What does a decent upright piano cost...

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Buck	What does a decent upright piano cost...	Lead	[-]
(10/11/09 3:43 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Tags : None ...and how do I know a good one when I find it? Right now I have a perfectly lovely 1894 Everett, but it's of course super heavy and I get the idea that the action is not up to par with modern pianos. (We've had the inner workings checked and have kept it tuned, but still.) My kids are taking lessons and I don't know the first thing about pianos. Todd
cheepgtrguy		#1	[-]
(10/11/09 3:54 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	We have a Baldwin upright we bought new, about 5 years ago. I think we paid about $2,700 for it. I've seen decent used uprights for a grand. Ask your piano teacher to help you in selecting something decent. He/she should be able to point you in the right direction. My sister teaches piano and went with us to help us select something. She sat down and played a number of pianos in the price range were looking at and said...buy this one.
Buck49		#2	[-]
(10/11/09 5:42 PM) Moderator Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	I have a perfectly lovely 1894 Everett, but it's of course super heavy and I get the idea that the action is not up to par with modern pianos. Yeah, a lot of people don' realize that many "antique pianos" are great antiques, but lousy pianos. And repairing and upgrading may cost more than a new piano. From what you say, apparently you DO get it. Tom Buck
ApKNJ		#3	[-]
(10/12/09 9:59 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	It's funny, but with some exceptions, it's usually practical to ask a guitar salesman for help in choosing a guitar, but from all accounts, asking a piano salesman for help in choosing a piano is akin to asking a used car salesman to choose a used car for you. Hmm. ApK Last Edited By: ApKNJ 10/12/09 4:33 PM. Edited 2 times.
Martingirl		#4	[-]
(10/12/09 11:59 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	I have a Yamaha upright I bought new about 20+ years ago. It was a little under $5,000 if I remember correctly.
PandWStrumr		#5	[-]
(10/12/09 3:08 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	A good resource is "The Piano Book" by Larry Fine. Many libraries have it. Larry explains a lot but also in old copies he rates used pianos (general characteristics and comparative values). For new, google "piano book larry fine pdf" and see a short evaluation of what new costs and what you get for the money.
MikeHalloran		#6	[-]
(10/12/09 5:20 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	ApKNJ wrote: It's funny, but with some exceptions, it's usually practical to ask a guitar salesman for help in choosing a guitar, but from all accounts, asking a piano salesman for help in choosing a piano is akin to asking a used car salesman to choose a used car for you. ApK So true. Asking a piano player is a good idea. Used pianos are a drug on the market. There are many more for sale than there are people who want to buy. Bargains can be had. Without a knowledgeable person, you are flying blind. The best bargains are always from people who are moving and need to unload that piano two weeks ago - or need to have it hauled away. Mike Halloran '49 00-28G, '03 000C-16SGTNE, '03 000-15S, Backpacker Mandolin, '60s Style 0 uke, '67 D12-35, '75 D-35S, Cowboy X, Cowboy II (I think that's all the Martins) Many Guilds, Gibsons and Goyas Last Edited By: MikeHalloran 10/12/09 5:28 PM. Edited 1 times.
