Yamaha U1, Grey market and all that

[Stephen Powell]

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Hi Brian

I usually don't bother making a distinction between used imported =
Yamahas and new imported Yamahas because to the best of my knowledge, =
they are both made for humid climates.  Therefore, we don't have the =
problems that many U.S. and Australian techs face with these pianos due =
to being too dry.  In fact, I think that the "grey market Yamahas" often =
represent better value for money than other used piano brands, and I =
often recommend them to piano buyers.  Of course, I also tell them to =
have every piano appraised before purchase.

Regards,
    Stephen

Stephen Powell RPT
Auckland, NZ
    -----Original Message-----
    From: BH <bholden@wave.co.nz>
    To: Pianotech Forum <pianotech@ptg.org>
    Date: Wednesday, 7 February 2001 10:23 AM
    Subject: Yamaha U1, Grey market and all that
   =20
   =20
    List
   =20
    As I am the person who started off all this correspondence regarding =
the suspect age of my customers newly acquired U1, I thought I would =
make a few comments.  I have told him the true age of the instrument and =
that he should mention this to the dealer, as they really should have =
been aware of this.  The difference between their 10 year estimate and =
the true 37 year age is not acceptable.  Quite frankly, he paid too much =
for it and a partial refund is in order.  I have advised him to do this, =
but should he decide to pursue the matter, is entirely up to him.
    =20
    I have not told my customer about the Gray Market aspect (how can =
you kick a guy when he's down) and I don't think he would have any luck =
taking the dealer to task on that issue.  I have come into contact with =
a lot of Yamahas over the last 25 years and this one is on a par with =
the usual standard - mellow tone (as opposed to tinny), nice to tune, =
appears to be stable and requires minimum regulation.  It really is a =
lovely piano.  Bottom line - the customer is delighted with it.  With =
the little tip I gave him regarding the piano's age, I think that's all =
he needs to know. =20
    =20
    Thanks for the replies to my initial query.
    =20
    Brian Holden, Piano Tuner, New Zealand       =20

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