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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 138
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I was browsing eBay and came across this listing: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Baby-grand-piano-PRICE-REDUCED-FROM-1200-600-FIRM-/201011448370The piano is 4'6" and of unknown origin. The owner had it refinished and added his own name to the fallboard. Any idea what it is? A Kimball La Petite? The current owner cannot find any numbers or names on the instrument. I'm considering purchasing it. I currently play on a borrowed Kawai console, which is quite good for what it is. But I will be moving, can't take the piano with me, and am looking for something to tie me over util I can purchase a real instrument. I would never consider a 4'6" grand, but if doesn't seem like it could be much worse than a 46" console. Our could it? I will, of course, have my tech inspect it.
1909 Briggs 6'2" Grand
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Joined: May 2013
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At first I was thinking something from the vast production of Aeolian. But it could certainly be a Baldwin product, perhaps an earlier Howard?
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Baldwin F 1960 (146256)
Zuckermann Flemish Single
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Joined: Feb 2002
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I'd personally consider a 4'6" grand more like a 36" spinet, at best. Several years ago, after my grandpa passed away, my grandma had moved into a retirement facility that had a Kimball LaPetite "grand". Later, she moved to a place with a 1951 Baldwin Acrosonic spinet. (She passed away about 3 years ago.) I liked the Baldwin spinet much better than the Kimball grand.
Also, i think my 45" 1956 Baldwin Hamilton runs circles around my mom's 4'11" 1998 Young Chang PG-150. (I wonder if Del's version of the 4'11" YC would blow my Baldwin away, though?)
1950 (#144211) Baldwin Hamilton
1956 (#167714) Baldwin Hamilton
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Joined: Jan 2009
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That is not a viable piano. Sorry. You'd be better off with a digital keyboard.
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Joined: Oct 2013
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I wonder how the seller knows it is a 1940s piano having no manufacturer info. on it?
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Joined: Oct 2006
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The pedals are sitting at three different heights. It's a pretty little PSO (piano shaped object). In our market it would sell for $6.00.
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Joined: Mar 2009
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I've not seen a plate like that, no hoes in the treble section to allow for the cooling process. The action would be more tell-tale if it were to be a worthwhile beginner piano.
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The apparent water or beverage damage on the soundboard would be an initial concern. I think you're right Jon. Having the action out might reveal a lot of secrets. Given the short scale, a decent upright would give a great deal more bang for the buck.
PTG Associate
AIO Regular Member
ASCAP
Pipe Organ Builder
Chief Instrument Technician, Director, Chancel Arts
Church Music Professional
AA Music Arts 2001, BM Organ, Choral 2005
Baldwin F 1960 (146256)
Zuckermann Flemish Single
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Joined: May 2013
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Frank,
Please do not buy this piano! a 4 ft something grand is not a grand. Calling a piano a "baby grand" is like calling a cute newborn a "sexy baby". Just say No
Making the world a better sounding place, one piano at a time...
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I've not seen a plate like that, no hoes in the treble section to allow for the cooling process. The action would be more tell-tale if it were to be a worthwhile beginner piano. No hoes in the treble section! I would think that the presence of hoes would attract all sorts of problems! Sorry, I couldn't resist. That's a most excellent typo! Thanks for the input, and Happy New Year! So, I'm curious. I've played, and heard, many successful small upright pianos. Yet, people nearly universally trash all small grands, which while small, are still larger than the small yet well praised uprights. Is it more difficult to build a decent small grand than a decent small upright, or is it just that no manufacturers really put forth the effort necessary to do so?
1909 Briggs 6'2" Grand
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Joined: Mar 2009
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It is quite old. With no raised logo or lettering on the harp, it likely speaks of a second or third tier piano. Significant water marks on the sound board are worrisome. With the possible exception of the case, it is hard to see any signs of "refurbishing." You can do better than this. I'd pass on it.
Last edited by bkw58; 01/01/14 02:40 AM. Reason: c larity
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Joined: May 2013
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Frank,
I never met a small grand I liked. I would much rather own a Baldwin studio paino or a Kawai or Yamaha console than ANY grand under 5 ft. I understand that small grands are cute.(heck, I once painted a Wurlittzer grand pink and sold it at a great price to a customer who only wanted it for the looks). But for a serious musician, as cute as that Wurlitzter baby grand looked, it sounded like shiite.
Making the world a better sounding place, one piano at a time...
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I was browsing eBay and came across this listing: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Baby-grand-piano-PRICE-REDUCED-FROM-1200-600-FIRM-/201011448370The piano is 4'6" and of unknown origin. The owner had it refinished and added his own name to the fallboard. Any idea what it is? A Kimball La Petite? The current owner cannot find any numbers or names on the instrument. I'm considering purchasing it. I currently play on a borrowed Kawai console, which is quite good for what it is. But I will be moving, can't take the piano with me, and am looking for something to tie me over util I can purchase a real instrument. I would never consider a 4'6" grand, but if doesn't seem like it could be much worse than a 46" console. Our could it? I will, of course, have my tech inspect it. "PRICE-REDUCED-FROM-1200-600-FIRM" Hahaha! Is this seller serious? He/she cuts the price in half, and then says the half price point is "Firm"? We'll see how "firm" it really is, when the thing sits on Ebay for another 6 months or so....
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 138
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Posts: 138 |
Thank you all for bringing me back to sanity. I told the seller I'm not interested.
I've moved on to more fertile ground, a Lester. Looks to be over 6 feet and aesthetically fine, but I await word from the seller for details.
1909 Briggs 6'2" Grand
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