price7204		#7	[-]
(10/13/09 12:46 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	I know I'll take some heat from this, but IMHO, old upright pianos which have a good looking case with great carvings and fancy filigree and really look impressive are good for 2 things. 1. as a decorator 2. as a place to set photos and vases. I have played on literally hundreds of old uprights and have yet to find one that could not be cured by a well placed charge of high explosives. I have not seen one that I could not literally destroy in 10 minutes of hard driving rock and roll pounding. Yeah, I know there are people who swear by their grandmothers old upright grand and extoll them to the highest levels, but for the most part, they are unplayble as a professional instrument. The actions are weak, break easily, have a very heavy touch and will not hold tune. An older console piano or a spinet will serve you far better as a musical instrument. And I agree on one other thing, if you don't know your pianos, take a pro with you to play it and give you his/her opinion------and listen to them! I've seen so many students fail in their endeavors due to the fact that their instructors piano is great, but their old family upright whips them. I don't think I would start one of my kids learning guitar on an old beat up Stella with clunky frets and an impossibly high action. So why would you want to saddle them with an old upright which is the equivalent. I also realize that as parents we want to give our kids the best we can without breaking the family budget. If you cannot afford a decent used spinet or console, buy them a $200-300 Yamaha or Casio keyboard with self contained speakers. At least the child will have a chance to learn on it. Most old uprights will damn them to failure from the git-go. If a pro cannot play it, a student does not stand a chance. The piano itself will whip them. Just my opinion, YMMV. Best Regards, Daryl "The young man knows the rules, but the old man knows the exceptions." Oliver Wendell Holmes
Porky Pig		#8	[-]
(10/13/09 3:04 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Pianos are like guitars ... or any other musical instrument ... you gotta play them until you find the right one. If you are not a player ... your search will be pointless unless you have a pianist help you. Todd, perhaps your piano is just fine. Have you considered asking your kid's piano teacher to check it out? If it passes muster with the instructor, then I wouldn't worry about it. Also, what are they taking their lessons on? I would agree with some of the advice given on this thread ... but not all of it. I've played as many bad console/spinet pianos as I have old uprights. My sister's spinet is the worst piano I have ever played (really!). A low priced Yamaha or Casio keyboard is not a piano ... it's a keyboard with 61 flaccid keys that offers no velocity response or "aftertouch". Old uprights do not have a monopoly on bad pianos ... it just seems that way. There are many, many bad pianos out there ... and they come in all shapes, sizes and brands. Like I said ... you gotta play them until you find the right one ... just like a guitar. So now to your questions ... What does a decent upright piano cost... The used piano market is quite volatile and very fluid (as well as geographical) ... so pricing is all over the map. Consider getting in touch with the local piano techs and letting them know you are in the market for a "solid upright" ... no junk or furniture pieces. Chances are they have one or know of one. In my neighborhood, something like that would have set you back $2,000 to $2,500 around 8 years ago ... possibly less during this recession. ...and how do I know a good one when I find it? If you are a player ... you will know. I searched for 9 years before I stumbled onto mine. The minute I sat down and played it goosebumps broke out across my arms and the back of my neck. I had found the boogie-woogie piano of my dreams and was prepared to spend as much as $3,000 if I had to (it was in an auction). I lucked out ... everyone (except one dealer) at the auction showed no interest in that old upright and I picked it up for $560 ... including delivery. Another $170 for tuning and voicing ... and I had a keeper. That was back in 1997 ... in 2004 we hit the road full time so I put the piano in storage, knowing if I sold it, I would never be able to replace it ... it's that good. My piano tech marvels over it every time he sees it and wants first right of refusal should I ever sell it. So what it it? It's a 1913 Hallet & Davis made is Boston. Hallet & Davis was bought out in 1926 and turned into a piece of junk during the Depression. Folks called those pianos "Haul it & Dump it". But the pre-WWI pianos were considered to be among the very best. Here's a photo ... Porky 2008 Martin Custom 000-18GE 12-fret Slothead Trailer Gypsies
desaljs		#9	[-]
(10/13/09 10:24 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	About a year ago I purchased a new Yamaha upright from a long established, local dealer. If I recall, about $3000.00 delivered and set up. My wife plays a little and my 8 year old daughter is taking lessons. I don't know much about pianos, but I can tell you my wife is happy, my daughter is happy and the instructor is happy with this instrument. I wanted something new, and this fit the bill. Can't get hurt! It sounds wonderful, and is getting better with more play. Has been tuned once so far, and we hope to have it gone over again once the weather gets colder. Jim D
MikeHalloran		#10	[-]
(10/14/09 2:30 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	>I have played on literally hundreds of old uprights and have yet to find one that could not be cured by a well placed charge of high explosives<<br /> I could show you a few that might change your mind. We picked this one up for a fraction of the price of new - from an authorized dealer, no less. Mike Halloran '49 00-28G, '03 000C-16SGTNE, '03 000-15S, Backpacker Mandolin, '60s Style 0 uke, '67 D12-35, '75 D-35S, Cowboy X, Cowboy II (I think that's all the Martins) Many Guilds, Gibsons and Goyas
willdufauve		#11	[-]
(10/14/09 5:02 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	....about a grand.... (bad joke, I'm surprised no one else said it first)
geoffrey lawton		#12	[-]
(10/14/09 8:57 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	gee, mike... a bosendorfer no less. nice catch. i have a 50" Kawai upright i bought new when my wife and i lived in brooklyn in 1983. it's a great piano - action, sound, voice... don't know how much they go for now but i know we paid around 2800.00.
