[SarahJ]

Hi all,

I'm looking for some advice on buying a piano and silent pianos have grabbed my attention!

I live in a flat and the piano would need to live against the party wall, so a silent piano sounds like a great option for me. Money is an issue however, so I would be looking for a bottom-of-the-range silent.

The only real option I can see that is in my price range is the Yamaha B1. The Steinmayer S108 is a possibility, but is really out of my price range. Ideally I would like to spend £2000 but would be prepared to stretch that if necessary.

I am aware that the B1 doesn't have the MIDI option, but I am not bothered - I am really just after the best piano that I can afford.

My background - I learnt for about 8 years when I was a school and reached grade 6. I've now left uni and haven't played much in the last 5 years, but want to get back into it.

I have a few questions....

- Is the Yamaha B1 my only option, or are there other pianos that I should be considering?

- Is the Yamaha B1 a reasonable piano (given my budget) or am I shooting myself in the foot by going for a silent piano?

- Is the silent version identical to the standard, just with additional electronics?

- It looks like silent technology is fairly new - have there been any problems with it?

- If there are any problems, is it difficult to get hold of someone who can repair it?

- Would a silent piano hold its resale value, or have significantly more depreciation?

Any advice on the above questions would be much appreciated!

Many thanks in advance,
Sarah

[mdw]

[Barrie Heaton]

[Grenache]

I recently played some side-by-side by way of comparison.

I played a new Kawai upright with the silent system and found it incredibly heavy compared to the same piano without. It was quite hard work playing it, as I'm used to quite a light touch on my own 80-year old piano

I then compared a new Yamaha U1 standard model against a B1 with the silent system (that's what the dealer had in stock) and didn't notice any significant difference. I played both quite a bit and found it nearer to what I'm used to.

I played the U1 for ages and eventually ordered a U1 silent (as I too wanted the silent system). As they didn't have one in stock and had to order it, I'm still waiting to take delivery, but I'll let you know how I get on.

[A440]

The set-off is wider in a silent piano. This has the effect of making the action feel a little spongey. Once you notice it, it feels different but you can get used to it. However it's probably only a piano tech who would notice so best forget I even mentioned it...

[SarahJ]

Thanks for all the replies - I'm going to try out the standard B1 next to its silent version if possible.

I had a quote for installing the silent system into an upright piano (£1200), so given my budget, I don't think this gives room to get a decent piano anyway.

I'm not really used to a particular piano at the moment as I have had a break from playing, so will hopefully adapt to whichever piano I end up buying!

Sarah

[mdw]

I think it will be possable to get a silent system retro fitted for quite a bit less than that, aprox £800ish fitted. Depends on which system that is and where you are. They are not available right now but should be within 6-8 weeks.

[Barrie Heaton]

[Barrie Heaton]