All About Choosing and Buying Pianos

[sleepy]

It’s comforting to know that U3 value can hold so well


I was comparing prices between brand new & 2nd hand at that time and noticed ‘depreciation’ seems really low. Opt for a new one eventually because

1stly, feel more assured since we don’t know anything about piano. Even if salesman anyhow smoke we also can’t tell

2ndly, if we decided to sell say around $7k in 5 to 6 years time, almost quite certainly can sell easily at that price, since a 20+ year U3 can still fetch $5k+

[jce]

Must keep it in optimum condition to sell at that price. The reason 2ndhand piano shops can sell at a high price is because they will throw in various perks like tuning, transport and most of the time, they would have also reconditioned the piano

[sleepy]

jce:

Must keep it in optimum condition to sell at that price. The reason 2ndhand piano shops can sell at a high price is because they will throw in various perks like tuning, transport and most of the time, they would have also reconditioned the piano

So new, if 5 to 6 years only, no need to recondition la. All direct purchases have to sign tuning contract with yamaha to tune every 6 months. Need to switch on heater 24x7 throughout the year. Tuner will check heater working well on each visit & will vacuum internal parts every 12 months. Plus my dd super 宝贝 her piano, will use special cloth to wipe her piano regularly. Considered optimum condition?

[sleepy]

At that time, when I was searching for piano, I targeted those pianos around 5 to 6 years too. You know, maybe their children gave up learning so they’re selling. But couldn’t find at all.


2nd hand shops mostly selling pianos around 20 years old. ‘Newer’ ones like 9 or 10 years, I was quoted $6k+ and they even told me non negotiable because these kind sell very fast anyway. And it’s not even U3. It’s those shorter in height like 122 or 125cm kawai

[BeContented]

sleepy:

At that time, when I was searching for piano, I targeted those pianos around 5 to 6 years too. You know, maybe their children gave up learning so they're selling. But couldn't find at all.


2nd hand shops mostly selling pianos around 20 years old. 'Newer' ones like 9 or 10 years, I was quoted $6k+ and they even told me non negotiable because these kind sell very fast anyway. And it's not even U3. It's those shorter in height like 122 or 125cm kawai

I know nuts about piano or music, but when I was buying my 2nd hand U3, this is what the owner shared with us.
Dun look down on these old pianos.....esp. those > 30years. if well-maintained, can be still in very good condition cos' the older ones are all made in Japan using good wood. weather in Japan is more conducive so the wood last longer. And he commented something which I also believed in \"you can always trust the Japanese quality - from wood, tuner, manufacturer etc, their sense of pride is very strong\".

Yamaha pianos are now mainly made in Indonesia, China etc so the newer ones (<20 years) are likely not from Japan anymore...as for quality.....imo, definitely not as good as the Jap. Eventually I took the 30+yo U3......seems to be it's still in good condition after 3+ years.

[titank]

In that case if next time go 2nd hand shop, would get a tuner along to inspect & give comment. I know a tuner he charge $50 if engaged his service to inspect the piano!

[sleepy]

cwc:

[Yamaha pianos are now mainly made in Indonesia, China etc so the newer ones (<20 years) are likely not from Japan anymore...as for quality.....imo, definitely not as good as the Jap

Brand new U3 still made in Japan. It's indicated on the certificate of purchase.

U1 has 2 models. 1 made in Japan and its cheaper variation made in Indonesia.

[jce]

The lower end models are now made in Indonesia, that’s true. U3 and other high end models should still be made in Japan.


Sleepy, you’d be surprised what some 6 or 7 year old pianos can be like…but from what you say, all that TLC from your DD, will I’m sure, keep it at prime condition, haha!

[BeContented]

sleepy:

cwc:

[Yamaha pianos are now mainly made in Indonesia, China etc so the newer ones (<20 years) are likely not from Japan anymore...as for quality.....imo, definitely not as good as the Jap

Brand new U3 still made in Japan. It's indicated on the certificate of purchase.

U1 has 2 models. 1 made in Japan and its cheaper variation made in Indonesia.

Paisay :oops: Which model is the higher end one U1 or U3? I only know the I bought the better one (that's what I was told ) OK, I better not say too much cos' what i know is really limited, just sharing what I was told when i was purchasing mine.

[markfch]

Just curious, with our humid climate, is switching on the heater bar 24x7 sufficient to prolong the life of a piano? My piano dealer insists that I must put mine in an enclosed room and protect it with dehumidifier plus air-con. Mine doesn’t come with heater bar.