A few days ago I entered a piano shop to see what they had used and to try some out. Initially, I was attracted by a Yamaha GA1 (1/4 grand) and I started playing it around. After a while, I noticed some things I didn't like: the keyboard, in the bass section, was quite heavier compared to the rest; difficulty obtaining pianissimo; difficulty obtaining repeated notes.
Subsequently, I tried a Kemble Conservatorio model which, instead, besides having a warmer sound, had a much more responsive action than the Yamaha. It was enough to depress the key with very low velocity... it still played, pianissssimissimo, a sound of almost imperceptible intensity. What can I say, it might not be a great grand, but as an upright, it struck me immensely.
Any feedback, clarifications and comments are very welcome!! 🙂 :)
Hi Lorenzo, I believe that first you must evaluate the condition of the action. You might have tried a well-regulated and prepared upright piano, and an unprepared grand piano. Paolo teaches me that pianissimo is executed perfectly on pianos where the escapement point is regulated very close to the strings; the Yamaha was probably not properly regulated. It would therefore be advisable to try the same piano in another shop or try a new one to get an idea of its proper functioning and to have a point of reference. Usually, the bass notes in grand pianos are always a little heavier than the high registers, which gradually become lighter, but if the difference is abysmal, then perhaps it still depends on some flaw in the transmission mechanism. Sometimes, however, the weights are simply as they come from the manufacturers. As I repeat, it would be advisable to try the same instrument new. In any case, Paolo will give you more clarification.
Regarding the Yamaha... I believe it is a very good brand for upright pianos, particularly from the C110 upwards... but, honestly, as far as grand pianos (or baby grands in your case) are concerned, it has never particularly impressed me. I think if I could choose between a grand and an upright, both Yamaha, I would choose the upright...
I believe that for grand pianos it is good to also consider other brands... Leaving aside Steinway, which is the top and therefore costs as such, there are some beautiful pianos around...
You have already received satisfactory comments. What Simone and Francesco are saying is correct. Furthermore, I would like to add that on small tails, the key lever is shorter. Sometimes it is necessary to increase the downward weight to obtain sufficient return. This is especially true in the bass.
Regardless of your budget, it is always preferable to consider a tail of at least 180 cm. The lever begins to be correct and even the transition between the white keys and the strung keys does not suffer much. In short, everything is more harmonious.
For Simone: If I get the chance, I will try another Ga1 to better understand where the problem lies, even though in my opinion I shouldn't buy a piano with the hope that perhaps after a mechanical regulation it will be better. Once I bought a used car because I trusted the seller who told me: if the engine rumbles a bit, it's because it has been sitting... just a little adjustment and you'll see it runs better. 🙂 From that moment on, I promised to trust (in this sense) merchants. You, as a piano dealer, let me try the piano regulated (within acceptable limits) and tuned so that I can evaluate without any doubt. This is what I think... maybe I'm wrong !!
For Francesco: there are no doubts about the Yamaha brand, I was talking about the ga1 in that shop, it's possible that another ga1 might please me more!!
But you know, having them both right there 1 meter away, I had the possibility to play them almost simultaneously and grasp the differences; the Kemble gave me the impression (to be cautious, but I am convinced) that it sounded better, with a much warmer timbre (even if we aren't talking about an exceptional sound), the action slightly more substantial (not heavy) but at the same time quicker to respond to the required touch (as I was saying, I managed to play a pianissimo that didn't come out on the ga1).
If I had the money, I would definitely put it on my favorites list, also because of the cabinet it is dressed in. I love wood as a material and the Kemble I saw had a wonderful walnut finish... it looked like it came from a carpentry shop. But these are tastes!! 🙂
For Paolo: thank you very much for the advice! Certainly, as you taught us, there are differences between the various sizes of grand pianos, but I thought that regardless of length, these would sound better than an upright. I was wrong! At least until proven otherwise. 🙂
Dear Lorenzo, you are right when you refer to the fact of not trusting; that is why before spending money, if one is not an expert in the matter, it is always good to bring an expert along. Buying a piano is certainly not like buying a netbook computer where one is more or less worth the same as another! Thousands of euros are spent and it is not good to get ripped off; for this reason I tell you, you have to look around. In most cases, however, the mechanics can be repaired; the problem is that it always depends on the starting price of the used piano. If one has a budget of 5000 euros, one finds a piano with a good sound at 4500 with the mechanics completely gone; you understand well that it is not a good deal at all, for this reason it is always advisable to bring an expert technician who can perform checks to verify the functioning and overall condition of the instrument. We will be making some videos soon with Paolo, a sort of video course to show which tests to perform before purchasing a used piano. Excuse any grammatical errors but I am writing with an iPad and something might have escaped me. Best regards...
Dear Lorenzo, you are right when you refer to the fact of not trusting; that is why before spending money, if one is not an expert in the matter, it is always good to bring an expert along. Buying a piano is certainly not like buying a netbook computer where one is more or less worth the other! Thousands of euros are spent and it is not good to get ripped off; for this reason I tell you, you have to look around. In most cases, however, the mechanics can be repaired; the problem is that it always depends on the starting price of the used piano. If you have a budget of 5000 euros, you might find a piano with a good sound at 4500 with the mechanics completely gone; you understand well that it is not a good deal at all, for this reason it is always advisable to bring an expert technician who can perform checks to verify the functioning and overall condition of the instrument. We will be making some videos soon with Paolo, a sort of video course to show which tests to perform before purchasing a used piano. Excuse any grammatical errors but I am writing with an iPad and something might have escaped me. Best regards...
