I have a basis for comparison - I have personally prepped and tuned the Pramberger line of pianos for years, and have found them to be consistently (and still do) solid instruments. Not to mention, the Pramberger pianos are one of the best values for the $ that are available today. All told, from a technician/retail store owner's viewpoint, SMC has one of the best overall support teams in the business today. In short, the new Pramberger pianos manufactured by SMC are equal in quality with additional design enhancements. I have continued to sell the Pramberger piano after the change to SMC. I have sold YC Pramberger pianos for several years, and had a relationship with Joe Pramberger. I am a Registered Piano Technician of 30+ years, as well as a retail piano store owner. Without going into specific manufacturing designs and a bunch of technical jargon, let me say this. Perhaps this will put your questions to rest regarding the 'differences' between a Young Chang Pramberger and a Pramberger manufactured by SMC.

If you find one to your liking, they will be much less expensive than most non-Chinese instruments. Norbert, a frequent contributor, has said much about the improved quality of some of the Chinese made grands, and I think you would be wise to at least play them to hear and see for yourself. You might be able to get the smaller Estonia for $20K, and I've seen the Schulze-Pollmann 190 for $21K. If you can stretch your budget to $20K, there are a few Charles Walter 190s to be had (others will say this is unrealistic, but I bought mine in October for this, and know of another new one for sale at this price). I have no comment on the new Samick Pramberger. As for Pramberger, if you can find a YC Pramberger (and a few are still around) they are seriously discounted and considered quite a deal. The usual advice by Piano World members is to play as many pianos as possible before making a decision. Kawai, Bohemia, and Petrof are must plays in this price range. Your range is $12K to $18K? Yamaha is definitely NOT out of your range. (And yes, tonight I purchased Larry Fine's book via this website - gladly supporting Piano World). Are these brands that would be of high, reliable quality in my price range? I welcome all input as Winters in the midwest are perfect for piano shopping. We have not tried a Kuwai, Petrof, or Bohemian yet. So, my question to all you wonderful piano 'gearheads' (and I mean that sincerely Cha Cha!) out there, is what are the meaningful differences I should know about between a YC and Samick made Pramberger baby grand? After some research on this site, however, I found that what he is trying to sell me is a Samick manufactured Pramberger. My local dealer 'sold us' on the quality of the Young Cheng/Pramberger relationship. We recently tried a Pramberger that sounded and felt very nice. My wife like the sound and feel of the Yamaha and Baldwin baby grands but new they are out of our range. The most succinct way of saying what I'm looking for is buying a the 'Honda Accord EX' of pianos for $12 to $18K. My wife literally tears when we go out testing pianos just thinking of the prospect of starting to play the piano again. I am looking for my wife who wants to begin playing again and my two young daughters. The dedication by the regular contibutors is appreciated.

After spending six hours reading various posts I am AMAZED by the incredibly helpful advice found here. First, let me say that I am new to this forum.

Pramberger vs samick piano review