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Hi all, I posted recently about an old 1873 Blüthner upright that I found online. I've since found a somewhat newer (1986) Schimmel upright that I went and saw today.

I believe it is similar the current Schimmel Classic C116 Modern. It is from a private seller and is advertised as AUD$8750. After this visit, I went to a Schimmel dealer and played a couple of new ones (including a C116) and they were just lovely, but retail for AUD$30k. The tone on all of them is just *chef's kiss*!

I think the used one I am looking at is a good deal (I will get it looked at by a tech just to be sure, but it looked immaculate and very well taken care of), but would not mind getting the opinions of all of you.

I also tried a Yamaha and Kawai at the store. While I can appreciate Yamaha, I really don't love the bright tone. Kawai had a warmer tone, but nothing like the Schimmel. In saying that budget wise, I could probably get a taller upright (Kawai, for example). Does this really matter overall? I imagine taller would mean large soundboard, longer strings, louder sound (?). Would love some guidance/views on this.

Thanks in advance!

Do you like the sound and touch of the piano? That’s all that matters. I also do not like Yamaha and Kawai bright tone, can’t stand it. Schimmel was nice.
I agree with you the prices for new pianos are bonkers nowadays, much better to buy a used one that was well taken care of and verified by a technician before purchase.

Kawai's and Yamaha's generally are not tonally similar. A piano may become bright from playing over an extended period if no voicing is done, but Kawai's generally are not bright pianos.