Ready to Purchase a Vertical

After months of research and shopping (in northeast Wisconsin), I had pretty much decided on a Y/C Pramberger 121, which I can buy for about $3600 delivered. I realize that I don't have the budget or space for a grand at this time, and the Pramberger seems like a great value. On the day I planned to purchase the piano, I played a few Kawai vertcals and really loved the full, rich tone of a K50. It's about $2000 more, and now I'm trying to decide if I should take on some debt in order to have the Kawai, or be content with the more affordable Pramberger, knowing I will upgrade in the future. Any feedback on thses specific models? All comments welcome.

'Let's forget about tomorrow for Tomorrow never comes!'

'Knowing I will upgrade in the future'... forget about it ! Future is so, so far.

I'm stuck with a Korean made piano. I don't think it will be easy (or feasible) to sell it. The economical situation is not getting better, so I can't save money for a better piano ... in the future. Most of the 'temporary' situation become permanent.

Many people on this newsgroup have much more knowledge of this subject than I do, but I am posting to help you gather comments. I have a Kawai vertical, similar to a K50, over 25 years old, and it still plays well. However, the high end has never sounded very good. It doesn't sing. If you find a Kawai that sings on the high end, it might be a good piano, based on this sole experience, but these things change over time. I understand that Kawai uses certain types of parts in their actions which may add to their longevity. I know absolutely nothing about the Pramberger, although I have read some comments here.

I recent purchased a 20 year old used Kawai vertical (BL-51, described as a 50' but measures 49'. It was roughly the same price as a new Korean piano, but I like the sound and action better than any of the Korean pianos I played. The high end is certainly sweeter than my old Baldwin spinet and I like the sound, but doesn't sing as well as some of the better pianos I played (but couldn't afford). It was the best piano within my budget and sold by a dealer-technician that I liked with a solid reputation. The bottom line was that I really liked the piano in question and will enjoy playing it for the forseeable future.

My suggestion to the original poster is to buy the best piano within your budget. There is *always* a little better piano for just a little more money. Decide what you can really afford and then shop around and bargain for the best piano within the parameters. Don't settle for a piano you don't really like with the hope for a future upgrade since this is not cost-effective and you won't be happy playing a piano you don't like. Look for a used piano in good shape if the new one you like isn't within your budget.

If your choice is either: 1. buy Pramberger now for $3600, sell it in 5 years and buy something else; or 2. buy Kawai now for $3600 cash and $2000 loan ($6000 total cost including interest) and not buy anything else in 5 years

then

You come out far ahead by buying the Kawai. You will have the piano you like for all those years and you won't be faced with having to take the loss on the first piano when you sell it to buy the one you really want.

What you have discovered is that you shouldn't decide on an instrument until you have 'played the field' pretty well. Since no you know what you really want, you probably should do what it takes to buy that - you'll be happier in the long run and better off financially as well. Of course, if your financial situation is not able to sustain the $2000 of debt, then you could consider alternatives. Buying a new piano with the intention of trading it in a few years later is generally a losing proposition financially, though.

Thanks to Pax and all. I think I'm going to get the Kawai K50. It's beautiful to play, listen to and look at. In a few years the extra money will seem less important and the piano will still be a fine one.

I believe that is the right move, the instrument needs to make you feel good and want to play.

Brian

I took the plunge and purchased a Kawai K50E for $5,390. It gets delivered next Tuesday. Thanks for help and feedback. I think it's a great choice!

I got the chance to play a bunch of different Kawai grands and baby grands last weekend, James. I was so impressed with their clarity and uniformity of sound. I haven't tried one of their uprights, but if they are of the same quality (and I'm certain that they are), then you are probably getting a truly fine instrument. Congratulations.