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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15
Junior Member
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OP
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15 |
The GC1 is unfortunately not an option for me anymore. It is too much money for me, so I won't be purchasing one. I can't spend more than 10K for a piano.
The only 2 pianos I am considering is the Yamaha GB1 and the S&C 185 (6'1") grand. I am currently torn between the two. The little GB1 has a nice sound for its size. It is also relatively inexpensive too. I know it is lacking from the bass area, but it has a nice midrange sound.
I had a dealer order the story & clark so that they could show it to me. I went and saw it today and it sounded pretty decent. A little "buzzing", but they claimed that they could get rid of the noise.
Piano Peddler - How will the story & clark sound 10, 15, 20 years from now? That is my main concern. Will the sound degrade a little...or a lot over time. I have confidence that the Yamaha will maintain its sound (sound just as good as it does now in 10, 15 years). But how about the story & clark? I have heard no feedback on how these pianos hold up over time.
The Story & clark sounded pretty decent. I am a beginner and will become a medicore player at best someday. So let's assume that this is a better than average Chinese piano. How will it hold up over time, mechanically (if taken care of, tuned regularly and played consistently)? Is it a better option than a GB1?
New S&C 185 = 9450 or New Yamaha GB1 = 8300?
Thanks everyone, I would like to buy a piano next week sometime.
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 382
Full Member
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Full Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 382 |
...That is my main concern. Will the sound degrade a little...or a lot over time. I have confidence that the Yamaha will maintain its sound (sound just as good as it does now in 10, 15 years)... That's not really that true either. Most people say (with or without justification) that Yammies turn too bright as they age. Personally I don't have enough experience with Chinese pianos to really recommend for or against it. However, from what I read, the Story and Clark is decent brand from Dongbei. Given that the GB1 is built in Indonesia, it's a toss-up in terms of country of origin (if you have that kind of bias) A sub 5' vs a 6' and that little difference in price, I would go for the 6'. I bet if you trade up in 5-10 years, the 6' would keep its value better. Just my 2 cents GC
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,760
1000 Post Club Member
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1000 Post Club Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,760 |
All pianos will age according to a variety of factors.. the two most notable are:
1) How much the piano is played. 2) How stable the environment the piano is kept in.
1) The more a piano is played, the more the action will wear, the harder the hammers will become from constant compression, and the more tunings it will require in a shorter period of time.
A) 1 - 2 hours per day is pretty normal B) 8+ hours a day is heavy C) 1 - 2 hours per week is minimal
Top quality pianos will hold up better under category B. Very few piano owners relate to that category.
2) Constant climate conditions, free of constant and dramatic variations will be the best for a piano. Most people try to keep RH constant (40% where I am at) and the indoor temperature around 70 - 80.
At this stage of the game, your primary goal is to select a piano that has the sound and feel you enjoy.
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 353
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 353 |
Also, try the Kawai 5 ft grand. Like the Yamaha, its an excellent value at 8K. However, it has a full sostenuto middle pedal (vs. bass sustain) and it's made in Japan (vs. Indonesia)
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 356
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15
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I was in the same boat a while ago, shopping for a grand around 8K.
It is my impression that the Kawai GM10?? are also assembled in Indonesia with parts from Japan. I think this is the same as GB1.
I played GB1 and I thought it was decent and a contender in my own piano search. I like the actions a lot. I like the Yamaha also because of its name recognition and high resale value should I ever need to upgrade.
I preferred the GB1 over the Kawai but it was just my personal preference. The Kawai seems too mellow to me.
Have you tried Hamilton by Baldwin (also made in China)? It's 5'8" model should also fit within your budget.
I have not tried Story and Clark though. I ended up spending more than my budget and got myself a much larger Pramberger, which I am happy with.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,306
1000 Post Club Member
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1000 Post Club Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,306 |
Hmmm, now your looking at two totally different sounding pianos. It really is a tough call.
As much as I love them, the Yamaha GB1 is still very small, and the S&C is over a foot larger and will have, I imagine, a much more desirable tone (to you). How is the action on the S&C?
If your shopping on strictly the tone and touch of a piano, I suppose this would be a no brainer.
Do you care what name is on the fallboard?
If I was in your shoes, I would go with the no brainer approach.
Representing Yamaha, Story and Clark, and other fine instruments Menchey Music Service Associate Member of PTG Serving Central Pennsylvania and the Greater Baltimore Area
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