I went to the piano shop on saturday and played a lot of different pianos.
They were all very nice, I played Kawai, petrof, reid-sohn,samick and yamaha, but then there was one that stood out from the rest, a Yamaha C2m one of the new model yamahas. I played a C1L at the same shop but the m model was head and shoulders above it, the bright tone had gone and the sound was just so smooth.
The advisors in the shop had bought it at a trade show before it become available to the public because they liked it so much. I think the m model becomes avilable in spetember. But they were not sure of the actual differences between the m and l models, Yamaha had told them it was only cosmetic, but to me and to them the sound was so much different. Looks like ebony keys as well and better white keys also, or at least not those plasticky ones.

Does anyone know what the differences ae between the m and l models, should it make such a difference to the sound or is this just a particularly good one?

The price was £9975 which after checking on the internet looks really good as it includes delivery setup, voicing and tuning and it's the actual one that I played on.

I was wanting to spend around £5000 but this piano just sounds so good, should I spend £10000, what to do.

Any advice appreciated.

Mcman

Buying a Piano...its such a subjective thing, a process that only the player can really decide...I too understand this as I am doing the exact same thing as you, searching for a Piano that I like.

I would have to say that, its not necessarily what you spend but how and where you spend it that will help you find a good deal, your original budget would need to double from what you said from £5000 to £10,000 which is quite a leap if you go with the more expensive Piano...but if the Piano is what you like then I would say go for what you like, just dont overstretch yourself.

Yamaha have a good reputation and are very popular, maybe thats the instruments or maybe it's the very competitive pricing that they have, they seem to be almost everywhere...the Japanese Piano invasion seems to have been a success, you either love them or not...as for the particular models you are referring to I cannot comment as I have not played them. You may rest assured that someone here will have and that you will recieve good advice.

I wont say what I like or what I don't Piano wise, its your Piano and you must find what you like...DONT BUY A PIANO YOU HAVE NOT PLAYED i.e over the internet (I suspect you know that already) and note the serial number of the very Piano you like and get it written on the reciept by the dealer so they don't suddenly produce another one out of the box and send that instead...apparantly it has been known to happen. Sorry if that sounds a little guarded but it's your £10,000 so protect yourself.

Good luck with your Piano hunt

Kindest regards

Andrew

However tempted you may be by the piano you have seen and played, don't forget there are a lot of other pianos out there. I think, if at all possible, you should try and visit several other shops or dealers and really take your time to look around and get a feel for what is a good price. Like AUK I can't comment on individual models, but you might be able to find some more information on the Yamaha website. Sorry to sound picky, but I would expect the music shop to be able to answer your detailed questions, or refer you to someone who can. Don't be rushed into spending more than you planned. Let us know what you decide!

If you're thinking about that kind of dollar, I'd be trying out a few more. Generally i prefer Kawai to Yamaha, but my favourite uprights are Grotrian Steinweg.

Took my mother to see the piano, she nearly started crying when she heard how much it was. She was a bit upset the last time when I put a bid on an ebay piano, as she knew I had wanted to play it first and couldn't get to it, especially as it was £4000.

But I asked for her favourite disregarding the price and she liked the same one as me first, but closely followed by the yamaha GC1.

I also took 5 people from my work who don't know much about pianos, but wanted a trip out. They also liked the one I'd chosen best and, the smae as my mum, closely followed by the GC1.

Unfortunately I then noticed a new Bechstein upright in the corner, and had a little play. It's on sale for £8990, very powerful and its a bechstein. But I did want a grand.

Taking a beginner pianist tomorrow, an old pianist on saturday, and speaking to my singer teacher tonight and my piano teacher on Friday about it.

Hopefully by then I will have had enough advice to make a decision.

Anyone know how much a new small bechstein grand or similar would cost?

McMan

invaluable resource for researching piano purchases:

www.pianoworld.com

spend some time studying past posts on this site and perhaps getting the L. Fine book.
You could save a bundle and even wind up buying the piano of your life.

Have you considered buying a second hand one? It would be a lot cheaper. Second hand pianos are often great deals (think of all the kiddies whose mums and dads shell out on a 'nice piece of furniture' that never gets played...). I know several pro piano players who have bought beautiful instruments this way. I tried out some pianos for a student recently and was told by the dealer that older Yamahas (maybe 20 years old) are actually better made than the newer models.

And it may save your mum some tears!!!!

Good luck and happy shopping.

I am not a piano pro. The piano i have with me now is an old one. My mum brought it for me ever since i started playing the piano. Its a second hand, nothing that glamour.

As for you, since you are looking for something which is really good and expensive, i hope you will do more research. I am planning of buying one actually, possibly after i start my work. I have put my eyes on Yamaha for quite some time already and almost all the models are great. Like i said, i am not that good in instruments, hence i might be wrong. I hope things will work out well for you...all the best!!!