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Greetings,

I’m currently shopping for a new/used upright piano. My local piano sales opportunities are quite limited. I need to geographically broaden my piano search for more options.

Time to hit the “City of the Angeles” (and surrounding areas). I’ll probably start in the north end (San Fernando, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena) then expand from there as needed.

Doing a modest web search shows plenty of piano dealers. Unfortunately, I don’t have the luxury of hitting all of them (health issues). I need the assistance of this group to narrow down the piano store options to a smaller number. I’m looking for reputable dealers. I don’t like used car sales tactics or high pressure. I’m looking for dealers that stand behind the sale. Ideally, the store has a large selection (especially used pianos).

I would appreciate the names of dealers that you personally trust or can vouch for. I know this can be subjective, but I trust the group’s opinions to steer me in the right direction. I’m hoping to keep this thread positive and request that you leave out the names of poor dealers.

Thank you for your help, TR

Upright or Grand?

F

I know the owners of both Keyboard Concepts and Hollywood Pianos well. Both have excellent reputations both within the piano industry and with the LA community.

I can recommend both with gusto!

Steve,

No higher praise can be bestowed on a dealer than the coveted "Recommended with Gusto!".

Thank you for your input.

TR

No higher praise??? Sure it can!

"Recommended with Gusto...and their pianos are free."

I want to see that list!!!

And then there is Knauer Pianos in Tarzana.

http://ipianos.com/

2nd for both Hollywood Piano and Keyboard Concepts. My current upright (which I ideally want to sell/trade to get a grand) came from Keyboard Concepts (Tustin)

KC has many stores to browse (Santa Barbara, Tustin, Van Nuys etc) and Hollywood Piano Company has a couple also.

Both of them have excellent pianos, service, after sales especially, open attitude and pleasant knowledgeable people

Can't go wrong with either. BTW KC Van Nuys has a HUGE section for their used pianos with some "really" nice units in there, mostly grands though..

- SC

ChatNoir,

Knauer Pianos has a small warehouse in Agoura. It's not too far away so I stopped in last week and met owner Ben Knauer. He seemed like a decent chap and the prices seemed reasonable. He recommended I check out the Tarzana store.

I'll add that to my list.

Thank you,TR

TTigg,

"BTW KC Van Nuys has a HUGE section for their used pianos"

Thanks for the tip. Having lots of used pianos in one location is a good thing. I'd rather be tryin' than drivin'.

TR

Besides those already mentioned...

Keyboard Concepts in Tustin is a nice joint. They have a nice selection of sheet music as well as pianos. John Mila from the forum works there. He's knowledgeable and good to work with.

Kim's in Garden Grove has a very nice selection at many different price points. Benjamin Kim sure seems like a fine fellow.

The Steinway Gallery in West Hollywood has a small selection, but worth checking out. Their pianos are always in good shape.

Central Piano in Glendale seems to have fallen on hard times, but if you can talk to Art there you might like the visit.

Hanmi in Garden Grove are not pushy, but they don't seem to know exactly how to relate to non-Koreans. They are nice people, though. Cheap prices but not sure about the prep. You should certainly pay them a visit.

Field's in Orange County has a huge selection. They are salesmen there, no doubt, but I've never had a negative experience there. They have such a wide selection it might be the only stop you need to make.

Unfortunately my favorite shop, Waltrip's in Arcadia, is gone. I would go there to rent a studio for practice and Owen would INSIST that I go play the Bechsteins and Seilers. And he knew very well I could never afford any of those pianos. It paid off though, I bought a Kawai from him!

Truly, I cannot say I ever had a negative experience at any piano shop in Southern California.

PlowBoy,

Great list. Looks like some fresh meat down in Orange county. I'll make a trip down south if the north end doesn't pan out.

Thank you, TR

Me neither. We're spoiled out here.

I'll add Pierre Julia. Antiquated web site, but really fun guy!

http://www.pierresfinepianos.com/

What's with the 'plowboy' stuff? Have you taken up a new line of work?

turandot,

I just checked out Pierre's link. Looks like a decent selection of used pianos. I gave him a call to enquire on some prices. It was a pleasure talking with him. I'll definitely drop by to play a few pianos.

Thanks for the tip,

TR

Another recommendation for Pierre Julia.....

But I also bought a Yamaha S6 from Dennis Haggerty, owner of Keyboard Concepts, in '97.

And bought a Yamaha C7E from Field's in their old Santa Anna location in '85.

Indeed. All we need is a Hailun dealer?



Wow, thought I'd been to every showroom around. I'll check them out. I might be in the market for a small grand soon.

Mr. Super Hunky talked me into it.

The Piano Outlet in Oxnard is a great shop as well. Owner is Bob Auletta and the website is www.thepianooutletco.com

Just depends on where you are and what you need. All of the L A dealers are fine guys.

Ric Overton
www.pianosd.com

Well, there's pianobroker's Past Perfect Pianos and I believe Hollywood carries them, too.

What we need are more CW dealers.

Thanks to all for the very helpful input.

That should keep me busy for a while.

I'm headed out now to check out a few of the stores and see if anything catches my eye (and ear).


TR

You should go to the Kasimoff Blüthner store in Hollywood.