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There is a difference between buying a house and a car/piano. If well chosen the house can increase in price over time with the inflation or even above inflation. That has been the case for everything I bought. Cars and piano depreciate no matter what. And one needs a house to live. An expensive piano is a pleasure.

Sidokar, yes of course to your points here.

But in my two points that you quoted, what I was trying to say was 1) don’t buy more piano than you can afford, and 2) yes, there’s such a thing as “the piano that got away” but at the same time, there’s no reason to assume “this will be the last piano I ever buy.” So there’s absolutely nothing wrong with “settling” for a different piano, especially since buying a good-enough piano today doesn’t mean we won’t buy a super amazing piano in a few years.

Thank you SK and others for your points on
the financial pros and cons. I'd say the cons have it, paying for cars is different in many ways, and falling in love can be an expensive business. The main questions seem to be the Kawai or see what else comes along, and what's in the grand piano fund at the church for maintenance and replacement. Also what would it cost to deal with the heavy action of the KG?

I certainly think that sometimes i can try a piano and connect with it more so than usual. But there are certainly other ones that could work equally well though in a different manner. Just like i cant imagine there is only one possible interpretation of a piece of music. But even more so, i think i could very well satisfy myself with an instrument that would cost 3 or 4 times less than my current one. And even if the tonal quality is inferior, they would still be perfectly satisfactory musical instruments which can deliver beautiful results. Of course if one can afford it, then why not. But i am not sure i would spend 100k on any piano even if i can afford it.

Since the USD to Canadian exchange rate is posted, the Estonia is very close to what I paid in 2019. Although I had a trade in, so I couldn’t negotiate the price any lower.

I don’t think the OP has a trade in, they might be able to further negotiate the price.

Just thinking out loud here. Jumping from an NX1 to an Estonia L190 is a huge leap. If it were me, I’d be checking for some additional used grands for sale. If you can fit an L190, your choice for used grands can go to a Yamaha C3 or equivalent sized GX or RX Kawai grand.

I suppose it might increase somewhat. And it isn't unwise to factor that in. But I think it'd be the wrong attitude to take of something like..." oh wow, better act now or this deal will be gone". After all, it's a new piano, the prices aren't accelerating at breakneck speed (to my knowledge). I think that's a common FUD anxiety message of dealers and salespeople, right? Better get this one, there's only one like it, etc etc. Later on it won't be around. I don't think that's true in this case. Later on, the funds might be there much more in full to handle whatever the price of the piano at the time.

My analytical mind wants to ask something like...what would this look like in a year, in terms of financial burden? A year is not that long to wait. It would allow time to try other pianos. Save money. See how the piano market behaves. It's just a matter of whether OP is patient enough, etc. Because it's a brand new instrument from the factory, I think it's much more reasonable to invite this kind of patience than if it really is more of a special deal. It doesn't sound like it's all that special of a deal now. Nor does it seem like it'll change drastically in the future.

So that's all I really mean. I'm not sure we have totally contradictory opinions about it.

Wow, everybody. I'm overwhelmed by the response. I actually made a decision before reading any of this but you're making me feel a lot better about the direction I took!

I bought the KG-2E. It will be delivered in a few days. I ended up getting an even better price - 11,725 CAD before tax. And it's truly in like-new condition. It's no Estonia L190 obviously but certainly a capable instrument that is well worth the price.

What's most helpful is that many people here take seriously the financial strain. While I would, technically, be able to manage, it would come with an accompanying marital strain that would definitely take take enjoyment away from what is seriously the best piano I've ever played. And I did try everything in the showroom and multiple showrooms. Nothing was like this Estonia, at least for me.

I also find it interesting how quickly the N1X got dropped from the conversation! I decided that if I wanted to use headphones, I would buy a sub-$1000 keyboard (used) and have that. The rest of the time, I want something that's not merely emulating the better thing. I mean, I liked the N3X that I got to try but I still knew it wasn't real. A very good fake, yes, but not as satisfying as this Kawai that is now mine!

My first grand piano! It's been a lifelong dream. Man, did I ever need one when I was preparing for associate degree. Should've bought then lol.

Thanks again, everyone. My first foray into Piano World has been a wonderful experience.

Space_Doodle

Yay, congratulations!!! I’m happy you made a decision you can feel good about, that doesn’t break the bank or strain the home, and you’re getting a great piano!

I had to laugh at this:

This group might just have a little bias toward acoustic pianos… maybe…

What wonderful news!! Three cheers for your decision! Please post pics when it is delivered.

Space_doodle~

Congrats on the purchase, I’m sure it will be worth it!

“Overwhelmed by responses”
That’s what we are here for 😊 to help people!!

“KG2E”
I found saw one online at my local piano store, from the video it looked and sounded amazing!

Blue felt? Is that right?

“Nothing like the Estonia”
That’s OK, everyone loves a piano but cannot really afford it. Fun to try-maybe one day.

“Keyboard/N1X”
Keyboards are nothing compared to that!
I went to a guitar center (LOL) and played the keyboards (they suck) nothing like my KK GE30.

“Dream”
Yes is certainly is...

Also, Space Doodle~
I hope you have a wonderful experience once you get it and stay online here on PW.

It sounds like you made a good decision.

Congratulations.

Congratulations! 🎊🎈🎉 May you have many happy years with your first grand piano! Please post photos once the piano has settled in its new home!

Congrats!

Congrats!

Congrats on surviving the helpful dogpile here Space Noodle.
And even more on the new piano!

We have a streak of new Kawai grand owners here!

Congratulations!

I believe you made the right choice!
Who knows, maybe you will hit the lottery! LOL

Enjoy enjoy

brdwyguy

Yes, blue felt. I am a fan!

Don't let financial anxiety spoil the fun of a new piano. Just not worth it.

Find a cheaper used piano (Much better deal).

He chose a piano and bought it.
KG2E

A wise choice. Good that it comes with a trusted technician and no entry in the annual Depreciation Stakes.