[Guest]

I am shopping for an upright piano in Toronto. The dealer I have visited, one of the most reputable here, showed me several models, both used and new, of various sizes and makes: Boston, Essex, Kawai, Yamaha, etc. I played them all, with my very limited playing abilities, and none of them did anything for me.

At the end, however, they showed me one that really grabbed me. It was a brand new Bohemia 132 Concerto, and it had a big, marvelous sound that could easily rival some baby grands. I liked the action, too, as far as I could tell (which, unfortunately, isn't much.) All in all, I became very interested in that piano.

I liked the way it generally sounded even though the piano hadn't been prepped. They asked what I wanted, and I said I preferred a mellower tone in the treble, and a more defined tone in the bass (as it was, the bass sounded quite muffled.) They said they would voice it and regulate it, and they would give me a call.

The owner of the business also gave me a quote: 9600 CAD plus tax. I think this included the delivery and the first in-home tuning. Larry Fine's supplement for 2008 gives 9500 USD (satin/polished ebony) or 10380 USD (polished mahogany), depending on the finish. This one was polished black, which puts it at 9500 USD. It didn't have the Renner action, just Renner hammers.

Larry Fine says discounts for European models are generally 25% to 30%, sometimes higher. Since the Canadian dollar has been at parity with the U.S. dollar for a while now, the 9600 CAD quote seems excessive. I was basically given list price, while being "confidentially" assured by one of the sales people that I was being offered "a very good deal." Another thing: there was no price tag on that particular item. All other pianos had them. Maybe this was just an accident.

The whole thing makes me uneasy. I made the mistake of honestly disclosing my budget up front (10K), and expected an honest offer, because as I said, this dealer has a very good reputation. Can you tell I'm a born negotiator?

My questions:

1. Am I right that the quoted price is too high?
2. What other dealers who carry the Bohemia line would anyone recommend in Toronto?
3. What is the best way for me to proceed?

[jackg]

Can this cretin be deleted please, he is advertising.

[Openwood]

He'd need to do some pretty special advertising to make me fly to Toronto for a Bohemia....

[Barrie Heaton]

His account has been locked he is form

shanghai province network
descr: China Telecom
descr: No1 jin-rong Street
descr: Beijing 100032
country: CN

Barrie,
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Barrie Heaton
Web Master UK Piano Page