Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Piano Forum Help me choose, please

I am wanting to buy a first and last grand for my dedicated intermediate student teenage daughter. I have read "the book" and almost every post on this board. My short list is down to two and I would love and appreciate your opinions.

Number one is a 1985 Baldwin SF-10 in A condition for $12,700. The other is a new Hailun HG-178 at a few thousand less.

I can afford either and want the best for my child. What say you, please?

I am not familar with the HG-178 so I can't comment on that instrument. I do think the Baldwin SF-10 in A condition is a great piano.

Rich

I'd take the Baldwin if it's been maintained well.

The Baldwin is a super piano. A completely proven, highly respected top-of-the-line instrument. The Hailun is a newcomer surrounded by hype and accompanied with many question marks.

Hello Guapo Gabacho,and welcome to the form! I'd go with the the Hailun HG-178. It's brand new (25 years newer) and it's an excellent piano. They use Röslau strings from Germany and they also use German hammers in this piano.Even if the Hailun were the same price as the Baldwin I'd buy the Hailun. It's a no-brainier! It's also a beautiful sounding piano with a lovely treble (very clear) and a great base for the piano. Here's a link of a Hailun HG-178 from PianoWorkAtlanta : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiK6pImNJ6I. It really does sound beautiful! Enjoy. I'm sure your daughter will get much pleasure from it.

Does your dedicated intermediate student teenage daughter prefer the tone and touch of one over the other?

Our Hailun dealer is 350 miles away so there is no comparing the two yet. She is also one that takes what she gets without comment and loves her Samick JS-247 studio. Thanks for asking.

So what?
Many of the lousier pianos I've played tout the source of their parts. By the same token, many of the better pianos I've played tout the source of their parts. I think I remember reading some or all of the action parts for the SF-10 (at some point in their production) were from Renner, but that alone isn't a great reason to buy one.

This is a tough question to answer due to the significant age and size disparity between these two models. I've played many SF-10's but never a Hailun at this point, to be fair. Looking at the two pianos in my office (see signature), I'd take the 7' Baldwin over the 5'7" Steinway any day of the week, provided the condition of both instruments were similar...unfortunately, in my case, they aren't!

Unless there are major repair issues with the Baldwin, or major space issues with the room, or unless you put a huge and unreasonable premium on buying new, I can't imagine comparing a top-flight semi-concert grand with a Hailun living room grand -- let alone making a 350-mile trip to do so. Baldwins are underpriced these days, and 12.5k for a 1985 model in good shape is low even in an underpriced market (again assuming good condition). If there were any doubt, one could watch some youtube videos of SF-10s (well-prepped and well-tuned ones). This is a top-level performance piano at home on the stage.

I am also in the market. Having played a brand new SF10, I must say that if I could find a used one in "A" condition for $12.7K I might buy it on the spot. Well, first I'd play it, then I'd get my RPT to take a look at it just to make sure, and then I'd offer them $11.5K to see if they bite. Then I'd buy it.

Baldone

PS. This said, if you end up not buying it and it's anywhere near Texas, please let me know by PM, and I'll go take a look

Spooky! I did offer 11.7 to no avail, the local RPT is looking at it Thursday, and it is in Texas,

Darn! I have to ask, how did you find out about it? Is it at a dealer? I have been looking on craigslist in a 250 mile radius of DFW. I have been to almost every dealer in town.

If for any reason you decide not to buy it ...

Anyway, best of luck! I hope it's a good one.

Baldone

The Hailun sounds fairly good on the video but personally I think the Baldwin will blow it out of the water, if it has been maintained well and needs no extensive work. Like Charleslang said, you're comparing a top grade semi concert stage piano to a consumer grade parlor grand. Side by side I would wager the Baldwin would be superior in most every aspect.

She deserves a nice piano! Good luck no matter what you choose.

Thank you one and all, but the dealer made the choice easy by accepting my $11,700 offer for the SF-10. He also gave me a five year all inclusive warranty. I am in a very poor area of Texas, the Rio Grande Valley, and its 15% unemployment rate must have played a part in the acceptance of my offer.

It, by the way, is in fabulous condition and a RPT will be doing his inspection Thursday to firm up the deal.

Congratulations! Hopefully the tech inspection will check out and this piano will give your daughter and you many years of enjoyment.

Congratulations. Hope it checks out for you. I think you made the right decision.

Congratulations. I hope the inspection result is positive and that it gives your daughter many years of enjoyment.

I am doubly comforted in knowing that it would have been too long a drive for me and that someone very deserving will be enjoying it.

Baldone

Lucky!

*German felts* not "German hammers"

Perhaps some of the new ones will but I don't believe they're in circulation yet.

To keep the info correct.

Norbert