Frankly, two grand sounds too high for that piano.
Buying a piano is a big decision because if it turns out not to hold a tuning, or if you find you don’t play it as much as you thought you would, or if for any other reason you aren’t completely happy with it, you could end up with a white elephant. And there are few things you can buy that are more white elephanty than a baby grand piano.
Now, if having an attractive piece of furniture is important to you whether you play it or not, and you don’t have anything more pressing to do with the money, then by all means go ahead and buy this piano.
But if you’ve never bought a piano before and if saving money, or at least getting good value, is important to you, you must have an independent piano technician look it over first. Just as you should have a mechanic check any used car you are considering buying, you must have an independent expert check any used piano for hidden problems. He (or she) will also be able to advise you on how much a given instrument is worth.
But before you call the technician, I strongly recommend reading The Piano Book by Larry Fine. It will give you the information you need to make an informed choice on this very important decision.
For instance, from my copy I learn that although the Chickering name is now owned by Baldwin, before 1985 Chickerings were made by the Aeolian company. Most of the upright pianos made by Aeolian under the Chickering and other names are essentially junk, and all Fine has to say about the grands is that the early ones (before 1965) were “not bad.” This would give me pause about paying $2,000 for an 84-year-old Chickering.
The Piano Book also has useful information about how pianos are made, what to look for in a used instrument, and the tricks and gimmicks that sales people use and how to counter them. It includes reviews and histories of all major brands of piano, and tips on moving, storing, and servicing them. It’s indispensable to anyone who owns or wants to own a piano.
The publisher’s Web site (linked above) also has a Piano Pricing Guide Service that you may be interested in using. It’s $25 for three pianos, and $5 for each additional piano. This is useful for older instruments like the one you are considering because the printed annual supplement only offers pricing for recent models.
Good luck, and let us know how it goes.
[On preview I see that what follows is somewhat redundant, but I’ve written it, so I’ll let it stand.]
As for the electronic-vs-real piano debate, if you can afford the real thing (at least $3,000-$5,0000), if you have the space, and if you’re in a place where the sound won’t bother the neighbors (i.e. not a small apartment), then a real piano is hands-down the best choice. And if you’re serious about really playing well, or if you want your child to be serious about music, a real piano is essential. There is simply no substitute for the sound of a good acoustic piano.
By real piano I mean a (large) studio upright or a grand. If you can only afford or fit a spinet, or if you just want to fool around, save your money and get an electronic keyboard. Then if you get tired of it you can sell it or put it in a closet.
