Hello,

I decided a few months ago to get a grand. We are in the process of cleaning a big room upstairs that was primarily used for storage (detritus of 30+ years). We are also getting central heating and cooling installed, after decades of wood heat and multiple fans to distribute warmth (those of you who do this know the benefits and liabilities :-)

I figured I would take 6 months to a year to decide. Then the 2nd dealer I visited just got in a used 2012 Hailun HG 128, 5'10". It was still in basement being prepped for the showroom. One owner, who opted to replace it a 7' Yamaha. Dealer said it was well-maintained. They're asking $8000.

Yes, I liked it, very smooth, and nice tone. I only liked the $30K Estonia better. My budget is $15K tops. I asked them to hold it for me for 10 days and I will get a tech to check it over. I also want to go back and play it at least twice.

I can see that Hailun pianos have gotten some mixed reviews here at PW. I'm a high intermediate/low advanced student, really interested in rich tone and possibilities of tonal variation. I don't have much experience playing grands but know I like Mason & Hamlin. Among Asian piano I much prefer Kawai to Yamaha.

I'm in a spin because I was thinking 6 months to a year. Sometimes there are good opportunities though, and buying well can all be a matter of timing. For $8000 I could sink some extra into regulation, etc.

If the tech is positive, am I crazy to pass this up?

Thanks!

It could be a good option, if the tech inspection reveals nothing of consequence and you like it. The purchase price would give you some room to dial in the voicing and regulation, and you wouldn’t lose much if you decided to resell and go upmarket later. The 178 model seems to be particularly well liked from their range.

Thank you, Terminal.

It seems that no one is effusive about this piano, though no one disparages it, either!

Good point about resale. It's a beautiful piano and the model is popular.

Wonder if any Hailun owners out there are still satisfied with their decision?

Did an in-store concert on that model Hailun some years back. It was a very nice piano. I found the tone warm, touch even. Cannot comment on wear over many years of work... we don't have them here long enough to do that yet. I'm not sure what repertoire you're playing... " I'm a high intermediate/low advanced student, really interested in rich tone and possibilities of tonal variation", but based on what you've written I think you'd find the Hailun to be a nice piano. As to regulation, etc., get that tech inspection. You may not need anything but tuning for a while. Best of luck.

Thank you, Seeker.

That's encouraging. I know pianos are individuals so I'll be sure to get someone to check it out.

Longevity is not the most important issue to me...price is low and I'm in my 60's! I'm the only one who plays piano.

I'm probably RCM 7 or 8 level. This year I've been learning the set of Bartok Romanian Folk Dances, a Chopin Mazurka (67/4), and lots of easier little Baroque and Classical pieces for fluency. I'm especially fond of 20th C, and then Baroque, though my teacher has given me a new appreciation of Haydn. I like it all for different reasons. As a player I can get lost in touching and hitting the keys different ways to get different articulations and sounds.... I doubt I will ever have a brilliant technique--small hands and don't really love speed, though my teacher is working me on that too.

Thanks again.

No, you're not.

If your plan was to take 6 months to a year to decide, I'd wait and see what comes along. There are lots of great deals and the longer you take to shop, the higher the probability that you'll find one. And you'll also have more data points to know when you see a really good deal.

Mark,

Thanks. Yes, I think you're right that other good deals will come. Your suggestion just made me realize that I'm not looking forward to the search. It involves lots of driving and time...difficult because of where we live and other responsibilities. Piano shopping is a job in itself. I just want to play--I need the practice!--not become knowledgeable about pianos.

The time/logistics of looking are big factors, but your point is well-taken. Will see what the tech says, and spend at least another hour playing that piano.

Yes, it's a drag if you don't live near shopping. I'm spoiled by where I live so I forget there's lots of places that are far from piano dealers.

I would say it all depends on how much you like it - and of course, what the tech inspection says. I take MarkL's point - but suppose for example it takes you six months to find a piano that you like as much, that will be a loss of the six months when you could have been playing this piano. So, I would suggest: if you really like this piano, go for it. If you are not sure, then wait and see what comes up.

Despite what dealers may hint, pianos ain’t flying out the door. Slow down, see what the tech says. If OK, make an appointment and play it again. If you still think the Hailun is what you want and you’ll be happy with it as a practice partner, go for it.

It's not that simple because the piano is low priced used model so it might sell quickly. There's no guarantee it will be around in several weeks.

It depends completely on the OPs piano market. If it’s a hot market in that city, the Hailun may sell but other pianos will be traded in so more selection. Hasty piano buying I think leads to more heartbreak than does slow careful piano shopping. If the piano sells, so what?? There’s plenty of other used pianos out there. And there’ll be another killer deal to come along.

I guess what caught my eye was the idea that a "quick decision" was to be made for an item that should never be purchased under that kind of pressure.

I agree with others who suggest that you follow your original intent which was to take six months to a year to decide. In that time you could audition many pianos both within and beyond your budget so that you will know what will ultimately please and satisfy you.

Given the "mixed reviews" that you have read on Hailun and the fact that you are in the process of renovating, would it not be more advisable not to rush into a quick decision while trying more pianos in the interim?

Regards,

Thank you everyone for all the suggestions.

I tend to mull over big decisions for months--and years sometimes. When I finally decide to do something I do tend to act quickly. But, I will slow down in that I'm going back to play the piano and others in the showroom for an extended time. It will come down to how much I like it and what the tech says after he inspects it this week. I could be starry-eyed and -earred, but I know he won't be.

I think it is a pretty hot piano market here--and the price is low. I was told this morning that someone else is interested in this piano.

This discussion is helping me to clarify what I want. I feel I need to start playing on a grand regularly to develop any sense at all of what I want in a piano. I just don't have enough experience. I don't want to get that experience by driving all over--it's too difficult where I live. Maybe connected to my age too :-) I'd rather practice. I appreciate David's point that I could be playing the grand 6 months to a year earlier.

If I buy this piano (because it passes all the tests) and tire of it in a few years, I can sell it or take the easy route and have the dealer take it for 100% trade up. Losing a couple thousand either way would not bother me at that point.

(I have to say that I've played a few grands that are not nearly as nice as my Walter upright.. It's a good standard to have.)

It may be hot market but if it was the dealer who told you someone else is interested that may very well be just a ploy to try and pressure you to buy the piano.

Maybe or maybe not.

True, really can't trust the dealer, but at this price I'm more inclined to believe it will sell quickly.

I learned on PW to always get a tech to check first.

Yes, I was going to mention that you're lucky to have such a nice piano to tide you over until you find something.

Thank you, Mark. That's nice to hear about the Walter. The F on the tenor break has a slight change of timbre that sometimes drives me crazy, but otherwise I love it.

I'm keeping the Walter--I have room downstairs for an upright. Don't want to part with it yet. Big house with the kids gone, might as well keep it.

Still wondering if any Hailun owners out there are happy with their purchase?