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Hello all,

Our family finally has the opportunity to get a piano and of course we want something that will be great. We will probably have it for quite a while since we have three kids that will likely all take lessons, and I'd like to get back into playing myself.

I looked around my local piano stores and the only ones I really liked within our budget were a Petrof P125 and the Kawai K6. I'm leaning towards the Kawai but I wasn't really comfortable with the dealer; I much preferred the store that sold the Petrofs. Should this even be a factor?

Another option we are considering is looking at some used grands, since we have the space. There is a 12-year old Kawai RX-1 being sold privately here for just under $11000 and a 23 year old GE-2 for just under $10000.

Any advice would be appreciated, this is a large purchase for us and I don't want to get it wrong.

Have the RX-1 checked by an independent piano tech. ptg.org
Then buy it if it is ok.

Thanks Chas. I actually have a chance to look at 2 RX-1s, one from 1997 and the other 2001. I find it difficult to find any information about older models of these pianos, does anybody know what type of action these older pianos use? My understanding is that it's not the Millenium III action they use now but something else - was it still the ABS action? Were these good pianos?

I have small children I have to bring with me, so you might understand that I want to make sure I'm very interested in something before I go look at it.

Hi Concertina - Welcome to Piano World!

The RX-1 is a good piano. Either one will have an ABS action but I'm not sure when the Millenium III was introduced. A member her, Kawai Don, is with Kawai USA. Search out his membership and send him a PM. Having the serial numbers would be a good idea. He is always very helpful. The RX is a step up from the GE.

With any used piano, have it checked out by a qualified piano technician before you buy anything.

The Petrof verticals are nice instruments. They vary in sound from instrument to instrument, so be sure you find a piano with the tonal structure you prefer.

The pianos you looked at appear to be quite different certainly in sound.

From my experience, Petrofs and Kawais have very little in common, the GE grand is again a different kettle of fish.

If this doesn't matter, they're all equally good, viable options.

If it "does", you need to make the decision somewhat yourself.

Good luck,

Norbert