Now looking at the acoustic piano.

Which would you recommend Kawai K8, K20 or Yamaha U3?

And why?

Many thanks.

Are you limited to "just" these 3 models? If not suggest try to play as many pianos as possible, including the new pianos.

Why?
there are more than just them out there... if budget can be extended some new pianos can also be included in your shopping list.... comparable if not better and if not value for money... in terms of tone and touch, stilll "very" subjective to individual ya... I like doesn't mean you like .. have fun

This post has been edited by jhp: Aug 18 2022, 02:57 PM

Noted and thanks.

These 3 are the ones available now. So ...

Of the 3, which would you prefer and why?

Thanks.

1. What is the condition of the 3 models? Model# and brandname on the iron plate and fallboard, respectively wont tell you or indicate to you the condition of the piano ie. bad, ok ok, good, better or amazing. Pianos deteriorate as they ages, the rate differ from one to another. ie Years of seasonal changes cause bass strings to sound dull and treble tone to lost clarity, etc.... etc....

2. Tone / Touch = subjective and personal preference. Since they are used pianos, among the 3 which do you like the most (tone?? tone???) and pick the one that's best...

This post has been edited by jhp: Aug 18 2022, 04:55 PM

Noted and thanks.

My wife has played the 3 pianos and she says they are all about equal. If forced to decide, K20 is her preference. I prefer U3, clearer and nicer tone.

Asking here to get inputs for us to decide.

We will check the sound board, bridges for cracks, strings for rust/wear, hammers for excessive dents, keys for excessive side drift, pedals.

What other major things we should check?

For reconditioned piano, do they normally issue the reconditioned report? Then able to know what they have fixed/changed etc.

Thanks.

It is always a tough decision when it comes to tone and touch - personal taste, everyone will have own option.. In this case, who is going to play the piano? If is your wife, than K20 will be the one to go. IMO, if piano is not big box, I am sure there will be more than 1 piano at home, just like a guitarist....

Reconditioning is the process cleaning, repairing, and adjusting for better playing than before, and parts are only replaced "when necessary". Reconditioning does not involve replacing major components such as the soundboard, bridges, pinblock, and most action parts. For report list, i am not sure if there will be any since reconditioning is not the same as rebuilding.

Rebuilding involves a complete disassembly, inspection, and repair as necessary. And more important, this repair services include "replacement" of all worn, damaged or deteriorated parts including structural components of the pianos ie. soundboard, bridges, pinblock and action parts. The piano is then reassembled, bearing adjustment, tested, and regulated to the same or similar tolerances as new. This repair services - contributes to the performance of the piano to sound like and perform like a new piano, and not cosmetically new.

i think the poster above already made superb points

but just wanna point out that the kawai k lines u mentioned are normal upright pianos

you might wanna consider getting an upright grand like the bl-series for fuller acoustics

here's a tool to help u check the age of manufacturing

https://serial-number-decoder.co.uk/kawai-p...kawai-piano.htm

my kawai recond was aged around 30 years+ when i got it.

i did remember i was comparing the u3 vs my current bl-61 when i was deciding

the ultimate deciding factor for me was the key action, i prefer heavier and more solid action on the kawai then the yamaha

the u3 was indeed as u said sounds nicer (also was 1-2k more expensive)

Noted and many thanks!

I see. Many thanks for your input.

what happen to the hybrid piano bro? don't want anymore?

I guess you can say the wife has a stronger say. Ha.

ah thats too bad, was looking forward to your review of it

either way, good luck in your purchase, do share your experience after you bought it

Will do. May get NU1X or acoustic drum set or e drum later.

Many thanks to you and others for sharing your views!

We went for our 2nd visit. After my checks (bridges, strings, soundboard, keys, etc), I felt U3 was better and in better condition than K20. But my wife decided on K20.

A day later, she went for another visit and came back saying she decided on U3!

So now we got U3. It sounds pretty good in the room, I like the bass, like the subwoofer for AVR, which brings a new dimension to the sound. It will be re tuned later. My complaint is, that it is rather loud. Have to do our part not to make enemies out of our neighbors. Ha.