How Good is a $5,595 Pearl River Piano?
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- Опубликовано: 28 янв 2020
- Many people have wanted me to do videos on more budget-friendly pianos, and I found this Pearl River EU118S that didn't seem too bad for the price! Of course, it is not perfect, and does have some downfalls and shortcomings, but it probably would be a decent first or second piano for someone who wants to learn how to play.
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Keep up the "LOW END" entry level piano reviews from your honest perspective because us young parents who don't know one piano from another need to know your opinion on this important part of our Childs music education at home....Thank you
I'm a jazz pianist and I just bought the Pearl River Piano you tested. I'm quite pleased with it.
Interesting "road test". Thanks for that, and thanks to the shop owner who lets you test them. Certainly better than I expected. Worth considering if you are in the market.
James, I am frozen in awe when I watch you play. You are an amazing performer. What can I say? WOW! I so enjoy your performances. So far, I've seen your channel mostly as reviews of pianos. Can you make a channel simply of you playing with no narrative/comment? That would be amazingly awesome. I hope you'd consider it.
He's a good player for sure!
Hard to tell because of the tuning, but the tone sort of reminds me of an Essex that I played once, which I believe Pearl River manufactures.
Yes, Pearl River makes Essex, allegedly to Steinway specs.
im glad you are doing this set of these videos James. I believe that one should start on an acoustic piano, for the feel and sensitivity while learning, that cannot be had on a digital. I know there will be those that will argue with me, using the expense, space and portability issues. All legitimate arguments, but my point also is, that a teacher want not want to start out a student out on a electric guitar? They always start them on an acoustic, for the touch and sensitivity . Again, glad you are doing this series
I’ve been in the industry a while, and PR over the last 10 years have really changed. They are now overseen by Lothar Thomma. They use components like German Roslau strings, pure butcher block spruce from their own lumberyard, 17 ply hard maple for the pin block and 100% virgin wool for the hammers. This one needs a tune, but for the price, I’m impressed.
I enjoyed your review.
I have this exact piano in my family room. Although I'm nowhere near the same level of a player (I'm grade 3 or 4 ABRSM on an inspired day!), I 100% agree with him. For my level, works really well. When I was buying it, I did not pay the MSRP that he mentions (more like $4k), and any Yamaha U-series was at least twice as much. For now, works for me. When I get to grade 5 or 6 (in 20 years?!...), then I'll get something else. BTW, I had the chance to compare to a friend's grand Kawaii, and the main difference in the action is how fast the hammer returns (besides the sound obviously), so again, for a learner in the first handful of years playing, it works. Do I wish I had a Yamaha or Steinway? Of course. For now, Pearl will work... And it's pretty! Finish is second to none.
this sounds nice!
JPS, thank-you for making this video. For many/average people who what an acoustic piano the one you reviewed is at a good price-point. Some people who just want a piano this may be the only one they will ever own.
If this piano were to be tuned it would satisfy most homes (unless one wanted to make the journey to become a professional musician).
Friends stared at me in disbelief, 10 years ago, when I told them that my new flute cost $9500 (it would cost about $10,000 now).
The new sewing machine I bought six months ago has an MSRP of $17,000 (no I paid less than that :) .
The important thing is: You purchase the best you can afford and be proud of what you have. And more important, as a person, if you have something better than someone else has do not demean what the other person has.
Yes!!!!!!!
Good for a entry piano at an affordable price. With proper tuning even better. I will wait until I have more money for something better.
I've learned a lot from you thanks.
It sounds surprisingly good for a cheap piano. It'd be interesting to hear it after a fresh tune.
Could you compare different brands' uprights around this price range? It'd be an interesting video.
Have been playing a medium sized yamaha b1 upright for the last 15 years and has served me really good.
Your timing of this is so perfect because I was just looking at this exact piano! And the Ritmuller that is also by Pearl River. I really liked them.
Ritmullers are pretty decent pianos! I've liked the ones I've found before.
@@ThePianoforever I was surprised that I liked them too. I wasn't expecting that. I am going to look at some Kawai K300 and possibly K500 too and then decide. Thanks for the video!
these reviews are great
Thank you!
Would love to see a review of the cheaper Feurich uprights! Heard from many people that they are the king in that price range. Don't know if they're available in the US though :/
Have you ever reviewed another Chinese piano maker, Hailun? I'm curious how they sound. Thanks for the fun videos!
I am actually impressed considering.
James, I'd love to see you review a Charles Walter console piano. I'm looking for a high quality upright in a traditional style case, and from what I've read, a Walter sounds like it could be a great option. I'm hoping to find a gently used one in about the same price range as this Pearl River. There is a short video from a few years ago of you playing one, but a detailed review would be really helpful!
