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norway1 · Member Joined: 05 Oct 2007 Posts: 3 Location: Norway

Hello!

I'm an amateur that haven't played for years. Now I'm thinking of buying a piano to get started again, just for fun. I like to play classical as well as folk tunes. I wouldn't like my piano to have a too soft sound though. Being an amateur I'm not very picky about my piano, but buyng something I would possibly own for 20 years, I would at least have something of somewhat decent quality. I have briefly checked out the used market in my vicinity (mid-Norway), but it really seems that it has to be a new piano. I've been looking at Yamaha pianos, they seem very nice. However, my budget would only allow a Yamaha B2, P114 or similar. After reading some posts on this forum, I've also checked the price on the Wendl & Lung 122, and it seems that I can get one at the same price as for a Yamaha B2. Other pianos easily available are for instance the Petrof brand.

My dilemma is that I have no chance of actually trying this piano (WL122) because of the distance to the outlet. I would greatly appreciate any thoughts, experiences or recommendations from others on this forum.

Openwood · Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2007 10:34 am Post subject:

God dag, Norway!

Whereabouts are you over there? I worked as an organist near Tynset for a couple of years. Always good to hear from Norge - I'd love to go back and work there again one day; such a beautiful place. Even more so when compared to the God-awful state the UK's in now.

I think the P114 would be a better buy than the B2. I don't have any experience of W&Ls.

norway1 · Member Joined: 05 Oct 2007 Posts: 3 Location: Norway

Hi!

Thanks for answering. I'm located in Trondheim. You're welcome back to Norway any day. Have ordered a Wendl Lung UNiversal 122 now, let's hope I like it Shocked

Openwood · Posted: Mon Oct 08, 2007 8:24 am Post subject:

Barrie Heaton

superquark · Member Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 8 Location: England

I would certainly agree that the Wendl and Lung would be a better bet - having prepared a couple of new ones for the showroom for one of my local shops, I can say that they are well-made and have a strong sound for the money - definitely better than the Yamaha (in my opinion).

Just one thing - both the Wendl and Lungs I worked on had a tremendously strong smell to them - a bit like mothballs (or something similar) - really quite unpleasant - I'm not sure how much you would smell it in the home with the lid closed, but I didn't enjoy it much with my face in the action! Worth thinking about!!

The same dealer also sells the Perzina piano, which seems a very good instrument for the money, and no smell! Or the Weinbach, again very nice sound and great value in my experience.

PianoGuy · Persistent Poster Joined: 21 May 2005 Posts: 1313

Agree with you completely apart from your Weinbach comments. I've always found them decidedly shoddy. I've had two grands of that ilk to do this week; one completely horrible and the other has a poor strike line in the treble, distorted casework and an overall dreadful sound.

Why do you rate them?

Wendl & Lung? Mothballs, yes!

superquark · Member Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 8 Location: England

I can't say I've ever worked on a Weinbach grand - only some uprights. I first met them through a local dealer when I regulated 3 prior to display in their showroom, and all were very good as far as I could tell. This was about 3 or 4 years ago - the largest in particular (131 I think) was really nice - very responsive action which could be controlled quite minutely, very powerful bass, and generally a very strong, rounded tone. The build quality was better than average too. I've seen maybe 3 or 4 used examples since, and with one notable exception I've been impressed. The same dealer has a couple in at present, with the 131 going for around £5,000 and it feels and sounds like a 7/8k piano to me.

I will bear your advice about the grands in mind - good to know these things before recommending a piano - I'll speak to the dealer too - he's never had a Weinbach grand in his showroom, maybe there is a reason!

PianoGuy · Persistent Poster Joined: 21 May 2005 Posts: 1313

2005JG · Member Joined: 21 Oct 2005 Posts: 8 Location: England

Hi Norway 1,

I have a Wendl and Lung 122 and have been extremely happy with it. It holds a rich sound, supplying everything I require. I noticed the 122 in a music shop and compared them to similar brands that did not measure up for sound or price. The one I tried sold soon after so had to have one shipped over to the UK. I would recommend the 122 but it is up to your personal preference in finding a piano that makes you happy.

Hope this helps.

norway1 · Member Joined: 05 Oct 2007 Posts: 3 Location: Norway

Thanks everyone for answering. Will get my piano in december, and I both hope and think I will be satisfied. Smell?? Never considered a pianos smell... Should get a spray can of deo for the piano as well then...