guitargabor		#13	[-]
(10/15/09 7:13 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Basically stay away from any Spinet size. Kawai and Yamaha have very good reputations and have produced some nice uprights. I would get a 48-52 inch console Kawaii or Yamaha not older than 15 years old.Buy used from a reputable piano retailer in your town.They will have inspected and perhaps reconditioned.Also some warranty. About $2200-2500 should result in a very decent one that will play great for years!! As some one else mentioned read Larry Fine's Piano book.Should be avilable in the county library. Good Luck!!
ApKNJ		#14	[-]
(10/26/09 5:31 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	I picked up the aforementioned Piano Book at the used book store last week. After skimming several chapters, I am now certain that if I ever get around to getting a piano (which, while I don't play, I think would be nice to have) it will be a digital. The care and feeding of an acoustic piano, not to mention the pitfalls concerned in buying one, are just more than need. I already have kids. ;-) Fortunately, and on the serious side, I tried several digital pianos at a shop recently, and the action and sound was amazing. On one that was in an acoustic-style cabinet, I was unsure at first if it was in fact an acoustic piano or not. ApK Last Edited By: ApKNJ 10/27/09 8:44 AM. Edited 1 times.
gitpik		#15	[-]
(10/27/09 2:37 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	UP-118S Steinway Upright is a very good investment. Like guitars if you buy a good one it's a joy to play and if the time comes you decide to sell it you won't take the bath you will with a medium priced piano. I've seen some given away just to get them out of the house. You can lead a horse to water but a pencil has to be lead.
Buck49		#16	[-]
(10/27/09 12:47 PM) Moderator Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	...Just my opinion, YMMV For those of you who don't know, Daryl has been a professional piano player for a good many years. Tom Buck
guitargabor		#17	[-]
(10/27/09 10:05 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	gitpik wrote: UP-118S Steinway Upright is a very good investment. Like guitars if you buy a good one it's a joy to play and if the time comes you decide to sell it you won't take the bath you will with a medium priced piano. I've seen some given away just to get them out of the house. They are made by Kawaii for Steinway and sold under the Boston marque....a "regular" Kawaii would cost less and still be of very high quality... Gabe(also a piano player) OM 21 Special,00-18V,000-18GE,J12-16GT,CA cargo,Felix III
Howard Klepper		#18	[-]
(10/28/09 2:40 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Buck49 wrote: ...Just my opinion, YMMV For those of you who don't know, Daryl has been a professional piano player for a good many years. Then its surprising to see him recommend getting an old spinet, which has so many compromises in its action that it never played well when it was brand new.
bjewell		#19	[-]
(10/29/09 9:09 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Most new pianos come from China. Spinets are 99 percent junk. While many pooh-pooh vintage pianos, those made after 1910 or thereabouts can be restrung and rebuilt for less than a new Chinese piano. They will play and sound excellent. I play a 1911 Vose&Sons from Boston that is terrific. Try to find one that has always been well kept with no water damage. There were many good brands as well as some clunkers. Here's a great Site: http://www.immortalpiano....e=vintage-upright-pianos Another: http://www.pianoworld.com/brand_opinion.htm This one is fantastic: http://www.immortalpiano.com/ Good luck! Last Edited By: bjewell 10/30/09 8:34 AM. Edited 1 times.
Lonesome Picker		#20	[-]
(10/31/09 1:41 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	I agree that a good old upright is hard to find, but I derive great pleasure out of my 1907 Mason-Hamlin 54 Incher. As for the price where you'll get a decent upright piano -- one that you'll really want to buckle down with and play -- I'd have to say five thousand. Less than that and they tend to sound either anemic or weird. Less than that and the action can feel sluggish and numb.

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What does a decent upright piano cost...

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