I'll see what I can do. They're kind of hard to find. Used Walter uprights do exist but they are pretty sought after. I recommend the model with the Renner action, there is another action they sometimes use that I don't like as much. They also make a really nice 6'4" grand, complete with a Renner action, but those pianos are even harder to find.
Oh my goodness James I had no idea that some pianos can cost upwards two hundred thousand dollars.. good video my friend.. you were awesome playing Claire de lune.. and moonlight sonata.. excellent playing
Google "How much does a Fazioli piano cost" and google will give you a range from $120 to $220K.
I picked up a Kohler and Campbell piano for free, it’s in nice condition but some of the keys stick I’m gonna get it tuned eventually
James! Can you also review an upright & grand from Hailun ?! :)
It sounded Ok before listening to Moonlight Sonata....
I would be interested in a comparison between an acoustic piano like this one and a digital piano for the same money
It's obviously in a poor state of tune, which he emphatically states at the beginning of the video. And indeed, it is.
Pearl River pianos are sooo unstable, unlike others..
I'm curious if you played around with it enough to know how well the action handles trills and fast repeats.
Great video! If you can find one, could you maybe do a review on either a Williams Symphony Console digital piano or Williams Symphony Elite?
I have plans to review a Williams instrument in the future, but from my experience on location, the review won't be very positive. They're always broken and from what I've seen, they're probably the worst "digital piano" money can buy.
Let's hear some Scott Joplin
How about a review of the Brodmann 187. It is a higher end Chinese piano but goes for much less than half the price of its competitors.
Thank-you for this video and yes I am surprised at the sound of this piano. I think if I lived in America and wanted a lower cost piano I would be looking for a quality restorer and looking for an older american built piano something I can sell later, with these chinese instruments I see it in the UK they have a poor resale price.
Hey James! Could you make a review on affordable baby grands? Something that's 5 - 5'4? Thanks.
Skip a Baby Grand...their Strings are too short to sound. Invest in a U3 Yamaha Upright...much better sound!!!
@@timothyj1966 not true, I own a 5'5" small grand (modestly priced) with a big projection. My you tube page has samples.
Am I the only one who would love to see a comparison between the Schimmel Koncert and Classic series of similar sizes? It is a bit of a mystery what the differences actually are...
Next affordable review should be on a tuned unit. But actually that detune sounds like an old summer camp or church hall piano and that in tune has a nostalgic feel for me. It makes me wistful and is a sweet experience. Wouldn't give a concert like that but would sit down and continue to play a church hall piano that sounds like this.
Lots of people say Pearl River is making really good pianos for average consumers who want a real piano for their kids to learn and practice on at home. Learning on an acoustic instrument is beneficial.
I hear that too. Not bad for the price I'm holding out till I have more money for something better.
right?
Just one of those characteristics you can't get with a digital
The sound is bassically pretty okay. However, I wonder how tonal decay fares on this instrument. I have the impression that the upper treble has only a short tonal decay. Is that so?
It’s indeed not a bad piano, although I have the impression that in the moonlight sonata there was something ringing what didn’t belong there. You played good but I think this one is more for the light pieces. ( maybe even for a rag?) just kidding, thanks for sharing.
First off ty your videos are interesting, engaging, and helpful. I hear PR and some other China Piano makers are now using real piano consultants such as Fandrich to improve the quality and some PR pianos actually have a Renner action in them. I played a Wilcher Grotrian about 25k less than one built in Ger but was delightful....here in Portland it was on sale for 6k normally 11k. I have played 20 plus years and had a Yamaha U1 which I would call unremarkable. My aunt has a Steinway K upright but I can’t even afford used. How do locate the pianos that have the Renner action or had new or used where I could drive away with one between 3.5 to 5k. I’ve done a lot of research and I’m still having a tough time and discovering new new pianos and new old piano mfg. Do I call a broker. Oh and then there is my gf who does not like the loud sound at times. That’s a whole not her issue though. Keep it up I love your stuff. What’s your background.
Used is ine
You played everything beautifully but I agree to a lot of the comments below about the Beethoven piece, you were great but the tone lacks something... the sound is not bringing what we wanna hear considering the way you played the piece of the 3rd movement of Moonlight Sonata...the piano still sounded good but maybe not for heavy classical tunes. Just my opinion😊👌🏻👌🏻
Would be cool to see it directly compared to that Yamaha right beside it
It's out of tune, but seems fine otherwise, however, it doesn't need to be a bad thing. Search for "Old piano adventure, the saloon sound". It's from around 1900, very uniq sound, but has a hell of a lot of charm.
thank for some upright love, can you review the Kawai K500 soon.
