Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Piano Forum I hope I made a good decision...

I was wondering if someone could help my buyer's remorse. I just bought a new Kawai RX-1 "artist series" grand piano for $13k. Did I make a good decision for the money? I was told it was an "insider's" price... is that true?

I don't know if it was or was not an insider's price, but it sounds fairly reasonable. The Kawai RX-1 is a nice piano in that price range. Very good quality, great reputation, and beautiful sound.

Stop worrying, and enjoy it!!!

Price isn't bad. But that's not what counts. Do you smile when you play it? Is it difficult to leave it? I own an RX3 and it is a wonderful piano. The ONLY reason I am shopping for a tier one now is because I can now afford the upgrade. Truth be told, I think I could be satisfied with my RX3 for the rest of my life. You will find your RX1 will really grow on you. Play it and enjoy it.

I haven't gotten it yet, it is supposed to be delivered later this week. I grew up playing my parents' Chickering upright. I always remember it being such a treat to play on a grand piano. Now that I'm older and have a son on the way now, I want him to have the joy of playing on a grand piano whenever he wants (myself, too of course). Maybe that's why I'm remorseful? Because I haven't actually gotten it yet?

If you liked it in the store, I think you'll love it. Kawai makes great pianos. Heck, I wish everbody would utilize technology as well as Kawai does in their action parts.

Enjoy it.

Todd

I own an RX-2 with the new action and I'm very happy with it. The price is just right. I preferred the scale design and the power in the bass of RX-2 to RX-1 while shopping.

Kawai's are outstanding pianos and offer excellent value for the money. If you love the piano, don't worry about the price. The amortization curve on a piano can't be compared with that of a car, a good instrument will last 50 - 75 years or more.
Tim

Post some pics when it arrives!!

13k sounds high, especially since you can get an RX-2 for about 14k. I'm surprised no one has told you that the RX-1 is too small. I think you'll be much better in an RX-2

I agree, that would be a better decision. But, the original question is whether it is a good decision. On my part this at least is not a bad decision.

I think the price you got is quite a good one. I really doubt the RX2 is regularly available for $14,000. In my experience it has been more like 18-19. I have a GE-30 which is basically a plainer RX1. It's a nice little piano. I would definitely not say it's too small. The RX2 sound is quite similar to the smaller piano. There is not much difference at all, and the action in identical.

You should not have buyer's remorse, baxter. You should be looking forward with great joy and anticipation to the delivery of your new piano. Well done!

--Dennis

I am in the market for an RX-1 as well and have a quote for $13K from one dealer. Another dealer is slightly higher. So it sounds like your pricing is around where the market is.

Are Kawai's always discounted so much? Larry Fine has 20,390 for the Ebony RX-1 and 22,990 for the RX-2.

At 13k and 14k, you're talking 36% and 39%, respectively. That's a lot higher than most other brands, isn't it?

I think that, while those kids of discounts are not completely unheard of, they are certainly not to be considered normal. I got 37% off on my Kawai, but it was purchased from a bankrupt dealer that is now out of business.

Keep in mind that the dealer must make a profit in order to stay in business. The actual dealer cost of most pianos is half of the Fine list, so there is some room for negotiation, but to stay in business and make a profit the dealer needs to gross around 40%. If he routinely sells pianos that cost him roughly $11,500 for $14,000 (a gross margin of only 18%), then he will not be able to continue in business for very long unless he's selling out of his garage part time.

--Dennis

I think, for an RX-2, a price in the range of 16-18K can be considered as a normal price. Below that would be rare and a very good price indeed.

I think you bought a good piano at a very fair price. I like the Kawais, personally.

Now go play!!!

You might want to view this thread: http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?/topic/1/14212.html#000012

definitley sounds like a great piano. it never fails when you mention your deal though. there is ALWAYS a better deal. example, i buy a new camry, loaded, say i pay about 29k for it. my neighbor sees my new car, hey nice car, may i ask how much you paid? i say 29, was 3500 of list, he says, oh yeah, i saw one just like it last weekend for 26. thats why i am reluctant to say how much i paid for things. there is always a better deal. i think 13k sounds right and you're getting a great piano. its always maddening when someone says, you shouldhave made him knock an extra 500 at least, AFTER you've signed the papers.

Relax. This is a good piano. You paid a fair price and if you're happy that is all that matters.

Agathis:
thats why i am reluctant to say how much i paid for things. there is always a better deal.

Indeed. I certainly don't go around trying to pay top price for items, but if, even after negotiating what I thought was a good deal, I subsequently find out that I paid a little over the odds, I try to comfort myself that the salesperson has a more secure job because of it, or perhaps took his/her family on a nice day out with the commission earned...

Or even better, that my pension fund might be invested in unit trusts/shares of the vending organisation .

Michael B.