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ennjaydee

I fully endorse JohnB and RWAS in recommending to anyone a Mitsubishi de-humidifier for pianos. The model MJ-E16VX-E1 has an auto digital humidistat; set it at 50% and the unit cuts in at 51% and switches off again at 49%. Not the cheapest unit but very dependable all summer long. The DeLonghi (DEC1...

ennjaydee

Joseph - what a pleasure to see and hear such beautiful playing and a real inspiration to all musicians. Thank you.

ennjaydee

I suspect Sauter would need to give you an answer re warranty, in writing. Otherwise humidify the room within recommended levels and there should be no issue. I keep it above 40% and below 55% using separate humidifier and dehumidifer units with auto humidistat. Not the cheapest option but gives a v...

ennjaydee

Barry raises a good point about the need for humidification as well as dehumidification. If you decide to treat the room rather than just the piano you will probably need a dehumifier for summer months in UK and may need a humidifier during winter as central heating dries the atmosphere. If you choo...

ennjaydee

I bought a DeLonghi (DEC 14) dehumidifer to treat the whole room but it went faulty so I returned it. After further research I bought a Mitsubishi (MJ-E16VX) which has an accurate humidistat which allows me to set the room at 50%; the unit cuts in at 51% and turns off at 49%, it's excellent. I would...

ennjaydee

Thanks all, I have bought a DeLonghi DEC14 which is doing a good job. By the time I installed it humidity had risen to 70% - it took 24 hours to bring it back down to 55% (and about 8litres of water extraction from 1 room) and the humidistat cuts in and out pretty well keeping it between 55% and 56%...

ennjaydee

With hot weather approaching and humidity levels already around 60% (UK Midlands) I'm considering purchase of a de-humidifier. Can anyone recommend a good domestic unit that automatically maintains humidity around a preset point, suitable for 35m2 room. A combined humidifier/de-humidifier that also ...

ennjaydee

A tragic loss. Kemble offered a unique mix of product that punches well above it's weight, with attractive choice of finish, built using reliable parts and backed by dealer/customer support, all at a highly competitive price. It's a shame that channel discounting has marginalised viability of anothe...

ennjaydee

And then ... if the dealer you tried has only one piano, the P114, it may be worth trying some other options. You may find something you like better for similar money (or you'll confirm the P114 as right). Kemble are well worth a try and offer a variety of finishes. A marginally taller, 121cm for ex...

ennjaydee

As every piano is different I would strongy recommend finding the actual one you like at a reputable dealer, where you will get support, advice and after sales backup. No two P114s will be identical and could even be quite different depending upon the care taken in preparation. Check on-line pricing...

ennjaydee

Crispin - I just posted a reply which failed to appear when I submitted it? [Barrie any ideas please?] So here goes again; shorter summary version. Particularly cold weather in UK recently; domestic heating overworked; humidity falls below 40%. One option is a room humidifier; one which has auto hum...

ennjaydee

A used Yamaha P70 or P60 will probably hit your budget if you can find one - earlier versions of the current P85.

ennjaydee

What do members think about capability of U1 for ".. grade 8 and beyond"?

ennjaydee

Just in case this has not been mentioned yet; new Yamaha U1's are built in Japan (U1) and in UK (U1GQ) plus there are Kemble derivatives. A quick google shows one dealer listing about £500 premium for the Japanese U1 over the U1GQ; check precisely what you are getting when you talk of new....

ennjaydee

Heard the one about Einaudi playing on a Kemble? Expect PG has a suggestion! LOL!

ennjaydee

I have heard many Skoda jokes but never any Kemble ones ...

ennjaydee

Model V wrote "There must be some cracking U3s out there .." Yes and some rubbish ones, so choose carefully. I found 5million or higher serial numbers much better than 4million or earlier ones in general, but there were BIG differences between used U3s so look at plenty to find the right o...

ennjaydee

Hmm, a used 90's Schimmel 116 for 4k. Sounds a bit high given that a new one is 6-7k, although if it is unmarked and plays well it might be worth it, depends whether its 1990 or 1999 and how much use it's had. I tried a 10k and a 12k Schimmel new and still preferred the Kemble Mozart at 4.5k, which ...

