Hi all! This forum needs more posts, so I thought I would share how I found my current piano.

I had a Yamaha C2X that I bought new in 2016. I really enjoyed it, but at some point, started to feel like I needed a larger piano. There were a few things that bothered me about the C2X, and it mostly came down to limitations due to its size. So I started casually looking for something in the 6 - 7' range. My friend twocats and I made a lot of visits to the local stores, and the more memorable pianos include: a Baldwin SF10, signed by Earl Wilde (it was lovely, and twocats LOVED it); an original Falcone, which needed to be voiced down a lot, but still had a nice tone and touch; and a used Schimmel 208. This last piano was so promising that I ended up with it in my house on a trial basis (thanks to the good relationship I have with that particular dealer). I really loved that piano for some pieces, but not others and ultimately decided it wasn't quite right for me. I can't remember all the other pianos I played, but it was 2021/early 2022, so inventory was low due to Covid, and it definitely felt like slim pickings. At one point, I made a comment to the Yamaha dealer (the same one who had the Schimmel) that what I wanted was my piano, just bigger. That was a lightbulb moment, because I realized, that piano exists. Except, being Covid times, the dealer did not have any inventory of a C5 or C6 and nothing in the pipeline. After talking it over, the dealer agreed to place an order for a C5X with my name on it. Except that if it came in and I didn't like it, I was not obligated to move forward with it. So in Feb 2022, the order was placed, and as a bonus, I asked for a satin finish (they always ordered polished, which is not my favorite). And then I waited. I was expecting to wait for close to a year, but I got a call in early September that the piano had just arrived. Four days later, they had it set up, tuned, prepped, and ready for me to play. I went first thing in the morning, and was so nervous. What if I didn't like it and had to start the search all over again? Well, I played it and it did not sound like any C5X I had played before. It was even better, almost like an S5X. It had an almost celestial singing like quality to it that I had not expected and could barely believe my luck. This was my piano.

P.S.
It turns out, I'm even luckier than I realized at the time. I happened to play the next C5X they got in a few months later - I did not like it at all.

Yamaha C5X

I also ended up ordering a new Jansen bench to match the satin finish and straight legs. My old was was polished, and had spade legs (you can see them in the above pic). The new bench came in, and suddenly I had an extra artist's bench floating around that I wasn't sure what to do with. I figured I should just sell it, but held off for no good reason. It turned out to be a good choice, because I recently started to learn the harp, and that second bench is now my harp bench. Here is a recent picture of my piano, my rental harp (I will buy my own at some point), and my old artist's bench.

Yamaha C5X

    Your piano is really a special one and does have that SX sound signature despite being a CX! It's a mystery, but you were very lucky 🙂

    So glad it worked out for you! The CX line of instruments are amazing. I was in the market for a 7'+ instrument and almost bought a C7X before ultimately settling on a rebuilt D, but I was really close to buying the Yamaha. I think prep and voicing have a lot to do with it. Some of the CX series pianos I've tried have been miserable, but they have great potential.

    How big is that room?

      shawarma_bees How big is that room?

      It's a pretty small alcove, about 10'x12', but it opens out to a room that is another 14'x18' or so.

      Yamaha C5X

          Cassia
          How is the volume? In a few weeks, I'll be cramming a 9' piano into a similarly sized space (which also opens up into a larger room). I have a large rug down, but I'm wondering what other treatments I'll need for the space to keep volume under control.

              shawarma_bees
              In this arrangement, I think it's fine. It doesn't sound overly large to my ears. twocats has come over and played it and I didn't think it sounded overly loud as a listener either. Placement is so critical though. I've had a 5'4" Cable Nelson, Mason & Hamlin A, the C2X, and the Schimmel 208 in this space, all in different configurations (I think the C2X ended up in three different angles total). The Cable Nelson and Mason & Hamlin both opened to the wall on the right, which was not ideal. The C2X picked up a really weird resonance at one angle. I had it turned about 15 degrees and that issue went away. I think the two larger pianos have fit best, volume-wise (which is so counter-intuitive). I definitely recommend having the lid open towards the doorway, and don't be afraid to have your movers hang out for a few minutes while you play a bit, in case they need to adjust the angle a bit. Seriously, just a few degrees can make a huge difference.

              Also, here's a floor layout of my space, to give you a better idea.

              Yamaha C5X

                shawarma_bees In a few weeks, I'll be cramming a 9' piano into a similarly sized space

                Whoa! I'd say it depends a lot on how the piano is voiced. Mine is 7'4" and the new hammers were initially deafening but I've been having them voiced down a lot and it makes a huge difference!

                    twocats Whoa! I'd say it depends a lot on how the piano is voiced.

                    Yes, good point. And somehow I managed to gloss over that you are talking about a 9' piano. The good thing is, the concert action should allow for a lot of control, especially if it's well regulated, which will be helpful.

                    Yamaha C5X

                        Cassia

                        Super interesting, and helpful. I don't want to derail your thread too far, I'll share photos and a layout of my space once it arrives. Fortunately, this is a temporary living situation for us.

                          Cassia, wow what a great story! And beautiful instrument!

                          navindra Thanks, Navindra! And thanks for sharing that video. Peddle harps are fascinating.

                          Yamaha C5X

                            Great story and wonderful shared photos - thank you!