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It’s a bit confusing to piano buyers when the piano company has been changing hands several time. Maybe someone could help me…

I’m looking at black Baldwin upright 44” model E100 serial 1576644 MSRP of $6495; but offered at $3699 in Costco. When I go to the www.baldwinpiano.com the E100 model wasn’t even listed. They said that it's the new name for the retired 560E series. It’s manufactured in Nashville, TN… yet, Baldwin’s factory is supposed to be in OH. Baldwin piano is famous for being a bit mellow in tone. This piano is VERY bright in color… it’s not bad, though… just not the typical Baldwin. THAT’S what made me think of “is there something that I don’t know about this piano?”

Should I focus on a used Yamaha build 1970 - 1980 build in the prime years of Yamaha quality for that amount of money?

Any helps would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

RSW-You are partially correct about most of the information that you posted, so, maybe I can help clear a couple of things up.

First of all the company has not changed hands several times. The company was sold to Gibson in 2001 and has remained there since that time. The Baldwin model E-100 that you have seen is not the replacement of the 560 series, it is simply a different series altogether. It features the Stealth action and twin peak balance rail as well as a 25 year warranty. Its cabinet design is similar but comes in three different finishes. High Polish Ebony, High Polish Mahogany and High Polish Cherry. The Baldwin piano has never been manufactured in Nashville, that is where the corporate offices are. The manufacturing facility for this model is in Trumann Ark. and has been for 31 years. The factory that was located in Ohio has been closed for over ten years now, but, it never manufactured this particular model. The reason it is not on the website is because it was a fairly new model that came out in 2006 and was never placed on the website. This piano is superior to a used Yamaha and the price is exceptional. Yes, I would buy it over any other piano in its similar price point becuase I worked at Baldwin for many years and I know it is not only a great piano but, at the price you quoted a great buy as well.

Hope this helps

Ric Overton
ric@pianosd.com
PianoSD-San Diego

Ric, Thank you soo much for your input. It's great to hear that from person who had worked with Baldwin piano. I really appreciate it.

Best,

RSW