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Bewildered · Member Joined: 12 Nov 2004 Posts: 8 Location: England

Please Help, my wife and i are desperately trying to buy our first piano. Its the same old problem, our searches have led us to confusion and it would seem we gain snatches of useful information only to add to the stress. I would like to purchase as soon as since my wife is disabled and it will be great for her to bea ble to dedicate herself to learning piano. We can both play instruments but piano novices. We have a 2 year old daughter who might one day wish to tinkle on the piano. our budget is tight. We have been offered a new bentley upright, polyester finish for 1400, and a new cadmann upright, polyester finish for 1500 Question

Obviously a novice! it is a Cartmann upright(!) does this change anything ?

Barrie Heaton · Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 8:16 am Post subject:

This is going to seed more doubts in your mind, The Cartmann piano I have not come across other may have and comment &1400 for a Bentley is a very good price and they are a well known British make However, production of Bentleys stopped last year, now the piano you have may have been on the shop floor for a few years so still a vgood buy. But Inter Music acquired the name Bentleys and probably are going to have them made in the far east, If the one you are looking at is a new far east one depending which factory it was made in will determine the quality and 1400 is not at the top end

Barrie,
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Barrie Heaton
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Bewildered · Member Joined: 12 Nov 2004 Posts: 8 Location: England

That's great. Pretty much as i had been advised, The dealer was upfront about Bentley and deals with Inter Music for all of his stock. He says the piano retails at &1800 and he is selling it for 1400. I have to admit it sounds great. My problem is that the local reputable technician is the guy trying to sell me the 'cadmann' which every piano retailer in the midlands is denying all knowledge of!! In terms of sound this was better in the bass than the Bentley but there was not a great deal in it other than that niggling doubt that the cadmann might be a rip - off. I've pondered on second hand but don't feel i have enough knowledge of buying yet to take the gamble. i realise that the bentley will depreciate as I am buying it new, but it at least will live comfortably in my house (recently totally refurbished). Q: Could i be getting better for my money been looking for ages? Thankyou once again, this site is brilliant!!! Very Happy

Barrie Heaton · Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 6:26 pm Post subject:

Your 1500 pounds would get you a better second hand piano than a new one at that price as you are at the lower end of the market for new ones even if you go to one of the retailers who give big discounts e,g. you can get a Hermann Upright Piano Model 122 for around 1800 which has quite a good bass but if it was me I would go for a second-hand Yamaha U3 for a few hundred more.

Just because we have not come across the name this is not an indication that the guy is trying to rip you off, what sort of Guarantee his he giving. I have just been told about a piano called the Rolex I have not heard of this make before till just about an hour ago It is made by Young Chang so you see names can be deceiving if you are after second hand and live in the Midlands area Give Nic a ring 01214 366822 he know most of the dealers in the Midlands and what is on offer

Barrie,
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Barrie Heaton
Web Master UK Piano Page

Bewildered · Member Joined: 12 Nov 2004 Posts: 8 Location: England

He's giving 5 year guarantee on parts and labour, says it's made by a company in Holland. So far the nicest I've looked at, the bentley was really weak in th bass and high end of treble, action also quite inconsistant, dealer convinced this will improve as it settles ? Although he didn't know whether it had roller action (been informed this wouldn't be so on an upright) and was astonished when we pointed out that a few of the hammers were very misaligned with the others i.e. he was generally unable to talk to me about the technical spec of the Bentley. Concluded this is a piano player selling washing machines!! A lesson to be learned for me. On the search for a yamaha today - seems equally confusing, mixed reviews with dealers according to year ? Unfortunately very restricted to budget at the moment and would like to wait until cash improves but as i mentioned it is a much needed distraction for my wife (recently disabled). however she plays the violin and I'm sure she will outgrow a poorer quality instrument quite quickly. Contacted Nic, he was most helpful, the guy he put me in touch with can supply a yamaha U1, Grade A, about 25 - 30 years old in 'immaculate condition' with 2 year warranty (including labour)for &2000. Or the 'Rolex' you referred to for 1700 (15 years old). Any thoughts ? Does that sound good price ? I can't believe how helpful you have been, many thanks !!!

Barrie Heaton · Posted: Sat Nov 13, 2004 2:07 pm Post subject: Re: RE Cartmann

Bewildered · Member Joined: 12 Nov 2004 Posts: 8 Location: England

Thanks Barrie, my wife thinks you're amazing !! Laughing

Figured we had best steer clear of the Bentley, and have decided against the one from Holland. However the guy selling the one from Holland has a fabulous reputation as a technician and he was willing to talk us through the piano's taking off the front's and comparing to others inthe shop etc, will probably ask him to look at a couple for us. He also added today that we would get better value for money second hand, he said he tends to sell the yamaha's at about &1800 but doesn't get them often. This time last week I knew absolutely nothing about piano's and whilst i still feel piano green, thanks to this site I'm at least starting to get a bit of feel for the dealers !! Thanks. will keep you posted. Rental looks interesting.

Barrie Heaton · Posted: Sat Nov 13, 2004 11:57 pm Post subject:

I would not discount the one from Holland yet see what comes up and what the Guy has to offer send me a PM with his name

Barrie,
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Barrie Heaton
Web Master UK Piano Page

haifai88 · New Member Joined: 28 Dec 2004 Posts: 1

Hi Barrie,

I was trying hard looking for info about Rolex pianos and I stumbled upon this thread.

I would like to have more info about this brand as I cannot get any info from my local dealer. I just bought a used Rolex from him based on his recommendation which fits my tight budget, but I could not get any further info from him.

Could you possibly have some info about this brand or maybe a link to the manufacturer?

Thanks.

Barrie Heaton · Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2004 11:00 am Post subject:

The only info I have on them is second hand from a tuner in the Midlands who tuned one they are of fare east origins the comment I made above was referring to the second hand one that the tuner has seen he remarked on how good that one was.

The problem we have today is that you can have one model of piano from a factory in the Fare East with many names use for the same model of piano. This is nothing new shops use to buy pianos and place their own name on them. The rag trade is just the same, at the end of the day if you are happy with what you have then enjoy it.

Unless you have a problem with the piano!

All the best for 2005

Barrie,
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Barrie Heaton
Web Master UK Piano Page