All About Choosing and Buying Pianos
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sleepy:
I know nuts about piano or music, but when I was buying my 2nd hand U3, this is what the owner shared with us.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
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. -
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!
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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. -
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! -
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. -
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.
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Anyone has any digital piano to sell ? Can pm me ?
Thanks. -
U3 is the higher end. U1 has two models, one from Japan (naturally the more expensive) and the other Indonesia. There is also a U5 which is known as an “upright grand” but if I’m not mistaken, Yamaha no longer produce this model.
As for the heater, switching it on 24/7 is what we all can do, at the very least. Of course to house it in an enclosed room, air-con, would be better (and that’s what music schools or private teachers with a music studio would do) but even then, they are not switching on 24/7. -
Actually they still have U5, it’s just called YUS 5 now. Just like how Kawai rename their K80 upright grand K8 now. Confusing I know, but they are technically the same pianos.
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I understand you must have the heater 24/7 in Singapore weather and will cost about $3/4 for utilities bill.
If your piano is placed in aircon room 24/7, then no need heater.
There is 2 piano sellers near Geylang East ....Piano Master and Jesley Piano
You can check it out and they will explain to you and you can know more about piano selection. Always remember to \"discount\" their words cos they are salesman.
You can go to below website to check the age of Yamaha piano :-
http://www.besbrodepianos.co.uk/pianoserialnumber/yamaha.htm
U1J is definitely made in Indonesia.
When I 1st started to buy piano, I do not have any knowledge about piano.
I always thought that Yamaha piano is all made in Japan.
I got a bad experience trying to buy from a direct owner
I gave a cheque and not knowing U1J is from Indonesia.
When I realised the piano is not from Japan, I called the owner to complain why he did not tell me it is not made in Japan.
I did not honour the deal and cancel my cheque.
The owner engaged \"someone\" to give me prank call.