+1 for the Kawai!
Please, two video test:
1) Essenfelder acoustic piano;
2) Yamaha P-515 digital piano.
🎹🎶👍
I will have a review of the Yamaha P515 taken at NAMM coming g out soon.
They’ve had some variance in the quality over the years. Made first in Georgia, then China, then Indonesia. Not sure where they are made now. Probably $6000+ new now.
In the state of Georgia? I knew Kawai made some pianos there, didn't know Pearl River did.
ThePianoforever Hah! Georgia, USA
I hope one day , everyone can afford a decent piano. Most of the european piano are too expensive.... sad for music
Hi James. I don't know if you will be able to see this, but will post this anyway... Do you have any feedback or reviews for the Essex brand (designed by Steinway & Sons) upright and grand pianos? I understand that they're manufactured by Pearl River (in Guangzhou, China). I'd love to hear your thoughts about this piano. :)
I have never liked the Essex line of pianos for the money it would cost to purchase one. I think you would be far better off buying a Yamaha or Kawai piano with their own decal on the fall board preferably one made in Japan. Of course there are many others that are very nice as well, but are more expensive.
ThePianoforever I was looking for a Yamaha upright, but the most interesting fact is that they don’t sell Yamaha pianos here in Hawaii!!!! :O I don’t know why that is. Also, I tried a Kawai K-15 and was not compelled to buy it. I wish I got your opinion before I purchased the Essex EUP-111E last Saturday. Lol. Oh well.
Trying to hear through the detuning, to me it lacks dynamics, reminds me of CP-70.
Yes, certainly a little out of tune. I also find when my unisons start to get off slightly it sounds brighter. I have what I think is a very nice Yamaha P22 about 14 years old. It was made in Yamaha’ China factory. As with most Yamaha’s I think the action is excellent and the tone is very even and not too bright. Have you reviewed a P22? Mine’s in SE and I paid $3500 about 5 years ago. Seems like a great piano for my money as an advanced beginner. What are your thoughts?
I didn't make a video on it but they had a P22 at the NAMM show and I actually thought it seemed pretty nice.
Currently the P22 is made in Indonesia. Very solid piano that's made for institutions.
I wish you saw one of the first Pearl River in 1989, at the time I went to secondary school and they bought one of the first generation Pearl River since another very good piano was stolen because the school moved to a nearby place. I remember I was used to play the previous one (a very nice Schulze & Pollmann) and the Pearl River sounded AWFUL. It had all the keys at uneven height ... this is luxury compared to that 🤣
Please try the pearl river 100. ...merci 😊
sounds a bit brittle but besides that seems solid to me
I used to own one, bought brand new...actually a stencil sold by a local retailer. It had loose bass bridge pins so all the bass notes made a horrible buzz, louder than the notes themselves. I think they don't care about wood seasoning. I hope they have improved over the last 5 years. Anyway, those pianos have virtually no resale value
what's the name of the second piece after the ave maria ?
It's Clair de Lune by Debussy. You probably know that by now though.
My technical opinion is that the soundboard has a too high impedance, this is basically shortening the sustain a lot, the sound is so dry, considering how cheap piano it is ... it's even too good.
Nice to see a review of a more affordable piano. Thanks, James. That said, I have to confess I didn't love it, esp. during the Beethoven. One commenter called the tone "dry." I was thinking "thin," but "dry" will do nicely. Of course, the tuning (or lack thereof) was an issue. I'm wondering whether $6000 would be better spent on an older, used piano of better quality. Or does such a thing not exist for $6000?
You should try Kawai's Uprights, they're pretty good for the price. I got a NEW Kawai K15 for a around $3,000 and it really good for it's price.
Oh please review a hailun!!!!
Please review the Yamahha Upright Piano JU109.
I played this piano in music market, I think It's great.A lot of person thinks about this piano 'It's so bad, ı prefer Yamaha upright.' Ok but If your budget is just enough this, you cant compare this with yamaha.Why dont you say Bösendorfer and Steinway is better than Yamaha?
Bosendorfer is a great piano now made by Yamaha and both,are now better than Steinway
A used Yamaha U1 would be a better option in my opinion.
Tuning aside it Sounds to bright and fragile. Glad I found this video of yours, was about to drive to see a stencil Pearl river
No disrespect to the Pearl River piano,but I believe James could make a box with keys sound good!
Do a GP-510 casio, thanks
YOU are amazing! !!! Do you teach piano?
I have a few videos on my channel teaching basic classical music.
@@ThePianoforever no...YOU should give private lessons! !!
How many years of piano do you have ???
KF31, I have been taking lessons for 15 years.
