They are asking $23,000CDN for the 2011 (private sale). It will be coming from out of province, so moving it will probably be 1-$2000. We have been offered a price of $26,000 for a new C2X from a local dealer. With taxes and set up, it comes to almost $30,000. So the question is, is a new Yamaha worth $5000 more than a 7 year old? The other thing to consider is there is probably negotiation room on the used C2. Thoughts?

Have you seen and played the 2011 C2? Did you like it as much as the new C2x? If not, then I would guess that your risk is higher than the potential savings.

We have a 1 year old C3x that is like new and a 2004 C3 that is in truly pristine condition only a few feet apart in our showroom. So far, we haven't had one customer feel that the newer C3x was worth the price difference, and in terms of actual preference, the result is almost an equal split.

This suggests to me that it could really go either way for you.

In 2012 I bought a new C3 when the dealer was showcasing what would become the C3X, sitting right beside it. I played both several times. I could hear a slight difference between the C3 and C3X. The C3X sounded a bit warmer, but the C3X was priced nearly $14,000 USD more than the C3. For that much more money I’d just add a bit more and buy a C5.
You’ll have to hear and play both to decide. It’s more hassle because the pianos aren’t in the same location. Take a notebook and a recorder and record yourself playing each one. Best of luck!

Did you play the C2?

Make sure you have played the C2 first before you start debating between the two. Also, the dealer's price may not be set in stone - especially after you mention the alternate C2 offer from the private party.

Osho

Thanks for the replies! We have played both, and both are great. They are in 2 totally different venues, so it was difficult to compare. I am leaning toward the new one, mainly because it is from a local reputable dealer. It just seems like a safer bet, than trucking a used piano halfway across the country. We will continue to contemplate.

At this price level there might be many options. Both used and new.

If you have played several pianos and this is your final decision, then go for the new C2X.
Otherwise I suggest you play as many pianos as you can and consider other models and brands as well.

The size of C2X at 5'8" is the lowest size that I would consider when buying a grand.

The bass of bigger grands are more satisfying. Maybe a used C3 or other make/model that is above 6 ft.

For many years (please search and check) you will see that I said that although Yamaha pianos were well made, I did not prefer they way they played. The Cx series is part of what turned my head and caused me to carry the entire line of Yamaha product. I see a marked difference in materials, design, and performance between the former C series and the new Cx series of pianos.

Bottom line - choose what you love and enjoy!

also...a video would be nice.

My 2 cents,

Where we live there aren't too many choices unfortunately, so it makes it difficult to compare. Our piano tech sells and is promoting Essex pianos. A 5'8" Essex is $23,000, which is not much less than the Yamaha. There is also a beautifully maintained 2012 Heintzman 168 which played very nicely for just under $10,000. Everyone (techs and tuners) seems to be telling us not to consider the Heintzman, based on build quality. I'm not too sure.

That Essex is a good value.

At about half that price.

Essex is not a direct comparison to C2X. Maybe a Boston.

If you like the C2X you can't go wrong with a new Yamaha. Those are finely build good quality pianos.

Just check the serial number to be sure that it is not a piano that has been sitting at the showroom for a long time.

You are correct. The Boston would be a more direct comparison to the C2X. The Essex isn't in the same league. And the price of the new Essex isn't anything to shout about either, whereas the price of the new C2X is excellent !!!!

I agree you can't go wrong with the C2X - and even if the piano has been in the showroom for a long time, it still is worth considering.

As an FYI - Heintzman grands are probably in the same league as Essex, although a 168 is shorter than the 5'8" Essex. There also are Gerhard Heintzman grands - which are more cheaply constructed than the Heintzman grands.

I was thinking the same thing about the Essex. My gut is saying go with the C2X, and most of the conversation on here is confirming that for me. Thanks for your input!

I tried both the C3 (2009) and the C3X (brand new) just a few days ago in the same store. Though they aren't worlds apart, I did prefer the C3X action. The C3, which had been fully prepped and regulated, felt a bit "short" in the throw of the key comparatively. Tone wise I gave a slight edge to the C3X as well, but honestly that could have been bias on knowing it was newer. I don't know if it would hold up if I did a blind comparison.

I would note that the price of the C2 seems very high. The dealer was offering the C3 at $14,900 USD and there was some wiggle room there I'm sure. $16,900 USD converted for a C2 that's only a couple of years newer and from a private seller appears very high especially since the brand new model is only a few thousand more.

If the C3X had only been 2 to 3,000 more than the C3 I bought, I would certainly have bought the slightly warmer sounding C3X. Unfortunately it was nearly 14,000 USD more so I took advantage of the wonderful savings opportunity. The C2X is certainly worth a second and third look since it’s newer and not much more money! Best of Luck!

squidbot,

I'm not questioning your recollection, but the price you were quoted for a 2009 Yamaha C3 is no where in keeping with the typical market price for one sold at a dealership. It either has a story or is an outlier. I would be cautious to project that as representative or typical when making comparisons, and it doesn't agree with any of the depreciation tables used in our industry.