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Hello - I would be very grateful for informtion concerning Estonia pianos made by the Soviet Union around 1980. I've opportunity to buy one. Unfortunately I am not sure if I should consider such purchase taking into consideration poor reputation of Soviet pianos.

Thank you for your comments.

Well, as you have stated, they don't have the greatest reputation. Don't equate this piano with the Estonias which are produced today.

Certainly there would be better instruments available to you.

Welcome to Piano World!

Thank you for your comment Marty! I wouldn't dare to compare that kind of instrument to the new Estonia pianos! However I can have this 1980 Estonia for equivalent of 2k. Therefore I would be grateful for any information that could help me to make reasonable decision. Especially I would like to know if sound quality of these instruments is pleasant or rather horrible

Most of the pianos made around that time were 9' concert grands. They did sound nice but had not anywhere the quality of modern Estonias today.

Having said this the "sound" of Estonia has always been unique.
It reflects the musical ideals of an old Baltic nation rich in song, choir and music based on 'voice'

I would have the piano carefully checked out weighing the pros and cons with a tech you can trust.

But only "if" the sound of piano is appealing to you in first place...

Good luck,

Norbert

I am sure I'll follow your advice to get a qualified techician to check the piano - thank you Norbert.

I just wonder if I should consider that piano or rather look at used Bechstein A (about 1906) - the piano was not fully restored - just serviced long time ago. I've read that piano that age without full restoration will not sound well.

I don't care resale value or look of te piano - just playing ability.

The best thing to do is play it first and make your own judgement. Then, if you like the instrument, it's time to have it checked out by a good tech.

Each piano is different, but I was told that around the melliniun was when Estonia really made a name in quality. I think the one's before that aren't supposed to be that great?

I would try it out.

As others have said a 1980 Estonia should be inspected thoroughly. However, the price, $2k, is probably about right. Compared to a 1906 Bechstein I would seriously consider the Estonia. An un-restored century old Bechstein would also require inspection and probably is in need of restoration. The soundboard wood has probably deteriorated to the point where there's little if any crown left in it. If your choice is really limited to a century old Bechstein or 30 year old Soviet era Estonia I'd lean toward the Estonia simply because its age wouldn't normally indicate a need for complete rebuilding. My advice is tread very carefully and maybe keep looking, but then again if the budget is $2K then anything you find will probably have issues.