ennjaydee

Schimmel piano's are beautifully made but the sound left me wanting for more at the price point. OK in Germany but not favourable exchange rate for UK. Of course this has impact on used prices. Best I found for 4-5k price point was Kemble Mozart 121 which blew me away at that price. It's a limited e...

ennjaydee

Altanner's thread subject Yamaha CLP 240 -> 340 illustrates local dealer support value. Unusual for digital instrument quality to vary but it does happen ...

ennjaydee

markymark wrote "Not to steal your thunder or anything, but this part applies to a different thread" Admittedly this thread's strayed to value v volume rants, but the last two posts by the author (and more) do refer P140. I chucked in P85 as a jest, to lower the price just in case value ha...

ennjaydee

We're in full agreement markymark, and mdw. Value for money is what's key, not lowest price. Agreed, for digital instruments there is limited value that can be added. But convenience and the mere existence of a local dealer has some value. So decide what it's worth to you, then make a choice. Perhap...

ennjaydee

A key point: "they know the price of everything and the value of nothing" So ... evaluate the value of buying locally with support, advice, ability to try, maintenance, repairs, future upgrades, trade-ins etc etc and decide how much you are willing to pay for this. If you choose the intern...

ennjaydee

There you go!

Shift the rad. Don't stoke the woodburner up too high. Buy a temp/humidity meter. And do your son a favour with a real piano!

Happy Christmas!

ennjaydee

Markymark wrote "Take a balanced view on what has been said here.." Exactly. It's extremes of heat that cause problems. So keep away from direct sources of heat and check humidity is in the 40-60% range and you should be fine. 15-25C is a typical range that's acceptable. Bart wrote "W...

ennjaydee

Kitchen humidity tends to vary a lot with steam from cooking etc so probably not the best place. Might be useful to know what is the typical temp and humidity range in your living room given that a woodburner will, I guess, create large swings. You can get a hygrometer/thermometer to check this for ...

ennjaydee

I assume you are thinking about an upright piano .. as opposed to a digital one which does not suffer with environmental extremes. Temperature and humidity are important to maintain at near constant levels, if possible, for a piano. 20C and 40-45% humidity are generally reckoned to be ideal. Too muc...

ennjaydee

I''m looking for a portable piano to allow my daughter to practice while at University. She played a Clavinova CLP950 for 7 years and now a Bluthner Model A. I'm looking for a quality piano voice and ease of portability. It will be used mainly at low volumes or via headphones in piano mode, with adv...

ennjaydee

Babyjoola, please let us know what you decided.

ennjaydee

Looking to record mainly piano, but also sax and vocal in high quality audio. All three different in terms of mic characteristic plus care needed for SPL's esp with sax. Was looking at USB mixer studios, but not convinced they're up to the job - earth loop hum issues and lacking quality reported. Ne...

ennjaydee

Crispin. I look forward to making an audio sample of utmost crystal clarity. I'm currently looking at recording options and am interested in your digital recorder comments. How does the D50 actually perform and did you consider any options using external mics? Naturally I don't want to end up with a...

ennjaydee

NewAge wrote "we have under-floor heating" - so take special care to check humidity levels - Sauter's inbuilt gauge is handy for that! Had to buy a separate Hygrometer to keep my Bluthner in check but at least it sings beautifully not like A440 says with a "hint of cotton wool muffle ...

ennjaydee

A 79 Model A is likely to sell for 7-8k if brought up to scratch at a reputable dealer. Anything less you need to find out why. Poor quality parts (PG wrote "offcuts of Duroplast from the Trabi production line glued together with Russian potato starch" - Ha Ha :lol: ) and early polyester c...

ennjaydee

Household insurance premium just doubled since including my piano as a specified item. :evil: Call me old fashioned if you like, but it's not exactly a high risk item that's easy to steal and living on a hill there's precious little chance of a flood. So any recommendations for specialist piano insu...

ennjaydee

The Mozart is a special edition with upgraded components and a special intonation and regulation stage ex factory (see Kemble sales info). The limited run of 250 is about at it's end so availability new will be limited. The result should be that second hand models will hold their value fairly well a...

