Part of the problem here is the number of variables in the equation. 1) Old, Non-USA built Pianos: This is easy. No piano made outside the US, then exported here for the first time, will survive. Why? Because no one in the world comprehends American heating habits. We have cheap fuel and would rather sit around in a hot, dry house in our T-shirts than put on a sweater. Many manufacturers have learned how to deal with the problem eventually, but virtually none of them get it right the first time. 2) Micro-Climate. It may be that some of those early pianos came over on the first boat and actually survived provided they were placed in a very mild climate - mild winters, people who wore sweaters, etc.. How many pianos do you tune that sit at A-440 while others are all over the map every seasonal change? 3) Manufacturing specs for different parts of the world: This is not quite so clear. We know that the only market in the world that believes fervently that all pianos must have three pedals is the US. So they make a three-pedal piano just for us. How many other differences are there in this redesign and manufacturing process? Well, one example that comes to mind is Bosendorfer. If I remember correctly, The non-US version does not have action glide bolts since the frame to keybed fit will stay put. But if it comes to the US, they get glide bolts. Now, how about moisture content of the wood . . . . . .? 4) Late Model, Heavy Wear. I know less about these. The ones I see are older pianos where the wear factor is not as important as the obvious and predictable wood seasoning problem. I described two old examples. Jim Harvey described another that is just like several I've seen. These problems with pianos with older serial numbers are the rule, not the exception. Bring THIS up at your next chapter meeting. Now, the late model, heavy wear, piano is something Del sees a lot of, but I have not. Are we talking about heavy institutional use that is masked by uncommon care of the case? Do a significant number get send to a halfway house for 'reconditioning' before they're sent here. Are late model pianos not marketed to the US going to have structural problems? I, too, would like to know more about this subset. One thing I do feel strongly about. They are not what they seem to the customer. Until someone gives me important information to the contrary, I will recommend against buying them . . . . sight unseen. Carl
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