Brand new piano Options

[Misterioso]

Kembles are still available, but they are Yamahas brought in from Japan and marketed as Kembles, they are not the ones previously made in Gloucestershire

I always learn so much from these forums!

I have a mental shortlist now (in no particular order):

Kawai
Schimmel
May Berlin

I'm keeping an open mind about particular models, because of course the proof of the pudding is in the playing, but thanks so much for suggestions and feedback, which have been really valuable. I think there may be a problem with colour, though; I really don't fancy a black piano. Ideally, a natural-looking wood would be good, but failing that, I would veer towards white over black. I think I could live with a white piano, but OH says they look gimmicky. Any opinions?

[fsharpminor]

I mentioned Chamberlain music earler re Kawai, but more accessible for you might be Forsyths in Manchester. JS pianos in Edgware Rd London, or The Piano Man in Leeds

[Susie]

I'm keeping an open mind about particular models, because of course the proof of the pudding is in the playing, but thanks so much for suggestions and feedback, which have been really valuable. I think there may be a problem with colour, though; I really don't fancy a black piano. Ideally, a natural-looking wood would be good, but failing that, I would veer towards white over black. I think I could live with a white piano, but OH says they look gimmicky. Any opinions?

Personally I would agree with your OH. I think white pianos are still a bit unusual, and if you're ever thinking of part-exchange in the future, you might do better with a black one (or a natural wood as you prefer). Also the black pianos these days tend to be lacquer and so are quite shiny and reflective, so it doesn't look as though you have a big black box standing there.

[Louise H]

Also the black pianos these days tend to be lacquer and so are quite shiny and reflective, so it doesn't look as though you have a big black box standing there.

Rather off topic, but I have a 15 yo pupil who looks at his reflection in my piano to check what his hair looks like! It's rather a way of distracting himself from what he's supposed to be focusing on! I keep thinking of finding a cloth or something to cover the front of the piano so he can't see his reflection any more! None of my other pupils have this issue...

[Misterioso]

[quote name='Susie' date='Aug 13 2012, 04:31 PM' post='1164839']
I think there may be a problem with colour, though; I really don't fancy a black piano. Ideally, a natural-looking wood would be good, but failing that, I would veer towards white over black. I think I could live with a white piano, but OH says they look gimmicky. Any opinions?
[/quote]

Personally I would agree with your OH. I think white pianos are still a bit unusual, and if you're ever thinking of part-exchange in the future, you might do better with a black one (or a natural wood as you prefer). Also the black pianos these days tend to be lacquer and so are quite shiny and reflective, so it doesn't look as though you have a big black box standing there.
[/quote]
I'm sincerely hoping this will be the last piano I ever buy! (Mind you, I thought that about my Schimmel.) Actually, it's the shiny lacquer that I object to.... I can see your point, but I suppose the workings inside a white piano will be as good as the identical model in another colour - at least, I hope so!

[sbhoa]

Also the black pianos these days tend to be lacquer and so are quite shiny and reflective, so it doesn't look as though you have a big black box standing there.

Rather off topic, but I have a 15 yo pupil who looks at his reflection in my piano to check what his hair looks like! It's rather a way of distracting himself from what he's supposed to be focusing on! I keep thinking of finding a cloth or something to cover the front of the piano so he can't see his reflection any more! None of my other pupils have this issue...

I wouldn't want a black shiny one either.
Another use for this finish is as a mirror for accompanists....

[katyjay]

I'm sincerely hoping this will be the last piano I ever buy! (Mind you, I thought that about my Schimmel.) Actually, it's the shiny lacquer that I object to.... I can see your point, but I suppose the workings inside a white piano will be as good as the identical model in another colour - at least, I hope so!

Get a red one (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

http://www.fazioli.com/en/pianoforti/special/marco-polo

[dacapo]

I wouldn't want a black shiny one either.
Another use for this finish is as a mirror for accompanists....

Yes, it's quite good for that. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) One of the warm-up rooms at my nearest exam centre has a shiny black upright with its back against the wall and no easy way to get eye-contact with the soloist. We've been housing my son's creamy-white Yamaha upright for a while and if the only choice is that or shiny black I'd opt for the black. I think perhaps I trust shiny black more not to discolour with age.

Will you be able to visit anywhere that deals both in new and in high quality reconditioned older instruments? I do hope when you get with the actual instruments you'll find something that really appeals to you, with just the right touch and a finish you'll be happy to live with.

[maggiemay]

(*tentatively*)
Actually I have a shiny black one and I quite like it.

[Seer_Green]

(*tentatively*)
Actually I have a shiny black one and I quite like it.

And me (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Misterioso]

The deed is done.

I have on order a brand new Schimmel, the nearest equivalent to my old piano (which is no longer made). It's in a natural wood, and is actually a slight upgrade on my other Schimmel. The factory in Germany has one instrument (the model and colour I wanted) ready to go, and it is reserved for me. The insurers have verbally approved it (although we don't have it in writing yet) and we are just waiting now for the money to be transferred, and it will be on its way to the UK. I have to go back to Forsyth's in Manchester (where I ordered it) at some stage to try it out in case of any minor adjustments, and they will have a technician on hand to do any minor tweaks needed. Then they will store it until the house is ready.

Thanks to the kind forumite who met me in Manchester to give me a much-valued second opinion.

Tentatively (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) .

Edit: The sales team asked us to take photographs of the damaged instrument so that they could give a verdict to the insurers. They seemed quite shocked, and said it was one of the worst cases of flood damage they had ever seen. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

[Louise H]

Fantastic news! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Hope all the administrative bits go through smoothly for you and that the transport etc goes without a hitch too.

[katyjay]

That's great news (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[maggiemay]

That's very promising! so pleased to know there is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Susie]

Good - another step along the way. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)