[cathwa]

Hi,
Just moved to HK and in need of a piano. At the moment weighing up the pros and cons of buying a digital (can't afford an accoustic at the mo.), or renting an accoustic. I've looked into both and for the 18 month period we'll be here it works out just slightly more expensive to buy an ok digital one. However if there is a market for second hand pianos, it may be worth buying and selling when we leave. My question is: is there a second hand market for pianos here? I bought a digital piano when I lived in Japan, but had problems selling it as most people there don't buy second hand. Ended up selling it for next to nothing just to get rid of it. Is HK similar? Advice appreciated!
Many thanks,
Cath

[Claire ex-ax]

There are five advertised on a certain xpat site...

[shilo507]

IMHO digital pianos have several advantages such as:

1) never need tuning
2) easier to transport (less heavy)
.
Some of the latest Yamaha and Roland models are superb.

Where will you relocate too? The voltage of a digital piano in UK or Europe will be the same as in HK although you may have problems if you are going back to the US. Weighing in at only 65-80 Kg depending on the model you could always ship a digital back with you.

Digital pianos in HK are a lot cheaper than in the UK but I agree second hand values in HK are very low.

[cathwa]

Claire,
Both me and my hubby have searched for 'piano' on this site's classifieds and nothing (apart from piano teachers and an organ) has come up. am I missing something?

[Claire ex-ax]

It's on another one which we don't tend to mention here...

(Sorry, KIA, just this time.)

asiaxpat.com

[cathwa]

Thanks - new to this!

[cathwa]

Decided to buy a second hand accoustic one now. Anyone know of any piano removal companies by any chance?

[SoundsFun]

My suggestion is that if you are going to buy a second hand piano and know nothing about pianos, go for a digital instead. Or get someone who plays to shop with you.
Pianos need to be well taken care of in HK, especially with the humidity level (affects the wood which affects sound). Not all 3 year old pianos are the same. If they are not regularly maintained (it's not just about tuning).

[Gischin]

I guess most removal companies in HK also move pianos. I did a search on the internet and found some who stressed that they also do "professional piano removal".

[lisabui]

Originally Posted by cathwa

Hi,
Just moved to HK and in need of a piano. At the moment weighing up the pros and cons of buying a digital (can't afford an accoustic at the mo.), or renting an accoustic. I've looked into both and for the 18 month period we'll be here it works out just slightly more expensive to buy an ok digital one. However if there is a market for second hand pianos, it may be worth buying and selling when we leave. My question is: is there a second hand market for pianos here? I bought a digital piano when I lived in Japan, but had problems selling it as most people there don't buy second hand. Ended up selling it for next to nothing just to get rid of it. Is HK similar? Advice appreciated!
Many thanks,
Cath

You can rent an upright grand piano at Tom Lee Music. It cost about $230/month.