are baby grands better than upright verticals?

[Kevin E. Ramsey]

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Sunnia,=20
    This is the best advice I can give you. You're looking at a 5'4" =
model.
     Gee, that's right on the cusp between what a piano should be, and =
isn't, and a piano. The Yamaha C2 is 5'8". That, or a Kawai in a similar =
size is what you need. The difference in length is about the size of =
your palm, that's all. I suppose the big question is "how much room do =
you need for the bench?". Right about that size, we get into the problem =
of how to make the piano harmonics sound good, or do we go in for a =
bunch of "compromises". =20
    The Grand Piano has the advantage over an upright by virtue of the =
action. The hammers are returned by gravity, the repetition is quicker, =
the touch is more predictable.
    If you find a piano that is used, always have a piano technician go =
through it before you buy. You should be there while it's inspected. If =
the technician doesn't pull the action out of the piano, ask him to do =
so. It's necessary to examine the condition of the internal parts.=20
    If you go to buy a new piano, be aware of the concept of the "Asking =
Price", as opposed to the "Selling Price."  There may be a lot of =
latitude there. Don't just walk in and buy on impulse.=20
    One last thing. Some dealers don't properly prepare their pianos =
before they send them out. Just because you have a nice brand-new piano, =
doesn't mean that the sound or the touch you're getting from it is what =
you're stuck with. If you have a qualified technician, ask him about =
regulating and voicing the piano. Unlike tuning, these things only have =
to be done once in a great while.
    Your last name is Lin. That would be Chinese, I believe. Then you =
already know how to bargain, right? If not, seek guidance from your =
parents.=20
    Kevin E. Ramsey, R.P.T.
  ----- Original Message -----=20
  From: Sunnia Lin=20
  To: pianotech@ptg.org=20
  Sent: Tuesday, March 04, 2003 2:59 PM
  Subject: are baby grands better than upright verticals?


  Hi,

  I am not a piano technician.  I joined the mailing
  list because I would like to elicit your expert
  opinions.

  I am in the market for a piano (new or used).  Since
  I've never purchased a piano before, I'd appreciate
  your help very much.

  I live in an 800 sq ft apartment.  Since I don't have
  much furniture, it does look quite spacy.  I think the
  place can at the maximum fit a 5'4" baby grand.  I
  would like to know if I'll get a bigger bang for the
  buck for a baby grand or an upright vertical, in terms
  of quality.

  Also, what are some "value" brands/models for pianos?=20
  For example, in cars, most people would associate
  Camry or Accord "value" cars because of their
  reliability/usefulness and price.  And what prices
  should I be expected to pay for such "value" pianos if
  purchased new?

  I guess I would say that I am an intermediate piano
  player.  I grew up playing Yamaha and Kawai uprights
  (models unsure).

  Thanks so much in advance for your help and expertise!

  Sunnia




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