I have recently been told by 2 different teachers thet I need a new piano. I have been playing on a clavinova since grade 2 or 3 but I have been told that I should now be using a real piano because of the different techniques I am learning - half-pedalling, cantabile etc. I am just touching on Grade 8.

Which makes of piano should I be looking at/avoiding? I don't really have a clue about brands because I am a first study clarinettist! I am looking for an upright piano - I would love a grand but the space in the house or my parents don't allow for that! So we are looking for something that doesn't cost the earth! We will probably be buying second-hand.

Could anyone give me any advice?

Thanks
Kate
x

Dear Kate:

I've been currently looking at the Yahama Model :U1,U3 and U5.(U1-cheapest,U3-about middle range and U5-the most expensive).
I think for grade8 and beyond,you should really be thinking about this Yahama U family.I personaly think that for practise purposes as a profession pianist, I would go for a U5( you should really try it out, just to see if it suits you and whether you like it or not),It's got a wonderful rich tone which can make comparsion with a grand.However a U1 can be consider advanturous because it's got a quick response to fast music passages and simultaneously having good tone(off course,U5 have a much better tonality).

But for buying a new piano,I think you should really try the piano out first,sometimes the piano which I like may not suits other people....that's only my opinions, hope that you'll find a beloving piano in the soon future!

regards,

pianist_1210

I think in a lot of cases the individual piano isn't necessarily representative of its make, so be open minded. There is a horrible Steinway in my college music room.

QUOTE (Catrin @ Mar 19 2005, 03:51 AM)

I think in a lot of cases the individual piano isn't necessarily representative of its make, so be open minded. There is a horrible Steinway in my college music room.

yeah, just because its a steinway doesn't mean it has to be good... but im lucky enough to have a good steinway in my home.

The most important thing is to try the piano out before you buy. Age can really affect pianos so you need to have a feel on the piano before you decide if you want it. Yamaha U series is really good though!

I'd recommend Boston uprights - designed by Steinway, then mass-produced on their behalf, reducing the cost considerably. They have a lovely tone, a bit less sparkly than the Yamahas, so are better suited to classical rather than rock piano.

Hello
If buying new ....My tuner said value for money would be Yamaha....I bought a C3 and it's fantastic....the bass is very rich....when my tuner played it he said it was unbelievable.......
Well he maybe just likes Yamaha...but Iv'e heard others make similar comments....
I have a Clavinova as well and it's great but not like the real thing......
BFN Mike


Good Luck hope you find what you want..

I like Yamaha too. Some of my students have a new Yamaha Grand and its great, but unfortunately like you, I don't have enough room for one. I'm sure both your teachers will be happy to give you their reccommendations. Be careful if you do buy second hand. Get it checked out by your teachers/piano tuner to make sure its in good condition/value for money/free from woodworm etc.

I've got a Yamaha too, and I'm very happy with it!

If you're buying second hand I think there are some good books on what to watch for (try an Amazon search?). Might cost you a few quid but if it saves you buying a dud it's worth it.
If you like Yamaha's the Us are probably top of the range, but from memory I think they're the taller beasts - if you have a small room anything bigger than 116 to 118 cm will just be too loud.
Consider the access you've got - mine had to come up a flight of stairs, and while the weight was no problem, getting it around the corners made me very glad I'd gone 116cm rather than 118.

You generally get what you pay for - many manufacturers will share the same suppliers of components, it's the care they're put together with. Look out for brands that are the "cheap" cousins of the brand leaders. Yamaha have an excellent reputation, I personally can't stand the sound but you need to find something you can live with.

Work out a budget, work out how big an instrument is practical (bigger IS better for bass, but bear in mind the size of your room), and try lots - your grade 7 list pieces probably give a good range of styles so that you can form an opinion of each instrument. If you're trying out in a shop, expect to be there a good hour if you're trying a range - if they hurry you on, just walk.
If you're buying second hand, ask how often the piano's been tuned and serviced - something you won't be used to as a Clavinova owner!

see below

I have played a variety of Kemble pianos since I started lessons a couple of years ago , and bought a new Oxford last year, which I really like - it has a bright tone a good action and is very enjoyable to play. It is compact, at 110 cm but sounds great.

I believe Kemble are owned by Yahama, but are made in the UK.

Piano shops seem to discount prices significantly - so it is worth haggling over price. If you are buying new, it is worth researching the cheapest price on the internet and then asking your local shop if they can match it. It's also worth asking for extras to clinch the deal - I got a free stall thrown in when I brought mine.