Samick doesn't have a great reputation; sometimes just fine but quality of construction and materials isn't consistent. This is what I've been told by both a library book and my piano technician. If you're serious about a particular piano, whether Grinnel or Steinway, pay a trusted technician to come with you to look at it thoroughly. A tech can tell you if work has been done and roughly when, what it will need and roughly when and the current cost of maintenance or repairs. An $800 piano is no bargain if it needs a new pin block before it can be tuned properly, for example.

Our little library has two copies of a book that explains beautifully the art of buying a used piano. It even includes illustrated instructions how to take a common sense look inside before you decide if it's worth having the tech make an assessment.

Most important of all: if you want a piano, don't give up on finding the right one. It's there somewhen just waiting for you!

Best of luck on this big adventure.