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I'm looking at buying my wife a baby grand piano for her birthday as a surprise. She use to play (and teach) a good bit when she was younger, but is in no way a professional. I'm not looking for a concert quality piano, just a decent entry-level one.

I have found a Shaffer and Sons, Model GE-1 (2002) for $3000. Not sure about the brand or price. Any opinions or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

A better idea would be to surprise your wife by taking her piano shopping, so that she can decide on what she will have to live with. Schaefer & Sons pianos were variable, but generally not very high quality.

I like BDB's idea, surprise her with the announcement of going piano shopping so she can pick it out. Be creative with the news, have fun with it..and she will finding the piano that suites her. Awesome Gift which ever you go!!

A piano music box, with the promise of the real thing, is always a hit, and lets her participate is the shopping process.

Matt,

I have been researching and shopping for a small grand for my wife for about 4 months now. I've learned a lot, but we're no closer to buying one. It has to be the most difficult purchase on an item I have ever had to make. So, you shouldn't run out and buy one essentially blind.

She's been able to play the smallest kawai and yamahas as well as a few other lesser-known china brands. She liked the yamaha, but the concensus here is to buy one that's larger than 5'. There just aren't many stores in our areas, so we're waiting for a chance to drive farther away to visit other stores and let her play other pianos.

All that to say take your time, do the research, and let her be the ultimate judge.

I second Steve's music box suggestion.

I definitely like the music box idea...I would NOT recommend buying a piano, she needs to be in on the shopping, and buying process. You wouldn't want to get her one, and then she doesn't like it. That would be bad! Good Luck!

They've told you all just about the same; do NOT buy some piano for your wife that she hasn't decided on or you may be in for a shock. I' putting this as frankly as I know how. Pianos are among the most personal things one owns and we rarely like others to choose them for us. If you don't want your wife to be very disappointed or worse you'll take our advice. Besides searching for "her" piano can be a lot of fun.