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Hi All, what do people think of upgrading my age 40 Sohmer console (46")? From comps, I'd say it is worth well less than $1000 despite its beautiful sound, exceptional ability to stay in tune and attractive walnut cabinet. It is a great piano that has been loved, tuned and played. It is about as good a piano as you might imagine a 40 yr old console could be. I just had it tuned, and it does sound remarkably nice. But, it is a certain level of piano and you can't get away from that. First question, if I traded it for a similar size new piano from a quality manufacturer, would the new strings make the trade worthwhile? I play acoustic guitar also and I know how new strings bring an acoustic guitar to life, but I don't know if that is comparable. Rephrasing that first question, would upgrading to a similar quality new piano be worthwhile? 2nd question, would upgrading to a new superior quality piano be more worthwhile (52" upright from a major manufacturer) given that I play in a small living room that opens into a larger hallway (not a closed off small room like a bedroom, but not a huge space). I'm looking forward to hearing people's thoughts. Thank you in advance.

"Beautiful sound", stays in tune,"attractive walnut cabinet", but it is a "certain level of piano". You give concrete positive qualities and then some vague deficiency. I would say you havent really given a reason to get something else. A little hard to advise you on what to get when you cant explain what you are looking for that your present piano doesnt provide. All I can say is enjoy what you have.

Hi Rob, thank you for commenting. Yes, "vague deficiency". Sorry to be vague, but I think you put your finger on my challenge. I don't know what is out there and how it will compare to what I already have. The obvious solution is to go play new pianos. I have done that and I continue to do that (although this sad pandemic is holding everything up), and I have not played anything that is sufficiently better than what I have. I ask myself, how can that be? I have a 40 year old console piano against new quality 52" uprights. How can the difference not blow me away. But, it doesn't blow me away. Is my old Sohmer that good? More likely, the new acoustics in the big stores just don't allow for a valid comparison. I wish I could compare my piano and a new piano side by side in the same room, but that is not possible. Longer base strings, bigger sound board, new strings are the reasons I would go with a new piano. The fact that the Sohmer still sounds good is the reason I probably won't do anything. Thanks for responding, be well, be safe.

It could be that you have the perfect piano for it's location.