Does Size Matter?

Bilbo Baggins · Post by **Bilbo Baggins** » 11 Jan 2006, 19:39

I am looking urgently to buy an Upright Piano for the use of my two daughters. The oldest 15 has been grade 8 standard for a couple of years and the youngest 12 is currently studying for her grade 8 exam. Due to divorce they are now staying with me and I only have an old Technics Piano for them to play on---- my oldest refuses to play on this and has been using a neighbours piano but think they have had sufficient ear bashing!
Unfortunately we will have to pick a piano with out the help of anyone like a teacher as they both have piano lesions at a Saturday music school in London.
Can anyone advise on the following;
Do we need a full height model ( 52” High” ) . Do smaller ones sound much different when you have them in a small room?
Do you think it advisable to buy a recent second hand model or bite the bullet and purchase a new one, as I do not see the point in paying Ł2800 for a 15 to 20 year old piano when a new improved one costs Ł4500 (Yamaha U3).
In the past they have been using a Bechstein Grand so any thing with a similar touch would be an advantage.
We live in Suffolk so any recommendation for shops or dealers in the area would be appreciated.
Thanking you in anticipation

Geminoz · Post by **Geminoz** » 12 Jan 2006, 12:54

I don't know much about the technicalities of all the different pianos available these days...but there are plenty of experts on this forum who do, and I'm sure you will get some sound advice from them.
But I am also sure they will advise you not to rush into it, and to buy nothing without your girls trying various pianos to see which suits them best.
Well that's my two bob's worth for what it's worth.
hmmmmm...two bob won't buy much these days.

Post by **Gill the Piano** » 12 Jan 2006, 19:02

I'm not sure what Tramadol does, but if it's a painkiller and you've got 2 girls thundering away on a piano, perhaps it's a valid suggestion...!
Bil Kibby (who haunts the History page but will no doubt pop up when he feels his ears burning) is based around Suffolk (I think; 28% for Geography in 1974 suggests I might be wrong) and you could pm him for suggestions as to dealers. For my part, i reckon you should get the biggest (tallest) piano you can accommodate, because they'll be playing 'big' music which can be really frustrating on a small upright, as you can't get anything like the grand sound on a small upright.