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Hi,

I’m currently in the process of purchasing a new piano and have several ideas, just wondering what others thought on these pianos as I have no experience in buying pianos. I am an adult learner, currently grade 7. I’ve tried a Schimmel W118T, Kawai K300 and Yamaha B3. My preference was the Schimmel with a beautiful rich tone but don’t really know much about Schimmel as a brand, especially the Wilhelm series. I’m trying to avoid a big mistake so was wondering if anyone had any viewpoints on these models, the Schimmel in particular.

Many thanks fellow pianists!

Many thanks, a really interesting article and allaying most of my fears. I am however slightly concerned about the resale value due to the parts from Asia and the manufacturing in Poland; I have been advised to avoid Chinese parts all together however, I’m not sure how realistic that is.

Thanks

I don't have much experience with grand piano's, but out of all uprights I have tried, I think Schimmels have the most interesting/beautiful sound I have heard so far.

Other than that as far as I know Schimmels are just great German quality piano's, and probably have good resale value, I don't know about the Wilhelm Schimmels.

Yes that’s my concern, although Schimmel as a whole appears to be a very reputable and high quality brand, the Wilhelm Schimmel seems lesser known and lesser quality - but I guess you get what you pay for!

I love Schimmels. They typically have a clean, clear as a bell middle and upper treble and a rich bass. I haven’t tried the Wilhelm Schimmels but I’m sure they sound beautiful. IMHO, Polish craftspeople and employee’s labor rates are distinctly less expensive than their German counterparts and factory costs also are substantially lower. That explains much of the pricing difference. Go back and schedule a nice long appointment to really check out again the uprights you’re interested in. Best Wishes in your search.

I had a Schimmel C120. Beautiful tone

Initially, I was looking at the W123, but went w/ the C120, because I liked it a bit more & it was built entirely in Germany

Personally, it mattered to Me, but objectively, it might not matter at all

Schimmels have a nice sound & a Good reputation


~Lucubrate

If you haven't already done so, please read these as well......

https://www.pianobuyer.com/brand/yamaha/

https://www.pianobuyer.com/brand/kawai/

https://www.pianobuyer.com/article/a-map-of-the-market-for-new-pianos-ratings/

https://www.pianobuyer.com/article/staff-picks-recommendations/

In terms of quality, price and resale potential, the Kawai is probably your best bet. The quality of the W. Schimmel may compare favorably to the Kawai, however it is also much more expensive. A Kawai K500 (priced closer to the W Schimmel) is a step up from the K300 and might better meet your needs.

Thank you all for your opinions and advice on this matter. I will certainly consider it further before making a decision. Many thanks

The only Schimmel I tried was a C121 (called Manhattan Elegance or Elegance Manhattan)
Yes a lovely tone and touch.The keys were shorter than a 130 instrument,but really an excellent piano.
The Kawai K-500 also worth trying. I like this instrument as much as the U3 .They have different tonal styles ,but both are very good and cheaper of course than the Schimmel.

Hi all, just a follow up question regarding a comparison between the Schimmel W118 and the Yamaha U1 (looking at the price possibly a better comparison than the B3). Has anyone had experience with both pianos, if so what are your experiences and which would be a better choice. I realise that the U1 is a very well known and popular piano in comparison to the Wilhelm series of the Schimmel which may have less recognition but does this ultimately lead to better quality, I’m personally not so sure. Alternatively if anyone has any other suggestions of pianos I should try in that price range, I would appreciate recommendations.

Many thanks

I personally do not like the Yamaha B3 because of the tone and the response.I have never tried a W Schimmel.The U1 is far better than the B3 in terms of tone and response.Very new ones can sound
very bright and need to be voiced.(I mean "metallic bright")

I have the same experience.

I tried a couple of b3's back when I was looking for a piano, and I didn't know why, but for some reason the b3's didn't do something to me like u1's and especially u3's did.