Baby grand: Kawai 1985 or reconditioned Ibach 1920?

[ity10]

I am currently considering buying a used baby grand piano. After careful consideration and long research, I have found two pianos which appear to fit the bill (colour, condition, size, price):

(1) Kawai - model KG1B, 5ft, made in 1985, one owner who did not play much (according to the dealer), roller action, 1 year guarantee.

(2) Ibach - 6ft, made in about 1920 but fully reconditioned, with Renner action fitted. The dealer offers installation tuning service and 5 years guarantee.

I am going to go and try both of them, however before I do so (both are far away from where I live :(), I would be interested in specialists' opinions/experience with regard to the choice.

Will be grateful for any advice offered.

Many thanks

[D.J.Smith]

The Kawai is very short. the Ibach would be a better musical instrument IF it is in good condition. It all depends on what was done to 'recondition' it, and how well that work was done.

[Silverwood Pianos]

Interesting to note the instrument that is sixty-five years younger has 80% less warranty coverage. You might ask why this is so.

[RWAS]

Instinctively, I would go for the Ibach as it is a longer piano and 1920 was part of the "Golden Age" of German piano manufacture.
However, it depends what "fully reconditioned" means. It is a loose term that could be anything from a complete rebuild to a clean up to make the piano look presentable. You need to check exactly what was replaced eg strings, hammers, pinblock etc and most of all you need to try the piano and have it checked independently to make sure that there are no defects.

Kawai grands can be delightful pianos. However, a 1985 model is getting past its best years and may also require repairs and replacement parts..
So much depends on how the piano has been maintained, housed and the amount of playing it has had.

Good luck!
Robert.

[joseph]

I would broaden my search.