Tim, I believe that Young Chang thought the North American market would not purchase pianos with the name *Young Chang* on them back in the late 70's when they were introduced over here. I spent some time with a Young Chang dealer in 1980 who said that was the reason they had the name *Wagner* on them. They were not a terrific piano back in those days. Back then, when I was just learning the trade, and was quite naive, I purchased a *Wagner* G157. I have since regretted that purchase. I paid $6300 new for the G157 in 1980 and I believe the G185 was only about $7300-7500. As a matter of fact the dealer offered me either one at the same price. I don't know what they are worth today, but I'd sell mine for three grand if I could find a buyer. Mine is in almost new condition....no chips or scratches, not badly out of regulation, etc. BTW mine is also that light walnut. Hope I have been of some help. Terry At 11:41 1/2/98 -0800, you wrote: > >At the moment, I am negotiating to purchase a grand piano for a church. >The piano has been owned by a hotel in Prince Rupert since it was new, >but I have only had a quick look at it ( I was there at about 5:30 pm on >New Year's Eve and they were busy with other things--there were several >hundred plastic champagne glasses piled on top, so I could not get at the >insides). The fallboard says Wagner, the plate says Young Chang G185. >I've dealt with lots of Young Changs, but have never seen one with the >Wagner mark. The Pierce Atlas isn't much help--would the serial number >be a Young Chang serial #? Is the Wagner listed by Pierce as built in >Malaysia the same one?. I am interested in a ballpark price (retail and >wholesale) which would be appropriate for such an instrument in western >Canada. It appears to be a gloss polyester finish on a lightish walnut >veneer, with a few scratches and chips, but looks good from more than 5 >feet away. There are some damaged dampers, and hammers unevenly worn, >some probably beyond filing. From beneath, the soundboard, rim, and >bracing look fine. From the little I could see of the inside, the >soundboard has had at least one drink spilled on it which was never >cleaned up. The regulation is not great. It has probably never been >properly serviced. I will do a much more thorough examination next week, >but since the purchaser is 70 km south of hear in Kitimat and the seller >is 160 km west of here in Prince Rupert, I would like to make sure that >the price ballpark is established before I do a lot of running around. > >I would be grateful for any comments or advice from the list. > >Tim Keenan >Noteworthy Piano Service >Terrace, British Columbia > > > >
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