Why it May be Better to Buy a Rebuilt, Golden Era, American Made Piano is Better than Buying a Mass-Produced Asian Piano

Why it May be Better to Buy a Rebuilt, Golden Era, American Made Piano is Better than Buying a Mass-Produced Asian Piano

When it comes to purchasing a piano, there are many options available ranging from cheap, mass produced Asian pianos to beautiful, handmade, works of art costing well over $100,000. While mass-produced Asian pianos may seem like a good choice (and often are) due to their affordability, they often lack the craftsmanship and quality found in rebuilt, golden era, American made pianos. In this post, we will discuss the benefits of purchasing a rebuilt piano over a new Asian piano, and why Stilwell Pianos is one of the best suppliers of used pianos in the country.

Superior Craftsmanship

One of the most significant advantages of a rebuilt piano is the superior craftsmanship that goes into each instrument. Pianos from the golden era, such as those made by Steinway, Mason & Hamlin, Baldwin, Chickering, Knabe, etc were built by skilled craftsmen who paid attention to every detail and every piece of wood they put into the piano. These pianos were constructed with high-quality materials, such as hardwood, that were hand selected for their resonance and tonal qualities. In contrast, mass-produced Asian pianos often use cheaper materials and woods, which can affect the sound quality and durability of the instrument. This is fairly common in the cheaper Asian pianos but we are seeing companies like Yamaha and Kawai using higher end materials in their higher end pianos. Unfortunately they are not doing this in their entry level or mid level models which is what we see in our everyday piano market.

Unique Qualities

Another benefit of purchasing a rebuilt piano is the uniqueness of each instrument. No two pianos are exactly the same, even if they were produced by the same manufacturer or rebuilt my the same technician. Every rebuilt piano has its own story and character, having been restored by skilled technicians who take the time to bring out the best qualities of the instrument and make it do what THEY want it to do. This uniqueness is what makes playing a rebuilt piano such a special experience.

Long-Term Value

Investing in a rebuilt piano is also a wise long-term decision as someone has already “drove it off the lot”. Not only are rebuilt pianos about 75% cheaper than a new version of the same thing, they also hold their value better. These pianos are often considered to be collector's items and are highly sought after by pianists, collectors, and institutions. Just remember, they aren’t making any more 1923 Steinway Ms!  With proper care and maintenance, a rebuilt piano can appreciate in value over time or worst case, hold its value. You can’t say that about new pianos! It is commonly said that mass-produced Asian pianos are often considered to be disposable and lose their value quickly. Its not that we can’t rebuild Asian pianos, it’s that it is physically stupid… You may put $20k into rebuilding a Yamaha only to find out its worth $12k when you are done. If you do that with a Mason & Hamlin or some other high-end brand from the golden era, you will likely be in the piano for less than it’s worth creating a profit or equity in the piano.

Stilwell Pianos

Stilwell Pianos is one of the largest suppliers of used pianos in the United States, offering a wide selection of rebuilt, golden era, American made pianos. We are known for being more laid back, not pushy, knowledgeable, and a source for high-quality pianos in Arizona. At Stilwell Pianos we have pianos from top handmade brands, such as Steinway, Mason & Hamlin, Baldwin, Chickering, Knabe, Seiler, Petrof, etc. We also have a bunch of Asian pianos such as Yamaha, Kawai, and Brodmann, Hailun, Young Chang and many more!

Conclusion

While mass-produced Asian pianos may seem like a good choice due to their affordability, they often lack the craftsmanship, unique qualities, and long-term value found in rebuilt, golden era, American made pianos. By investing in a rebuilt piano, you are not only getting a high-quality instrument but also a piece of history that has been carefully and artfully restored to its former glory. So when it comes to purchasing a rebuilt piano, Stilwell Pianos is the place to go for exceptional quality and service!