How could it not cost this much in Freight charges alone???
I think you should always tell how expensive pianos and keyboards are it makes the video come full circle. I think that piano sounds good to me it's deep and rich through my headphones. Yeah I'm with you on that I definitely wouldn't buy a china made piano
You mention that the action feels a bit "heavy". But I don't think "heavy" is the correct word. I have played these pianos. "Heavy", rather in this case, is more like "stiff," "unpredictable," "inconsistent materials" used across the action, and so on. I love a heavy action as it gives you more control over each note. These pianos are quite the opposite. They are not "heavy." There is something else going on. There are much better "budget-friendly" options than inexpensive, Chinese-made instruments like this one. They are getting better, though, so in ten years we will see if my comment holds up...
Next Chinese piano to review: Hailun upright or grand.
I found a neat Hailun at the NAMM show, I'll be posting it soon.
@@stevenretroworkshop2113 they have a nice Grand projected by Stephen Paulello branded FEURICH. It's not the original Feurich made in Germany (which is famous because it went bankrupcy in 1981 because they used too expensive materials) but still nice. At the time is one of the best deals if you want a good piano without investing too much (it costs less than the cheap Yamaha series).
Of course if you find a Feurich made in Germany you are gonna notice the astonishing high quality they had, the current Feurich has only the name left like happened to many german manufacturars.
@@stevenretroworkshop2113 original Feurich made in Leipzig (Germany) are very hard to find here in Italy as well. Sometimes some very old restored ones appears on local markets. The last one I tried was one of the best piano I ever played. Unfortunately it was too big to pass through my house stairs. :(
The latest original Feurich were manufactured in late 1981, it's hard to find them, I think that the owners are perfectly aware of their value and sometimes you can find some of the latest ones in near to mint condition. But it's very hard.
The Feurich brand is currently owned by Hailun Piano Company, the brand was previously purchased by Wendl&Lung that lately became part of Hailun. They are currently also manufacturing Zimmermann pianos on behalf of Bechstein and Rosler pianos on behalf of Petrof.
ThePianoforever Hoping your video will change my inclination on Hailun pianos. The reviews have been mostly favourable and yet I’m still biased. I value your insight and opinion.
I own a hailun upright and its quite Ok
This Pearl River is EU118?
Ive seen new Yamaha U3 in that price range... I’d probably save the money and not get a pearl river.
If you can get a new U3 for $5-6,000 buy lots of them and make a pile of money selling them on. Better still, tell me where you can get such a bargain and I’ll buy them! 😂👌🎹
I just bought a pearl river piano 100.
They Will deliver it Next thursday.
3500euros....cheap one but enough for thé Nextel 3 or 4 years
I like a piano yamaha best.
needs a fine tuning to sound really better ...
Sounds tinny to my ears.
Yeah, I have a 130 year old upright grand, made by the same company before they were bought out by pearl river. Much nicer sound
There isn't much difference between loud and soft.
Pearl River has had technical help from Yamaha and has collaborated with Steinway & Sons. My understanding is the Pearl River Pianos has a major improvement in quality as a result of these intereactions.
They are not the same piano they were 3-5 years ago. They have made alot of improvements.
My feeling, the manufacuturer may find this video unflatering.
Probobly because, in my opinion, its not a very good instrument!
Melcome Pay, all pianos needs a little prep work after delivery. To be fair, I would prefer reviews of pianos that are not freshly arrived. The mechanical actions, tuning pins are effected a bit by transportation, such as during delivery to homes and dealers.
I like how that instrument sounded as is out of tune for some reason
It sounded like a saloon in some old western or something like that
Why not just buy a Yamaha. The U1 upright is only a couple hundred dollars more than this.
I thought the sound was very good. My opinion is that any piano in tune sounds good. My ear is not as descerning as a professional player, however.
It sounded great until the Beethoven-sounded like a toy and was much to percussive. I’m not sure if that is the Pearl River or the fact it’s an upright
A tuning and a bit of voicing would go a long way to improving that.
It's more than a decent piano in order to start playing piano and learn how to play.
珠江！66666
Even taking into account this piano is “fresh out of the box”, the Beethoven brings this thing to its knees. In short, it sounds like what one would expect from a typical Chinese piano.
I think that every person who plays piano can find "thier" piano.. By which I mean that a natural musician.. Will just know, purely by what the Brain is telling them, that THIS piano is right for them! It can be the most worn out, battered old wreck, or, a modern piano... If it's " in tune" with the player. And has been properly, tuned by a professional.. Buy it! There is something in our brains that responds to the vibrations of music! This piano, (to me) sounds really Bad... Yuk, no thanks.