Hello
Can anyone help in choosing a used Yamaha U3 or a Kawai KS-5f. Both are similarly sized. I am a beginner to intermediate playing pieces of up to grade 5. Very little info out there.
Any thoughts appreciated.
Regards
Full Version: help U3 or KS-5f
Are you talking new or second-hand or "reconditioned"?
Both are potentially very good pianos but equally, there are abused and worn out instruments about on the second hand market.
It comes down to trying each and decided which has the best feel and tone. The Kawai is generally considered to be more mellow than the Yamaha. Note that both are normally quite powerful instruments and need to be in a reasonable sized room. Of course they can both be voiced, but that is not without problems and its best to go for the right sound in the first place. There are several previous theads on Viva Piano about Kawaii vs Yamaha, which are well worth searching out and reading through.
When I had short-listed my chosen pianos last year, I spent between four and eight hours playing each in the respective shops before I made my final choice. I was at one big shop in Leeds for three whole days (and still feel slightly guilty that I did not buy one from them in the end). Interestingly, the piano I actually bought was one I played for least time (about 3-4 hours). I just knew it was the right piano within seconds of first touching the keys ? I just couldn?t stop playing it!
Both are potentially very good pianos but equally, there are abused and worn out instruments about on the second hand market.
It comes down to trying each and decided which has the best feel and tone. The Kawai is generally considered to be more mellow than the Yamaha. Note that both are normally quite powerful instruments and need to be in a reasonable sized room. Of course they can both be voiced, but that is not without problems and its best to go for the right sound in the first place. There are several previous theads on Viva Piano about Kawaii vs Yamaha, which are well worth searching out and reading through.
When I had short-listed my chosen pianos last year, I spent between four and eight hours playing each in the respective shops before I made my final choice. I was at one big shop in Leeds for three whole days (and still feel slightly guilty that I did not buy one from them in the end). Interestingly, the piano I actually bought was one I played for least time (about 3-4 hours). I just knew it was the right piano within seconds of first touching the keys ? I just couldn?t stop playing it!
In terms of build quality, they are both excellent, so really the only concern for you is deciding which one you prefer in terms of tone/touch.
Play a bunch of pieces on each piano, as tempting as it is to rush into buying a nice new piano, it's always a good idea to sit down and really get a good feel for what you want. It's an expensive and long term investment, after all.
Play a bunch of pieces on each piano, as tempting as it is to rush into buying a nice new piano, it's always a good idea to sit down and really get a good feel for what you want. It's an expensive and long term investment, after all.
QUOTE(PianissiMole @ Jun 13 2012, 02:02 PM) 
Are you talking new or second-hand or "reconditioned"?
Both are potentially very good pianos but equally, there are abused and worn out instruments about on the second hand market.
It comes down to trying each and decided which has the best feel and tone. The Kawai is generally considered to be more mellow than the Yamaha. Note that both are normally quite powerful instruments and need to be in a reasonable sized room. Of course they can both be voiced, but that is not without problems and its best to go for the right sound in the first place. There are several previous theads on Viva Piano about Kawaii vs Yamaha, which are well worth searching out and reading through.
When I had short-listed my chosen pianos last year, I spent between four and eight hours playing each in the respective shops before I made my final choice. I was at one big shop in Leeds for three whole days (and still feel slightly guilty that I did not buy one from them in the end). Interestingly, the piano I actually bought was one I played for least time (about 3-4 hours). I just knew it was the right piano within seconds of first touching the keys ? I just couldn?t stop playing it!
What did you buy PianissiMole?
I ended up buying "Becky":
She is a 1902 Bechstein model VI grand. I bought her from Bluthner's in London - fully reconditioned and renovated.
She is a 1902 Bechstein model VI grand. I bought her from Bluthner's in London - fully reconditioned and renovated.
QUOTE(PianissiMole @ Jun 20 2012, 11:35 AM)
I ended up buying "Becky":
Becky is a 1902 Bechstein model VI grand. I bought her from Bluthner's in London - fully reconditioned and renovated.
Looking forward to forum party at Moley's.
That was quick! 
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