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Spending big amount of money to have a tech does big amount of work on it.

So kind of defeats the purpose of sticking with my budget in the first place.

The hammers can be voiced. Either needled (voiced down) or hardened with various treatments (voiced up). In any case you want the instrument to fit the space (within its design limitations.) I doesn't defeat the purpose of a budget, but you will certainly want to be sure what ever piano you choose is well regulated, and voiced for an even tone. Tuning upon delivery should be expected.

No... If the piano is in good shape it shouldn't need much. Perhaps an hour as part of a tuning/service visit. If anything more is needed I would select a different piano.

I think There is a big difference between "voice up/down" and "alter the tone"

FWIW, those models from Kawai & Boston are made in Indonesia. In many ways, these instruments are comparable. The hammers chosen for the Boston are significantly different than on the others, and could be responsible for your general preference for its tone. It could be other things as variable as how recent is the tunings and room acoustics, too.

If the Kawai is the one you like, and I guess you do, since you say you are ready to buy it, then make the dealer an offer. Explain to them the you have researched prices on Piano Buyer and this is what you think it should cost. They will be very familiar with PB. If they agree you're done. If not, you have to make a decision. They may test you. Walk out. You can always go back. That's not the last one Kawai will make.

Mmm, depends on what else one is considering. Obviously it will still sound like a piano. If its a decent scale executed well with a responsive regulated action, then the biggest tonal change that can happen is all in the hammers. For example, a Yamaha would be a very different beast with cold pressed (softer) hammers, as opposed to their typical hot pressed hard as a rock that are factory spec.

So I went back to the store tonight - looked around some more and wouond up buying a piano. I bought a demo Kawai k2 - It was used for piano recital or something but still comes with the new warranty etc. NOt a mark on it - basically look unplayed. I got it for $4400 delivered. Based on the Larry fine guide - it looks like I got a good deal..

What a huge difference to the 508 I played.

Cant wait for it to come!!


Thanks for all the help!

You got a very good deal on a very nice piano.

Congratulations!

Congrats! I think you'll really enjoy your K2

Thanks - I am anxious for it to arrive!!

Congratulations! Not only will you enjoy your new piano but you will feel confident that you got a fair deal. You did some homework and it paid off.

The K-2 is a nice piano. My first piano was a K-2 and I enjoyed it very much. Nice action. The only regulation it needed was a little lubing of the keys. Had the hammers voiced after a couple of years of steady playing. A good tech will have it sounding and playing very well for you.

Enjoy!

Nice congratz!

What is lubing the keys???

Sometimes you need to put a lubricant onto the key tops so your fingers slide better on the keys.

JUST KIDDING !!

I'm guessing he meant lubrication of some of the action parts?

The K-2 is a nicer piano than the 508, and you got a good deal to boot.

A win-win situation. Congratulations!

Congrats. Fun times ahead. Welcome to the Kawai club

Excellent choice of piano and a very good deal! Congratulations and very best wishes for the arrival of your new K2 piano!

Robert.