Thanks for all of the opinions and advice. While I'm leaning toward the SK3, life might once again get in the way. We thought we would be in our current house for the next 2 to 5 years but the situation changed and we might be moving this spring. It's a cross country move and even with rising prices, it's probably prudent to hold off for now. The situation is fluid though and I might post tomorrow saying one is on the way, who knows!

As for my original question, I owned a 1922 Steinway M for 26 years. The main reason I sold it was to get a 6 foot (or larger) piano. The SK2 is a 5'10" design in a case they extended at some point in the past so that plays a part in my wanting the SK3 more. Also, during my research I found many people who only owned their SK2 and SK3 for a short time before upgrading to an SK6 or SK7. I even saw some SK5 owners upgrading. While I doubt I would ever find the SK3 too small, going into it with an SK2, that starts life with me compromising on the size, might not be the best idea. Yes, I know the SK2 bests many over other 6 foot pianos but the Steinway M enjoys the same reputation of sounding larger than it is (at least the era that I owned) and yet I still wanted more.

    Tuner going into it with an SK2, that starts life with me compromising on the size, might not be the best idea.

    Fair point there. Given that, is SK-6, SK-7 out of the question (since it sounded like your budget had a bit of wiggle)?

    I think it’s important to be satisfied regardless (regardless of which SK, which are all excellent from experience).

      11 days later

      Well, I would suggest that until you play the SK-3 in question, you don't know if you'll like it. Voicing and regulation sure have a lot to do with the tone of a piano, but sometimes there are inherent qualities in certain individual instruments that are just part of the tone.

      The Kawai "2" model, going from the KG-2 to the RX-2, the GX-2 and the SK-2 has always been their 'go-to' domestic size and lots of pianists and teachers love them. Sometimes the "3" model isn't that much better, and some people don't find it better enough to justify the cost difference.

      For me it would come down to the individual instrument and not the model designation.

      @Tuner didnyou figure out if you have to move or not?

      The SK2 should be very sellable (bc of its size and quality), so one thing you could do is buy that and then if you don’t want to move it cross country, sell it before the move.

      Another consideration (if you’re not moving) is the size of the piano room.

      Nothing is set in stone. I'm waiting for details on the SK3 from the seller. I am leaning towards the SK3 mostly because the main reason I sold my Steinway M, that I owned for 26 years, was to get a six footer.

      My current house can easily fit a 7 footer so no issue there but I would prefer to either wait until after the move OR move with it rather than buy it only to sell it then have to go through buying all over again!

        Tuner I would prefer to either wait until after the move OR move with it rather than buy it only to sell it then have to go through buying all over again!

        That make sense.

        You mentioned cross-country. How far? I recently moved across several states, about 13 hours I think.

        Rather than move my Yamaha C2 with the rest of our stuff, I had my piano moved by Modern Piano Moving, it was less that $2000. I wrote a review that's on this site somewhere.

        Anyway, my point is, it was easy and much less expensive than I feared, and my piano arrived safely.

        So if you like this SK3, don't let the possibility of moving deter you.

          ShiroKuro

          Thanks for the info, I'll save that. It's 1850 miles by roads to the most likely location we're considering.

            @Tuner ok I checked, my trip wasn’t that far. So yours would probably be a little more expensive. But still, definitely do-able.

            Tuner,
            here is a place you can play both SK2 and SK3 right next to each other.
            these pianos just came in from Kawai a few weeks ago.
            for the amount you are considering spending it could be worth making a trip?
            Not sure where you live or where you are moving to but this is Western North Carolina in Hendersonville!

            I played both the Sk3 & Sk2 and I actually in this instance liked the SK2 more.

            https://freeburgpianos.com/shigeru-kawai-collection/
            brdwyguy

            Tuner I am leaning towards the SK3 mostly because the main reason I sold my Steinway M, that I owned for 26 years, was to get a six footer.

            Hmmm. This recent statement of yours says the SK-3 is going to make you happier. But what about a Steinway "A"? I love the Shigeru-Kawai sound, but it is very different from your Steinway "M". An "A" sounds like a Steinway with better bass than your "M". Those extra few inches DO make a difference in the overall tonal quality to my ears. Brdwyguy - isn't yours an "A"?

                Seeker

                I would love a Steinway A but since I'm only shopping new, that more than doubles the price and as I've mentioned elsewhere, I'm not and advanced player and the amount of time and work I have to do to learn a new piece seems ridiculous to me. Even being retired and having tons more time to practice doesn't seem to be getting me to the next level. If I was able to retain pieces after learning them (read 'memorizing,' which is all I seem to be able to do) and not have to keep playing them often to maintain proficiency in each individual piece, then maybe I'd go crazy.

                If you're referring to a used Steinway then no, I'm only shopping new. I would take a used one if it was rebuilt by a well respected and competent shop with new everything (action, soundboard and pinblock for sure). The ones I've looked at have been priced at or above all of the new painos on my list.

                  Seeker Yes it's an A II from 1912 - it was completely rebuilt in 1996 and refurbished in 2020.
                  I have to say, I have played new A's and rebuilt A's and the tone on my Amalia it turns out, is quite special.
                  As my tech and I said, every once in awhile a Steinway gets built that is a little more special than most Steinway's.
                  It turns out my Amalia is one of those.

                  The funny part was when I decided to buy/upgrade to a high-end piano - in my head was, not a Steinway because all the
                  Steinway's I've played were in institutions and were, as I realize now, in terrible shape! So i was apprehensive about plopping down so much money, even on a pre-owned one. Luckily, I have to say - I believe I hit the jackpot on this particular A II.

                  b

                    @brdwyguy was the refurbishing work on your piano done before you bought it or after? (I feel like I should know this but my memory is not reliable)

                      ShiroKuro It was done just before I purchased it in 2021. It's why the piano looked brand new.
                      I did some changes: I changed the Bass Strings to Hellerbass with Paulello center wiring. and alot of voicing to and regulation to get the piano where I personally wanted it. Very light touch and the Upper Register with a clear bell like quality. A rich velvety middle register and a full bass sound.
                      b

                        That’s great!

                        My mother has a 6'4" 1924 Steinway A in her Manhattan apartment that is in serious need of a restoration. Soundboard is OK, but new action and pin block, etc. are a necessity, as well as a case refinishing. I would have been interested, except that the work would cost too much money, and you never really know what you get. I'm afraid we'll just have to sell it for very little to someone who can restore it, as my mother is just about 90, and doesn't play anymore.

                          pseudonym58 So sad to hear such stories about people becoming too old to play any longer.
                          I have a great niece and great nephew that I will be giving my piano to when I can't play any longer. Both are still very very young but have already shown interest in playing.
                          Good Luck pseudonym58

                          as a side note - I would contact Faust Harrison in NYC - they are considered one of country's best Steinway restorer's.
                          I think they are on 57th or 58th near Carnegie Hall.
                          brdwyguy

                              brdwyguy Thanks for the suggestion. I will give them a call.

                                also, that sounds like a Model A III which are pretty rare and were not made for a long period of time at Steinway.
                                the A III - was 6' 4" and are considered very very good pianos, when they are in good shape.
                                brdwyguy