one. Budget is a little tight at a max of £2k.

Could anyone recommend some makes and models I should be looking at?

Sorry to woffle...thanks for the advice!

[Pianomate]

Have a look at the FAQ section on the list to the left of this page. It all depends on how much you are prepared to spend. You are best to see as many as you can and play on them to get an idea of what is about,

Also note - there is always a trade-off between quality of sound and size as the larger the piano, the longer the strings.

[vernon]

You don't say where you are but go to the nearest established competent dealer and pose the question to him and see what is available. You can always come back to this forum for an opinion, or, more likely, several!

[djtoast]

I wouldn't worry too much about trying to save space by avoiding "large" upright pianos - they don't vary that much in width or depth and the height issue is probably not relevant unless you live on that 7½th floor from Being John Malkovich (although as mentioned, the taller the piano the longer the bass strings and the better potential for a more satisfying bass).

At around £2k I agree that you'll find it easier to find a piano you like second hand as opposed to new but if you want a celeste rail then looking at modern rather than older pianos might simplify that - having said which I rejected a couple of pianos I really liked (including a ~1920 Bechstein that sounded wonderful) because they didn't have a middle pedal, and shortly afterwards found out that you can quite easily and cheaply install a similar thing in any piano:

http://www.pppkeys.com/ezpg.html

So that might help keep your options a little wider.

Good luck with your hunt