i am looking for a piano . . . A REAL piano! after 15 years of only digital.
Unfortunately, I cannot give up playing with headphones, so I have oriented myself towards the Yamaha Silent and Kawai Anytime... they don't drive me crazy. I can't really play pianissimo ppp as I would like. Then there is the option of purchasing a piano that I like and having the Silent GENIO system installed. But I tried it and, as for the sound, it seems a bit "cold" to me (I prefer the sampling of my Kawai CA1200 from fifteen years ago).
now what happened is that at a dealer I fell in love with the sound of an old Neumeyer 135 (135 cm high) ... but not just the sound: also the feeling of the keyboard, the control, how it responds, how it follows in the pianissimos. They described it to me as a "German from the beginning of the last century" that has been completely restored aesthetically and mechanically.
the seller himself, however, advised me against having the GENIO system installed because its mechanics cannot handle it. But I like that piano very much.
I thought of doing this: I'll take it, but I will avoid selling (in fact, underselling) my digital Kawai which I would continue to use for daily study.
But can you tell me something about this Neumeyer? It is being offered to me for 2400 Euro.
After Easter, I will go back to try it more calmly. But . . . what should I watch out for? Or rather: what are the questions I should ask the dealer so that, depending on the answers, you could advise me whether to buy it or let it go?
As I said, I'm going back to try it the Saturday after Easter... but I wish it were tomorrow!
Many of you ask for "agreements" or "disagreements" regarding the purchase of a piano. Believe me, it is difficult to advise FROM A DISTANCE. A piano can be a good brand but poorly maintained or "manipulated," just as an inferior brand can be in excellent condition or a well-refurbished used one. I can tell you that even your feeling counts a lot. What is inside should be seen! One cannot advise sic et simpliciter. The seller is certainly a Lion compared to the buyer and knows how to greatly magnify what they sell! Watch my tutorial on buying a used piano and get yourself a good trusted technician, not the seller's, who knows how to advise and follow you.
I advise against installing hybrid mechanisms. Digital is the best thing as a study alternative.
P.S. whether it has been completely restored I have doubts... if it is being sold for 2400! Check that the hammer felt hasn't been shaved too much and isn't rounded on the highs. And that the action hasn't been "sanded." Also check the state of the strings and the stability of the pedals a bit.
Yes, it is difficult to judge from a distance; even an expert must see a piano in person. Anyway, thank you for the things you wrote to me. I will definitely watch the tutorial tonight.
Then, very sincerely, I wouldn't know how to tell if a mechanism has been "sanded." So I am seriously thinking—as you say—of looking for an impartial technician to come with me to see all the pianos I have seen, at least the one that would be my "almost final" choice.
My search for a piano that satisfies me (unfortunately with a budget within 4000 euros) continues. I must say it is a "good job": trying different ones helps to understand what one wants.
I am asking you one thing, Paolo (but I am asking everyone). Regarding SCHIMMEL: what is the difference between the pianos where there is a small crown above the central 'M' on the logo imprinted at the center of the keyboard and those in which this little crown is not present???
Is it an evolution of the brand over the years? In that case, is that one the most recent? Or does it indicate two different quality levels?
I'm sorry, I don't know how to answer you. I don't think it is decisive. Maybe they were built after receiving some recognition, but I believe the project is the same.
