5 Used Pianos You Should Consider Buying 

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i grew up with a Kawai baby grand, and to this day nothing feels quite the same. the tone doesn't have quite as much edge as more professional models but the action is simply unmatched, with proper care of course.

Robert, an American piano that often flies under the radar is Falcone. Most dealers today think that these are Chinese, but before the Chinese acquired the name (and nothing else) they were built in Haverhill Massachusetts, near Boston. In fact, the photo you showed of the Mason & Hamilton factory was in fact where Falcones were built before the Burette Brothers acquired Falcone. The Falcone piano were built using high quality European components (Renner actions, Kluge keys, and other parts. They only built three models, based on Steinway A, B and D instruments. They are rare… but out there. I own a Falcone 61 grand and my tuner was highly impressed by its design and sound.

I've bought a second-hand upright Schimmel C121 in mint conditions and I'm feeling very well with it.

I'm buying a 1978 Baldwin SD-10 in excellent condition. Managed to snag a pretty good deal on it because not many people are crazy enough to put a 9' concert grand in their house. It sounds absolutely glorious. And loud (duh!) but so easy to play softly that it's not bothersome.

The Baldwin Hamilton is actually the very best upright I’ve ever plaid … It’s action felt like a grand touch to me 🙏🏾

I love my refurbished Yamaha U3A, built in 1984. Beautiful tone.

When I had my teaching studio years ago I rented a Yamaha U1D from the dealer I was associated with. It had been on loan to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and looked like they had perhaps rode the musical ride horses through it lol! But it was a tank and played beautifully. I gave many lessons on it.

I know this comment is late, but I'm so glad you mentioned the Hamilton. Most all of us learned to play on them, and I still play in churches where a Hamilton sits, perhaps as a secondary piano for students to play along with the main pianist. Also couldn't agree more about the classic Baldwins! Nothing like them. I have a 1988 DH Baldwin MP, which was a colaboration by Yamaha and Baldwin, and it's pretty great, but nothing like an SF10 or even an R made in America!

I agree. I have owned a couple older Asian pianos, and they never satisfied me. I have owned three golden age American pianos and they were all a delight. I still have never owned a Baldwin, but I have played a lot of wonderful older Baldwins. There was an old restored Baldwin H that I almost bought and still think about to this day.

I always liked the sound and action of Wurlitzer pianos, I’ve owned two of them.

Glad you mentioned the Hamilton. Hamiltons were the industrial church and school pianos that were indestructible beasts. What's funny s that I think of the cabinetry as a mid-century modern look. Highly desirable. Meanwhile just after "mid century modern" time, America was producing a lot of "fruitwood and rattan" pianos that really didn't look the part.

I had a Baldwin Hamilton for a few years and I loved its rich and brilliant sound. The action was great too.

I just got a 1968 Yamaha M2 Japan barely used, great piano

Older Blüthners too! They are great! I just bought a Blüthner modell 1 9foot concert grand from 1960

I’ll go right out and buy all 5 of them today, thanks!

Baldwin Acrosonic pianos from the 1970s or so are also excellent. Light action and a very nice tone with bright, sparkling high notes and decent bass notes.

Another great American piano is Charles Walter, if you can find one. I have had my W190 for over 20 years and absolutely love it.

hey robert, what do you think about heintzman and co pianos made in toronto, they were called the steinway of the north.

Robert: Nice & very informative episode. I actually _am_ in the market for a piano, and I am somewhat partial to Kimball, for sentimental reasons. I am wondering if they are worth restoring, and how long a set of strings on them will last, in the Southern California citrus growing region about 5 miles from the coast.

Yes I keep in tune yearly

i have a 1985 Camball upright piano and it sounds like a grand piano

I love the Baldwins. Model L

What are your thoughts about Everett pianos? I have a 6’ Everett grand that was built in 1910. It has a few issues that need to be worked on but it seems to be pretty decent…

Thanks 🙏🏾 so much , Mr. E 🙏🏾

What about a used Charles Walter?

What is your opinion on Maynard upright vertical grand pianos.

Robert, what can you tell us about Boston pianos? Do they have any distinguishing characteristics for a player, positive or negative? I know the history - designed by Steinway and uses some Steinway parts, but manufactured by Kawai. What I want to know is how do they stack up in terms of action, technique and tone?

If you want a piano technician to help with an evaluation, what is typically the cost?

I've tossed around the idea of getting a small sized grand for most of my life, but ultimately the space they would take up has always been prohibitive. The uprights I've owned over the years were ok- but of course, it's just not the same playing experience. I think my next purchase will be an electronic piano- I've been keen on the Casio "Grand Hybrid" for a few years and the newer models seem to be better than ever. I would be interested in Robert's opinion of these instruments. I was wondering if you might be able to compare a few of the newer electronic pianos in your reviews?

What about Story and Clark baby grand?

Don’t need 5 pianos lol but thanks

Sohmer vertical

Robert, would you consider making a video that details the attributes an "artist" Baldwin grand has that differentiates it from the balance of their offerings?

I think telling someone to buy a used Yamaha is a bad idea they had recall worthy faults and Yamaha never recalled their Pianos. My advice never buy a used Yamaha

FYI Baldwin was started in Arkansas I shall have mind. Love Baldwin!!!

Hi Robert, I wanted to ask you what is your opinion on the Pleyel upright piano. I have one 30 years old, studying on it when I was a piano student, and I really love it.Thank you.