Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Piano Forum 1984 Everett v.1969 Baldwin Acrosonic console (too old?)

BN,

Where are you shopping that you have such limited choices if you don't mind revealing?

Casio Privia Series
Yamaha P Series
Kawai ES-100
Roland FP Series

I don't know if the OP was seriously considering digitals, since this thread up until now has been about acoustic uprights.

While I agree that for $1K, a digital is a viable alternative to a used upright that may need a lot of work, some people really want an acoustic piano (despite the maintenance headaches).

With digitals, there are hidden costs for things like stands, pedals, speakers, etc. The Casio AP-650, their top-of-the-line cabinet digital, sells for closer to $2K. Yamaha, Kawai, and Roland offerings will exceed the Casio's price by a significant margin.

The best general advice over an Internet forum is to avoid a drop action. Of course in the real world condition trumps so much...
But basically if you keep looking you should be able to find a console in that price range (I don't call a piano a console if it has drop action).

Just for further clarity: when a piano has a drop action, I call it a spinet, regardless of what the tape measure might say. (Although I realize piano categories are sometimes very flexible).

Also in all fairness I've played some very charming spinets. But adding extra complexity to the action while at the same time hampering function just wasn't the best design feature.

Don't buy a cabinet digital, you are paying a huge premium for particleboard aesthetics.

I am in the Northeast Ohio area. I do have a new option. I am waiting to hear back on a serial number but there is a Mason and Hamlin console which looks to be in good condition externally. I have eliminated the S&C due to some instability in the treble and I agree with the opinions here that the Baldwin does seem overpriced even for a console.

Are there years I should avoid the Mason and Hamlin? I have heard mixed reviews of the time they were manufactured by Aeolian. Was it still a better brand name during those years. I have heard good things about Chickering and Knabe also which were manufactured at the same time.

What was good and bad about the changes made during that period? Was there anything that contributed to better tone or durability?

I was just about to make an offer on the Everett when I saw this M&H. I don't want to lose the Everett but I don't know how to compare the two.

We already have a keyboard although not a high quality one. But we are definitely only interested in an acoustic piano. My girls are at the point of learning dynamics and their teacher said an acoustic piano would be very helpful although not completely necessary.

I have read enough on this forum to see that it is a good starting point for a beginner in my price range. Especially if the keys are weighted.

In any case, I appreciate all the advice I am receiving. KEEP IT COMING. THANK YOU!