Are Young Chang Pianos Any Good?

Yamaha, Kawai, Steinway, Baldwin and other names have dominated the piano industry for years now, and if you’re shopping for a piano, you are no doubt aware of them. However, there's another name in the mix – Young Chang. They have risen to the forefront of piano discussions in the past decade because of their affordability, and the fact that American piano retailers often sell them in their showroom. But are they any good? In this blog posts, we’ll seek to find out.

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Are Young Chang Pianos Any Good?

While Young Chang pianos have their merits, they are often considered mediocre at best – certainly a level below Yamaha and Kawai. This blog post will discuss Young Chang’s history, ownership, price points, and features.

A Brief Overview of Young Chang Pianos:

Young Chang is a piano manufacturer that originated in South Korea. Founded in 1956 by three brothers – Jai-Young Kim, Jai-Chang Kim, and Jai-Sup Kim – the company has a relatively long history in the piano-making industry. Young Chang initially gained recognition for producing affordable pianos, which made them a popular choice for those seeking a cheaper instrument. However, as the piano market evolved, Young Chang faced several challenges that impacted their reputation and overall quality.

The Problem with Young Chang Pianos

Inconsistent Quality

One of the primary reasons Young Chang pianos are considered mediocre is their inconsistent quality control. While they have produced some pianos that are capable of delivering decent sound and performance, there have also been instances of poor craftsmanship and subpar materials. This inconsistency in quality is something that Yamaha and Kawai have managed to avoid, maintaining a reputation for excellence in every piano they produce. Red flags related to quality include the establishment of a Chinese manufacturing plant in Tianjin, two declarations of bankruptcy (1996 and 2004), and an acquisition by the Hyundai Development Company in 2006.

Lack of Innovation

Brands like Yamaha, Steinway and Kawai invest in continuously improved action, sound, and durability. Now compare that to Young Chang – seemingly the last significant change they made was to implement Joseph Pramberger’s proprietary action system back in 2003.

Resale Value of Young Chang Pianos

Young Chang pianos should be viewed as tools, not investments. You will likely not be able to resell a used Young Chang grand piano for more than $3,500. This is not necessarily a bad thing if you purchased the piano to use it, but it’s worth considering all the same.

Limited Model Range

Young Chang does not have the wide range of choices that Yamaha, Steinway and other manufacturers have. They have four main grand piano models, and six upright piano models – this is likely enough choices for consumers, but since they don’t have any high-end offerings, the choices are limited.

How Much Do Young Chang Pianos Cost?

Young Chang pianos have traditionally been positioned as more affordable options. However, the price points for Young Chang pianos can vary depending on factors such as the model, size, and location. Here's a rough breakdown of their price ranges.

Entry-Level Upright Pianos

Young Chang's entry-level upright pianos can start at around $3,000 to $5,000. While they may seem budget-friendly, it's essential to consider the potential trade-offs in terms of sound quality, action and longevity.

Mid-Range Upright Pianos

In the mid-range category, Young Chang pianos may range from $5,000 to $8,000. At this price point, you may find slightly better craftsmanship and sound quality, but they still lag behind Yamaha and Kawai.

Grand Pianos

Young Chang grand pianos have prices ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the model and specifications. Young Chang’s Y-150 is unique in that it has a 4’11” frame – that is appealing to some folks who don’t have much room to house a piano, but when you consider the design and sound tradeoff necessary to facilitate such a small “grand piano,” you eventually realize that the quality of the playing experience will suffer.

In summary, if your budget is tight, consider purchasing a used instrument from a more reputable brand rather than sacrificing quality to fit your budget. Many used pianos can be found in very good condition for the price of a new Young Chang piano. A quality used grand piano will have a significantly better sound and playing feel, will be more satisfying to play, and you can get one for $10K or less. If you have any questions about my piano lessons in Garland, TX, please get in touch.