Hi - I'm considering purchasing a Kawai GE-1 (52") manufactu...

Hi -

I'm considering purchasing a Kawai GE-1 (52" manufactured in 1992. I haven't seen it in person (but I will next week), and the seller says it is in pretty good condition...just some mild cabinet scratches. Seller is asking $5000, but I can probably get down to $4000-4500. Is this a fair price, or is it worth less than I think, considering the age and condition? Thanks!

The GE-1 retailed for around $13000 in the late 1980s when they were first manufactured. They're a solid instrument, generally quite a nice tone in the mid and upper range. The bass can be a little ploddy, but this is typical for the bass strings in a piano of this size.

I think the price is probably fair, but getting it down further is good for you, obviously.

Considering the price of the piano, it could be worth your while having it looked over by a tuner before you purchase it. The cost of having someone look at it would give you a better, informed decision.

All the best.