Schumann 55 grand

A friend just bought a 7-year old 5'5' Schumann C-80A grand, s/n 8611576, with a cherrywood finish and an upholstered bench for $1100. I played the instrument and found it to be in reasonable tune although the owner said it has not been tuned in five years. The finish is flawless and I could see no rust or corrosion on the strings. The action is a little bit stiff, but it took only a short while to get accustomed to it. The owner has rarely played it since she bought it new from a dealer. It was delivered to her house and has remained in the same spot ever since except for once when she had it professionally moved from one room to another.

I am unqualified to evaluate a piano from any perspective other than that of a player. I found it pleasant to play. My friend made his offer based only on my opinion. I recommended getting a technician to look it over, but he didn't feel it was necessary based on the age of the piano, the fact that it had been well-cared for, kept in a climate controlled environment, and always had a dehumidifier hooked up, for whatever all that's worth. He was certain if he didn't lock in the sale, the next person to come along would buy it. He loves it. It was an impulse purchase. He's not a pianist, but is scheduled to take lessons.

I can find no reference to this piano or the Schumann line of pianos on the internet with a google search. The mover I recommended is familiar with it and thinks it is Asian.

The owner said she did not want to sell to a dealer, had not had the piano evaluated or appraised and would pay for the first tuning after the piano is moved. She said it originally cost about $7000, but my guess is that she did not haggle much when she bought it.

What can the piano-knowledgeable members out there tell me that I can pass on to my friend so he knows more about what he bought?

Thanks in advance

Al Stevens

Hi Al, assuming you are correct on the spelling, that's one of the Samick stencils. I have also seen a Shumann (without the 'C' made in the old Soviet bloc and it was really awful. Possibly the worst piano I've ever seen.

Gerry

How about that? Now I have to stop saying I've never met a Samick I didn't hate.

There was a Schumann Piano Company in Illinois that opened in 1895. I found a reference to another non-piano manufacturer who bought the Schumann factory in about 1939.

Greetings,

Short answer. It's a Samick. Similar to Horugel, Stegler or Hazelton. If it's not a Samick it's a Kimball, but let's not think about that.

Regards,