ChopinMusic Forum

[Amnesia]

Some of you may know, I am spending several months in Palm Springs, California, away from my piano and am in need of something to practice on! I will take a trip to Los Angeles or somewhere nearby and look for a piano to rent while I am here. Ideally, I would like a baby grand... but in the worst case I could settle for an upright. What do you guys suggest.. any reliable model/brand in particular worth looking for that would go for not too much money?...

[PianistSk8er]

Nice to see you back here Amnesia.

If money is a true factor here, I have been most satisfied with all newer brands of Yamaha uprights and/or baby grands. Maybe give them a look?

Good luck!

[Amnesia]

Thanks PS

Yamahas are great pianos I agree, but I am not faced with such a wide variety of choices, so I might have to settle for whatever they have

[Goldberg]

Estonia is a, in my opinion, superb alternative to Yamaha. I've played on some good Petrofs in a similar category, but I've also played some horrid ones--nevertheless, they're manageable. I would recommend staying away from Kawai or Baldwin if possible, and be wary about Mason and Hamlin, though one might suffice for the short-term. If you're slightly luckier, you might find a good Schimmel or August Forster--again, not the greatest piano brands but they have a tolerable and semi-European tone about them (especially Schimmel). Sauter seems to have a good product line without high costs...

Oh, and look into Pramberger, Boston, and Essex if it really gets down to it. All seem closely related to Steinway, especially Boston and Essex...not to suggest they're on the same quality level...but they're decent budget student pianos.

All in all, Yamaha would probably be the best choice for the price unless you somehow get a choice of Yamaha, Estonia, and, say, Schimmel. Let us know how it turns out!