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Hello, I would love some feedback and help in making the decision of buying my next piano.

I am a young piano teacher, I teach beginner piano students. My own training only goes until late intermediate. I would love to continue taking lessons to get more classical and advanced training.

I currently teach from an old, Wurlitzer upright that plays okay and holds a tune, but needs to be replaced by a better piano.

I really would love to have a grand to teach from and continue my training.

I am looking at a Krakauer Grand piano, 5'7", late 1920's-late 1930's that is being fully restored by a local tuner/technician. He's knowledgable and I trust him. He warranties his instruments for 10 years to hold a tune and need no major repairs/replacements. He's asking $3000.

The piano has been refinished (a mediocre job) in black so it doesn't have the nice walnut finish it probably once had.

This piano seems to fit my price range (tops $3000). He'll take my old upright and move this grand for free. Does it seems like a smart buy? Any experience with this period of Krakauer grands? Thank you!

Did you play it?

What will matter is not how Krakauers were, but how this one is now. Get another tech to look at it.

I couldn't play it because it's still taken apart. He's going to call me when it's put back together and I'll play it then.

"Fully restored" and "$3000" do not equate.

It just may be an incredible instrument!

My krakauer 56" upright sure was!

It still is to this day THE best upright piano I have ever played.

Every part meticulously rebuilt or replaced. Regilded plate, Refinished cabinet, brand spanking new set of pearly white ivories. Refinished soundboard (shimmed and all) New pins. new action felts/leather, new strings, new dampers...

On and on and on.

What did I pay for this incredible instrument? A whopping $50 from the rebuilder himself!

Unfortunately, that just illustrates the problem with pricing old instruments even when they are in good condition.

"Fully Restored and $3000 do not equate"

Good point. I did mis-"type" that. He got the piano used and has replaced everything that needed to be replaced which was the felts, hammers...maybe a few other things. The sound board and pin block were in great shape, tight and didn't need to be replaced.


Also, I played the piano tonight. Whew. It was FAST. The action is so responsive. I was kind of blown away. The tone is great. I really like it. He said it's one of the best Actions he's seen on a piano. He said something about there only being 2 lead weights in the keys? I'm pretty clueless when it comes to piano mechanisms but this seems to be good thing? Anyone know about this?

Thank you for all for the advice and comments. i went for it and bought the piano for $2800 including moving and tuning so I feel good about it. I LOVE the sound and now just wish I had a big room with vaulted ceilings to enhance the sound quality.

Blessings!

Congratulations! Please share pictures if you can. We'd love to see such an uncommon piano.

Congratulations! Sounds like you got a really good deal.

I’ve learned that it is hard to find a decent, playable grand piano for under $3K, regardless of age.

Best regards,

Rick

From what I have learned about Krakauer pianos on the web, it seems that you have gotten yourself a high quality instrument. Congratulations.

+1

Congratulations!

Yes! I know it will bring you great enjoyment. Krakauer is one of my favorite brands. They built one heck of a quality instrument. If you look online you will notice its highly esteemed, and I believe is a tier one instrument.

I sure miss mine!