Piano auction advice please

[Marky]

I am looking to buy an upright piano and was thinking about the June piano auction in Holborn, London. http://www.pianoauctions.co.uk/catalogue.php.
It seems to have loads of uprights at various prices.
Where are these pianos sourced? Is it for dealers or members of the public?

Basically, the plan was to take a friend to one of the viewing days beforehand and see what I like. I am a grade 8 pianist, and am happy to spend a few thousand on a decent model, but have no idea of the workings of a piano except from what i have read here on this (most excellent!) forum.
My friend is a trainee piano tuner, having completed one of three years at a course in Nottingham. He admits he has gaps in his knowledge but I'm hoping he will be able to tell a duff piano from a good one. Am I right or shd I take a fully trained tuner along?

Sorry to bombard the board with questions. Any advice would be much appreciated.

[Barrie Heaton]

Where are these pianos sourced? Is it for dealers or members of the public?

Bit of both

Basically, the plan was to take a friend to one of the viewing days beforehand and see what I like. I am a grade 8 pianist, and am happy to spend a few thousand on a decent model, but have no idea of the workings of a piano except from what i have read here on this (most excellent!) forum.
My friend is a trainee piano tuner, having completed one of three years at a course in Nottingham. He admits he has gaps in his knowledge but I'm hoping he will be able to tell a duff piano from a good one. Am I right or shd I take a fully trained tuner along?

Sorry to bombard the board with questions. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Your friend should have the skill to know a good piano form bad one. Where he will lack is spotting a not so god piano that with a little TLC will turn into a great piano but a at lest you are on the right lines taking someone with you

Good luck and enjoy

Barrie,