[El Muffin]

Hi,

This my first post here and I'm wondering if any of you with knowledge on the Kawai KU-10's could advise me.

I've found one at a seemingly good price, used, made in 1998 and described as in very good condition with reshaped and voiced hammers and a 12 month guarantee.

Can anyone give me a little insight into these particular Kawai's and how they are comparable to used Yamaha U1's. I know that the newer Kawai's are nice but I've been unable to find a used Kawai K2 which I guess is not surprising as there so new.

Thanks,
Daniel.

[PianoGuy]

No idea what a KU-10 is. Do you mean KX-10?

Trouble is, Kawai were just totally random with their model numbers up until very recently and it could be anything. A picture would help, or at least a height measurement.

I'd agree that the K2 is a good piano. The current Kawais are streets ahead of anything they made previously, so don't expect K2 performance from an earlier piano of similar size. Expect to hear a few bits of rattly casework though.

[tuna]

I think the Kawai KU-10 may be the one being auctioned on ebay by Mark Goodwin Pianos?

It looks clean and has a (rather short) guarantee.

But, IMHO, it would be best to take a trip to see the piano before bidding any big money.

[El Muffin]

Hi guys,

Yes, It's definitely the KU-10 and yes it's from Markgoodwin pianos, I was offered it off ebay from hi shop.

It seems to sound nice though and I'm thinking that because it's so new (1998) that it'll probably fair better than an older secondhand U1 made in the 80's.

Unfortunately hes based in Manchester and I'm in London and without time or a car its impossible for me to go and see it in the flesh.

[PianoGuy]

I think it's unreasonable to buy any piano without first playing it and trying it for size. This unfortunately is the eBay rule. Personally I think eBay's a shite way to buy a piano, and I'd question any dealer who uses it, but I realise there are some honest people out there who feel that eBay's the best way of getting on the internet bandwagon. Why not contact the seller and see if he'll let you transfer your bid on to another piano if you don't like it?

[El Muffin]

He doesnt seem to have anything else up on ebay at the moment although I've been told he has some Yamaha U1 and U3's coming in soon. From what I gather the KU-10 is about the same size as the U1.

Of course, nothing is set in stone and I could just leave it waiting and saving a little extra for a K2 or Yamaha P121 is tempting as at least I'll know that it's absolute new and not been touched with the chance to get decades of service pretty much guaranteed.

[PianoGuy]

[mdw]

Not sure who his tech is or where he gets them from. By his own admition hes a failed classroom assistant who decided to sell pianos

[El Muffin]

Well, turns out i didn't go for it in the end. I'm going to keep my eye our for other pianos like the Ku-10 but right now my immediate plan is to save up that bit extra and get a new piano that has been tuned and voiced nicely from a retailer such as Chris Venables.

Thanks for your help guys!

[PianoGuy]

Luv a duck.....

Wherever you buy, just make sure that you try the piano before you buy it. Not a similar one "Prepared and voiced nicely just like the one you'll be getting" nor should you buy blind over the web. You may well have missed a bargain there, at half the price of a new U1..... but equally it may have been horrible, or just not suited you.

Go to a good dealer, preferably one close to you that you can contact easily if there's a problem with warranty and try the very piano that you are going to buy. Check the serial number and ensure that it's that same piano that's delivered to you. If you must, travel. But make the effort, and don't bid from your armchair. If there is a physical problem with you getting there, a top dealer will even probably arrange transport for you.

Don't buy a piano by remote control at a distance. They're not fridges.

[El Muffin]

Haha o.k, looks like I'd better look for reputable local dealers.

Thanks!

[PianoGuy]

[kiv]

Hi all,
I ended buying this particular piano off Mark and to say its a belter would be an understatement. I have been a musician for the last 27 years and I am more than happy. Please do go and try all pianos before you buy, its a big investment initally and if anything you can wonder if it iwll fit into your property without major injury to the poor old delivery chaps.