ennjaydee

I'd suggest trying several pianos before finalising your decision. Every single one will sound different. The U1 has a good reputation and regular posters on this forum will, I am sure offer you very good advice about the U1 and other similar options to consider. In my own search I looked at several...

ennjaydee

Room size is important to remember. Bluthner Grand - local Civic Hall (500 people) - just not powerful enough. Steinway Grand - School Hall (500 people) - great, fills the room. Purpose built school Teaching/Recital room (80 people) - boudoir sized grand - works well in that space. Sweeping generali...

ennjaydee

I'd fully support PianoGuy's view re Schimmel. In my own search (albeit for a quality upright) I found the Schimmel's beautifully made but leaving me wanting more when played. The sound just did not match the price tag. In Germany they are widely sold but UK pricing appears to lack competitive value...

ennjaydee

Oh ... and placement? Internal wall is best away from damp. Out of direct sunlight. Stable humidity 45% to 60% and stable temperature.

Hope you enjoy it. It's a great Piano you have bought. And Kemble have a positive reputation for after-sales care so don't have any regrets.

ennjaydee

I just bought a new Bluthner. The important thing is to have a written guarantee. Mine's a single A4 certificate from the Dealer. Then there's the care instructions. I was advised to gently wipe the exterior, a polyester finish (same as Mozart), with a soft damp chamois leather; same for the keyboar...

ennjaydee

I'm no expert but what I have learnt in the course of my own search is: Grands have a gravity action, uprights are sprung, gravity is better by design but there will be good and bad examples of both, so go with the touch you like. In theory gravity allows greater sensitivity. Depth of sound is relat...

ennjaydee

I have just been through the same debate. See topic subject "Bluthner Model A" on this forum. Having tried several (old part/restored) baby grands up to about 5'6" I decided money was better spent on a good (new or nearly new) upright. You will see there is lots of great advice on qua...

ennjaydee

Well it's here; the 'A' lives up to expectation perfectly, with a sweet, pure and rich singing voice and an amazingly balanced range. And a new owner who is totally chuffed! Thanks to all who contributed to the decision via this forum. Your comments were most helpful if only to confirm that one shou...

ennjaydee

ermy73 wrote: "In the meanwhile I tried other Mozart Kemble and noticed that the problem was in all of them." The K121 Mozart that I tried had no double strike problem and delivered a most satisfying performance belying it's price tag. It outperformed both Kemble Conservatoires that sat ne...

ennjaydee

Crispin wrote: It would be pleasant if Ennjaydee completed this story by telling us the rest - I guess that the Sauters were tried out ... and I would guess that the tone was found to be too strong/clear? Yes I tried the M130 - the sound is very clear and open and the piano has a fine action. My onl...

ennjaydee

It's a Bluthner A! With gorgeous mahogany colouring and weighing in at just 225kg! Thank you all for your advice and comments. It's been a fun week, now the real fun starts. The only one that tempted me more was the Bluthner Model 6 Grand, but I can't accomodate it; Luckily! I am truly delighted wit...

ennjaydee

What an enlightening week .. avid contributors, experienced advice, personal preferences, interesting opinions and the odd tweeked tail! :D More fact, friction and fun than anticipated when I signed up last Sunday! Thank you all. Meanwhile back on topic ... The Bluthner A has been the only one so fa...

ennjaydee

[quote]Incidentely, the Kemble 121 Mozart was tested in Europe by a team of World renown concert pianists and came second to a Steinway that was 4 times more expensive . Have you tried the conservatoir [/quote] Actually it was the K121 that received the award, in October 2001. The Mozart is a 2006 m...

ennjaydee

Interesting reply PianoGuy thank you. I'm off to try Sauter M130 and 122, to compare with the Blu A. I figure from other posts that the Sauter will sound very different with it's unique action. Interesting comments also re saleability of Big 4 compared to lesser known makes. At the end of the day I'...

ennjaydee

It's still the Bluthner that I like the most, so any further advice is welcome. What would be your shortlist and how do they stack up in terms of holding their value? I have not found a Bosendorfer 130 to try although this appears to go up in price again. Nor have I tried a Yamaha SU7 which I see fr...

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