It took me a couple of days. I've always wanted a grand, but there was no way I could ever afford one. I'd really been longing for one. Then I saw a 1911 Bechstein Model B on eBay in England. Within days I had the piano. It initially cost less than my digital, but I've spent several thousand restoring it. It needed work, so there was no point in going over to see it. I knew the soundboard was intact and the action seemed to be all there. The frame didn't appear to be cracked -that was the biggest gamble.
It would probably be difficult importing a piano cheaply from the UK post-Brexit -I live in Ireland. The piano cost £1200 sterling and it only cost around €350 to have it sent over. I've spent around €5,000 since.
I've replaced most of the action, though I want to restore the original action parts and put them back. The old Schwander action was wonderful, but I couldn't keep it regulated for more than a few days at a time. I got Renner parts dirt cheap from a supply house in Germany that was closing.
With the old Schwander action it felt like I only had to vaguely think about trills and repeated notes at whatever speed I wanted and they came out perfectly every time. It was like the piano was playing itself.
I really wanted a Blüthner Model 6 that was available locally, but it was too expensive. With an old Blüthner, Bechstein, Steinway, or Bösendorfer I would be happy. There are lots of others as well of course. Old Ibach and Schiedmayer grands can be phenomenal.
I think I found my lifelong piano.