I know nothing about pianos, but I searched on the 450 and came up with a number of hits.
My interpretation of the posts is that it is a piece of junk unless you buy it right.
The 450 we looked at last night was in beautiful, cosmetic shape and our 18 year old piano player said played well and sounded good.
They want $4200 for the piano...vintage 1999.
One Steve Cohen post said they were selling new for $3k. And when I did an internet search I saw them used-delivered anywhere in the USA for $3k.
Am I correct? ...or is it possible that there is another flavor of 9 year old 450 used to teach piano worth $4200?
Is there a little "bluebook" for pianos? (I found the bluebook on the web but was not overwhelmed with confidence in its credibility)
What I hope to find is a listing of piano manufacturers - year/model - high/low values. Does this exist?
And is there a small book that addresses the quality instruments built by "off-shore" or east European manufacturers?
TIA...
BTW - My piano player started at age 5 and is 18. She plays nicely but not expertly, however, she enjoys playing. When she goes to university next year, I'll get her a keyboard...but for now she wants a real piano.
BUDGET - I'd like to target the $3k range, but I'd rather spend $8-9K and be confidant I've got an instrument rather than cheap out and buy junk.
LOCATION - Living in rural Montana does not provide many used opportunities - except through dealers who strike me as high brow used car salesmen.