QUERY:YAMAHA GRANDS BUILT FOR JAPANESE MARKET

[John Ross]

Hi,
My understanding is, that the pianos manufactured in other countries, used
to
be manufactured with wood that had a higher moisture content.
After going through a few cycles of humid summers, and very dry winters.
(In this climate anyway) The tuning pins became loose, and some of the wood
cracked and warped.
In the 70's Yamaha, had me repin a grand, that was purchased in early 70's,
under warranty. It was around this time that they altered the moisture
content
in the wood for North American bound pianos. So there was a definite
difference
in the manufacturing process required for North America.
Some European imports, new and used couldn't take the seasonal changes
either.
As far as different parts, I can't believe that the standard action parts
would be
different. I believe that cabinet parts could be different.
I can't see a person being stuck for parts because of a serial #, all you
would
 have to do, is supply a # for a similar model that was legal.
Regards,
John M. Ross
Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada.
----- Original Message -----
From: <romanop@attglobal.net>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2000 5:13 PM
Subject: Re: QUERY:YAMAHA GRANDS BUILT FOR JAPANESE MARKET


>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Maxpiano@AOL.COM <Maxpiano@AOL.COM>
> To: pianotech@ptg.org <pianotech@ptg.org>
> Date: Tuesday, June 27, 2000 6:57 AM
> Subject: Re: QUERY:YAMAHA GRANDS BUILT FOR JAPANESE MARKET
>
>
> I've thought the same thing for a long time, Bill. I've been to Japan (in
> July) and I live in SC. Guess which one feels more humid (at least to me).
> My biggest concern with gray market instruments is the non compatible
parts
> (if they indeed are).
>
> Phil Romano
> Myrtle Beach, SC
>
> >My question is, when our humidity ranges from 70% (or even 80% plus) in
> >summer to 30% with the heat on, how is the wood helped to acclimate
itself
> to
> >this range just by controlling the moisture content in the drying kiln?
> >Knight used to post notice in their pianos that they were "manufactured
for
> >the American climate."  Just what IS the "American climate?"
> >
> >Bill Maxim
> >South Carolina
> >
>