All About Choosing and Buying Pianos

[titank]

Hi hquek,

Tks for the reply.

May I ask where did you get your Yamaha U3?
What should I look out for in getting a used piano?
How much did you pay for it?
Tks!

Hi MaryDaisu,

I got from Prince piano at Textile Centre, can't remember exactly but it was about 4k (maybe plus a bit). It's fairly old - definitely more than 20 years. I heard that Century Piano at Kallang Leisuredrome has newer models at times and patrick the boss had good reviews from other forumers. I also liked Zadok at Balestier (Shaw Towers or Plaza).

Price range is about there; it's the aftersales service and warranty. Honestly, if time reversed, I think I will choose to buy from Zadok. Something about Prince I not very happy.

There are varied models around. Exam model only mean they are above a certain height requirement. This can last you longer. There are cheaper types around but if your child progresses to say grade 5 and above, you will probably need to change. My seller told me that the taller the piano - the better the sound. I'm 'outsider' - so just take his word for it.

On selecting a piano, it's best to get someone who plays to try it out for you. Failing which, you can only rely on your ears. there are some that sound bright (but remember that prolonged exposure may be irritating) and some that are mellower (though at first hearing, it seems dull). After hearing many pianos, you probably will be able to form your likes/dislikes.

Age is another matter. All pianos come with a serial number - from this you can verify the year of manufacture. Younger the better but more pricey.

Origin. Other forummers have gotten China brands and are happy (eg Hailun). Indo is another source of pianos - the claim is that iNdo wood is more to our conditions. Mine is from Japan - becos I am old school and still believe in their quality (although piano is likely reconditioned - so it's more my bias than anything).

When buying, I actually will ask to have the guy open up the piano and see. Some parts cannot be dusted/touched - so those that are extremely dusty, I will avoid and get 'cleaner' ones.

Hi Hquek,

You get your piano at the Textile Centre? Is it every sat they do advertise it out at the CATS section? So far I have just visited Asia Piano located at Macpherson Road.

Would continue to visit more 2nd hand piano shop to look around & compare.

Someone is asking to take over a 20 year old Korean piano where I wonder should I accept. Maybe just need a one time tuning & after that can save 4k to 5K buying a 2nd piano!

[jce]

Korean pianos...hmm...not really. Their action isn't refined and the tone, I personally don't like them.

Going from one grade to another, no such thing as can't move on to the next, the question is "how long" it takes to move.

[titank]

Can anyone recommend a piano mover or I should get those general mover which can do the job?

Intend to take over an old piano from someone & let the child use as a form of basic practice.
If they are seriously learning then next time can consider buying a 2nd hand or brand new one.

[jce]

You can call these guys at 62828301, they specialise in moving pianos and organs. They should still be around. The last time I called was about 3 yrs ago when I moved my piano. Or you can try calling secondhand piano shops, piano shops or even the music schools which sell their own pianos like Cristofori, they will have their in-house movers or contract movers, I'm sure they'll take in the job.

Make sure you get a tuner to tune the piano. And do make sure the piano is tunable in the first place, otherwise no point moving.

[MaryDaisu]

titank:

So u are not getting it now?

The teacher says not to get China brand...she thinks that the parts of china make piano are not good...

[titank]

There is one expert told me that go select piano by blindfolding. You cannot tell the difference whether that is a Yamaha, Kawai, Hailun, Samick piano be it a new or 2nd hand piano! Someone letting an old piano (Korea) to me so I guess maybe just take over.

If DS is really keen to pursue further then maybe as he progress along would get a 2nd hand piano! No matter what a 2nd hand still cost like from 3K to 5K (Yamaha), for the case of china piano would be 3K+!

[titank]

Thanks for the contact, as advised it cost about $120 to shift the piano if there is no need to use any staircase. If there is staircase involve, each floor would cost extra $20!

In addition, they also advised whether tuning would be necessary upon checking the condition of the piano!

[MaryDaisu]

Dear mummies,

I was quoted the following prices for 2nd hand kawai piano:
- K-50 $6000 (9-10yrs old)
- US-65 $5000 (24-25 yrs old)

Which do you think is a good piano and good buy?

According to the salesperson, US-65 is a upright grand. The sound seems better..just that it is a little old.

Pls advise.
Thanks.

[titank]

Dear mummies,

I was quoted the following prices for 2nd hand kawai piano:
- K-50 $6000 (9-10yrs old)
- US-65 $500 (24-25 yrs old)

Which do you think is a good piano and good buy?

According to the salesperson, US-65 is a upright grand. The sound seems better..just that it is a little old.

Pls advise.
Thanks.

In that case take the US-65 $500 (24-25 yrs old). Value for $$!

[Kavin]

Its right. Tour Piano needs tuning.It becomes so old and all music instruments need repair after some time.