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Look at those photos again, is there an upright piano in back and to the left of the Kimball? Or is it just a nice desk with a suspiciously rounded part that looks like a closed fallboard?

The info is so specific... Either the person is a covert piano dealer or they really did their homework.

Anyway, no reason not to go and check out the piano. When I had my Petrof upright, the guy I bought it from seemed super shady before I met him, but afterwards I realized he's a super nice guy and the weird red flags were just incomplete info.

Just keep your wits about you, and go play it!

It's true, Dr. ShiroKuro, that you can't always judge a book by its cover, or a piano ad on CL by first impressions, or what appears to be red flags. But the phrase, "trust by verify" (Ronald Reagan) is always in order when shopping for a pre-owned piano, not only private sales, but dealers too (with all due respect).

This may be a bit OT, but indirectly related; I'm flirting around with the idea of buying a newer digital piano than the one I have, and saw one on Facebook Marketplace that I may be interested in. But the FB profile of the seller is blank/empty, except for the guys photo, and it says he joined FB in 2021. I read that the number one red flag for FB mkt plc scammers is a skimpy/empty profile and having recently joined FB. So, I ruled that seller out... I would hate to misjudge someone, but I'd hate it worse to get scammed out of my hard-earned money.

Rick

Definitely a dealer. In pic 10, you can see a reflection in the lid of the piano of a storefront sign that says "Kawai Digital." This listing looks to be from the same place, and might actually be for the upright you can see in the background: https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/msg/d/chicago-young-chang-bergmann-48-studio/7457607636.html

On Photo 10, you can see the reflection of a Kawai poster on the lid. I have to think this piano is in some kind of dealership, even though the only Lincoln Park piano dealership that Google locates is a Steinway gallery. The wall decor does not scream Steinway gallery to me!
Anyways, I don’t think this means you should cross the piano off your list. Hopefully they also have a Baldwin or two!

Seems to be a dealer which is not necessarily a bad thing. They have this piano and others listed on the Pianomart website. You could try a bunch of pianos

https://www.pianomart.com/buy-a-piano/view?id=48316

It could be a music shop, not a dealer. The ones in my area often sell used pianos. Won’t know until you go visit! I’d also give the Yamaha G2s a look. 👍

There’s a 6’ Petroff made Weinbach at that Pianomart link, sold by the same seller.

Defnitely some type of dealer with questionable decorating taste (haha). They also have a 1998 Petrof built Weinbach (with Renner action).

https://www.pianomart.com/buy-a-piano/view?id=47669

Oh my gosh, good eye!

So, it's a dealer, that's definitely not bad, they are probably putting those listings on CL to get more eyes on them.

Actually, this is a good development. You'll be able to play a bunch of different pianos in one visit. And if you buy one, the dealer will make delivery and other details easier. A win-win!

If you were my customer I'd have just one answer:
A good used Yamaha.

PianoManPete, I hope we didn't scare you away with our enthusiasm!

Not at all, in fact I’m going to look at the Kimball today!

In fact all your responses remind me why I love forums like this- so much expertise and a real community of people who are focused on their passion.

Makes me miss the good old days of the internet.

Have fun !!!!

Oh good!

Let us know how you like it!

Re internet forums, yep, this one is pretty great! I follow (loosely) several Facebook groups related to various piano topics, but somehow they are never very coherent and I've never found another site that compares with this one.

Awesome ! As ShiroKuro said let us know what you think. I have been loving my Kimball Viennese but have not played any others and am curious about others' experience with it.

I think PMP will like the 5'8" Kimball Viennese, but since he has had some experience playing the piano, you never know. I'm also thinking the older Yamaha and Kawai might be worth checking out, if the Kimball is not THE ONE. That said, I've learned that when it comes to pianos, newer is better, usually, but newer usually cost more, and in some cases, a lot more.

It is certainly all subjective, when it comes to pianos, and what someone will like or not like. In fact, one person's old clunker might be another person's pure treasure.

Rick

Dealers do advertise on CL but they do not always mention it or thier names.I think it's OK as long as they mention it when one contacts them.

There is a nominal fee for all dealer ads - so CL would not be thrilled
https://www.craigslist.org/about/help/posting_fees

There is a nominal fee for all dealer ads - so CL would not be thrilled
https://www.craigslist.org/about/help/posting_fees[/quote]

I really think they would paying for the ad on CL.It is usually very easy to spot if its a dealer.Some of the dealers who do advertise are quite well known.

While on the subject, over the years, I've noticed lots of used piano ads on Craigslist that appeared to be private sellers, but were undoubtedly used piano dealers pretending to be private sellers; typically, it would be the same dealers, so they are not all bad apples/dealers and many dealers do follow the rules on CL.

In fact, some dealers were quite good at masquerading as private sellers. There would be comments in the ad like "moving must sell", "downsizing, must sell", son or daughter no longer plays, must sell, "Need to pay medical bills, must sell", etc....

And, I'm not sure how closely CL monitors this activity, unless someone contacts them to complain about it.

Rick