piano purchase

[JIMRPT@AOL.COM]

In a message dated 4/02/2000 6:53:04 PM, James wrote:

<<"Therefore my choices are a Yamaha
 C-3, Kawai RX-3 or Steinway Model M.
 Pricing aside, what are your feelings on these models.
 When you take price into consideration, is the Steinway
 worth the extra money? Or, would I enjoy the others
 just as much?">>

James;
 Since your original question was on these three instruments I will confine 
my remarks to these three only. I would tend to list my personal choice in 
the following manner: Steinway, Yamaha, Kawai............ this when 
considering power/projection only. In all other considerations it is a toss 
up.........If my supposition is correct then the question is one of whether 
the power/projection is needful in your particular circumstances. There are 
definite differences in feel of action, tone quality, general appearance, 
etc.,etc., and these really come down to personal preference.
 As for whether the S&S is "worth" the price..yes definitely it 'can' be, 
unfortunately this is not always the case.  The best advice, in my opinion, 
you have already received from Ed Tomlinson, i.e., "Go play them all and 
consider the price, and buy the one you like the most.  All of them will 
serve you and generations to come......Ed Tomlinson"

  I can only add to what Ed said by saying that the selection should be made 
on the 'exact' piano to be purchased and not on one "just like it". Price 
should not be 'the' major consideration as a few thousand dollars amortized 
over the life of the piano doesn't end up being nearly as expensive as 
spending thirty years saying "I wish I had bought the 
.................because I really liked it best!"
My view.
Jim Bryant (FL)