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New at this. Would like your opinions. After not playing for 20 years I am searching for 6'4" up to 7 '6" grand piano. I have learned a ton but having trouble making final decisions.
I have found a 1916 Steinway B, 1894 Steinway C, new and 1990s Grotrian, 2005 and 2016 Shigeru Kawai and possibly new Estonia 190 and Stenway A III that needs rebuilding that I like. Not enough options close to me to try so have relied on videos, this forum and other readings.
Just finished The Grand Obsession which turned me to the beautiful sound of Grotrian.

Looking forward to your thoughts.

N Arthur:

Welcome to Piano World.

I am not sure what opinions you would like, based on your post, but in theory, at least, you are looking at some good names.

The first rule of thumb that I am sure you must have learned is that you should never buy - or consider buying - a piano that you haven't played, and played extensively.

Secondly, not knowing what equipment was used, what the acoustics of the recording venue might have been, it's extremely difficult to judge a piano by listening to Youtube videos. Even if a video gives you some indication of the actual sound of the piano, live, a video will not give you any sense of the feel of the action, so important to any pianist. So, eventually, you are going to have to narrow down your search to something that "seems promising" and then go and actually try it.

Thirdly, a 1916 Steinway B, a 1894 Steinway C and a Steinway A III that needs rebuilding may all be possibly - or potentially - good pianos or they may be money pits. Without knowing their actual condition, one cannot give any but the most vague opinions let alone recommendations. These pianos and the other pianos you mentioned would have to be examined by a technician to determine their actual condition before writing a cheque (or check, if you prefer). I wouldn't think it necessary, on the other hand, to have a technician examine a piano sold new, from a reputable dealer.

I think that you have much to consider and some actual playing to do because, in the long run (at the end of the day - or whatever other cliché I might use), only you are going to know what you like and, after inspection, what you are happy to live with.

Best of luck in your search. After having read Grand Obsession, you know that the search may take some time. Best of luck in your search and enjoy it while you are at it; there are some fine instruments to experience while searching.

Regards,

BTW I don't know where in Illinois you are, but if you can drive to Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis, you should be able to visit some dealers and try out the models they have. I have come to believe that driving is an essential part of piano shopping, unfortunately! :P

Even if you end up buying elsewhere, or end up not buying any of the brands that those dealers might have available, the experience of playing a large number of brands, models and sizes makes such a huge difference when you get ready to actually decide on something.