Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Piano Forum 1997 Young Chang G Model

I found a craigslist post selling a 1997 Young Chang G Model (baby grand). Serial number is G110592. Is this a good deal?

How can anyone reply with whether it’s a good deal when you post no price, no pictures? When buying a used piano, price is determined by the individual piano’s quality. You should go play the piano, and if you like it, the best advice is to hire an independent technician to let you know what the quality is and what repairs need to be made. It will cost you somewhere around $100-$150 but it will be worth every penny

If you haven’t done so already, another common advice is to go play as many used pianos you can play within your price range. That is the only way you can get an idea of whether you like the piano’s sound and how it feels to play

Please take your time— You will find one that you can afford and that you really like

No. Yes. Maybe. Who knows?

A "good deal" implies value for money spent. Since we weren't told the seller's price on this piano and since we know nothing of the piano's condition - a critical factor in every used piano sale because condition helps determine value - how can we possibly answer whether or not this is a "good deal"?

Regards,

I don't think I would be rushing to close a deal on a 2 year old Young Chang at any price.

Sorry. Here is the link to craigslist listing.

https://austin.craigslist.org/msg/d/driftwood-young-chang-baby-grand-piano/7316835215.html

I am curious if it is worth to hire a technician to check out to piano.

Thank you for your help and advice!

Correction, my post should have said a 24 year old Young Chang. A 2 year old one, perhaps, would be a different matter.

That is a small baby grand (5 foot ?) and the sound and tone is compromised to a degree due to the size, even if it is in good condition. Many would prefer an upright for a better tone.

First of all, welcome to Piano World!

Secondly, on the small YC baby grand, it looks nice in the pics. For $2K, if you like the way it sounds, plays and looks, you'd be hard pressed to find one similar for the same price, but it is possible I suppose.

Some here do not the Young Chang brand, period. But it is not a matter of them liking the brand or not liking the brand. What matters is whether or not YOU like the piano.

Unless you know a good bit about pianos, I'd suggest having a competent piano tech evaluate it pre-purchase, to be on the safe side. That will cost around $100/$150 or so, but you might strike a deal with the tech to give you a combo deal to evaluate it and then tune it once you have it moved. In fact, if you like the piano after looking at it and playing it, you might offer the seller $1500 and see what they say.

Keep in mind you will be responsible for moving and tuning cost. But it could still be a good deal, if you like the piano. Nothing is a good deal if you don't like it.

I played a similar Young Chang baby grand at a Church several years ago, and thought it sounded nice, and played well, although the lower bass was rather thin sounding.

Good luck!

Rick

+1 👍 Play it first and if you like it get it checked by a trusted piano technician. CL pianos can be disappointing when you try them. Best Wishes!

Per the serial number the piano was built by Young Chang in South Korea in 1997-98. The seller doesn't list a model number, but from the photos it looks like a G-150 (4'11" length). BUT it could be a G-157 (5'2") which would be much better overall (longer bass strings). The model number should be clearly visible on the plate just under the music rack. Young Changs from that era don't receive much love on these forums, but I happen to think they are OK pianos for average home use. This one looks good (from an appearance standpoint) and the price is fair - depending on what what the tech has to say about it. If your budget is only $2K this could possibly by a great way to go. If you can spend much more than $2K, and are an advanced player, you might want to keep looking. Good luck - and please keep us in the loop as things progress.

NOTE: Since the ad says $2,000 OBO, don't hesitate to offer less - and justify it by mentioning the moving and tuning costs you will incur to take the piano off their hands. $1,500 would be a good place to start.

Thank you for the information! It seems it is hard to find a technician who is available this week for inspection. I will go check out the piano today. I read that action bracket could be an issue for this model year. Is this something that I should concern about?

I believe it is G-150.

I'll send you a message with the info of the piano tech I had in Austin. Maybe he can help you out or refer someone.

Yes - this piano definitely falls within the range of production with the action bracket problem. Apparently the "fix" is a major job.

If it's going to see a lot of practice hours, used for teaching purposes, or played by a late intermediate or higher level player, I'd suggest looking elsewhere. For a beginner, hobbyist, or decorator, it could work but a tech inspection is strongly advised.

Even with a higher budget, most <$4,000 upright pianos are musically more satisfying and in far better condition than the <$4,000 grands I've ever seen.

It checked out the piano. It is actually G 157. It is in great shape!

Sounds like you are pretty excited about the Young Chang! Hey, if you got good vibes and a positive intuition, go for it! At that price, you could pretty much get your money back if you decide to upgrade at some point. If not, you're out what, the cost of a weeks vacation at a nice resort? Or something like that.

Good luck, and keep us informed!

Rick

Hello. I ended up picking it up today since it was in such an excellent condition and the price. It is barely played since an elderly lady bought it to take lessons but did not play much. It fits our needs since it is for my wife (took lessons since she was five and through high school, but has not played since then) and my two young kids to learn. It will cost me $400 to move and tune. We are very excited! Thank you for all the input and advice!

Congrats!

Wonderful, congratulations!! I’m sure the piano will bring much enjoyment to you and your family! 😊👍😍