[pianotech] Grey Market Yamaha

[Paul McCloud]

Hi, Chip:
    If you want to replace the cords, there are past posts in the archives about the procedure.  It's not hard, but does take time.  It usually takes me about 4 hours to do a set.  I've also replaced the flanges instead.  Each way took about the same amount of time.  If you want to replace the flanges, you'll have to repin everything, travel them, etc.  If you just replace the cords, you'll have to disassemble the action, or at least remove all the butts/hammers.   Some have butt plates, so you can leave the flanges on the rail.  
    The piano will play much better with the return springs engaged.  If you don't replace them, the springs can become bent.  I always examine the cords in Yamahas, and often find they need replacing, Grey market or not.  They last about 10 years or so.  
    As far as fuure concerns about grey-market pianos, since they are climatized for a damp climate, I'd be wary if it were to remain in a very dry environment for any length of time.  I was surprised to learn that some techs here on this list have had bad experiences with these grey market pianos.  Here in San Diego, I've not heard of or experienced any failures of glue joints, though I've seen some tuning pins just barely holding, and a lot of them with pins that are looser than I'm comfortable with.  Yamaha will not sell any parts for them, and they verify the origin of the piano by asking for the serial number.  
    If they just want to sell it, and don't want to replace the cords, I'd understand.  Just don't put your seal of approval on it.  Or, you could offer to replace them (for a fee) to the new owner.  First time doing this repair will probably take you about 6 hours solid, or less if you get a system down for doing it.  
    My $.02.
    Paul McCloud
    San Diego


----- Original Message ----- 
From: chip tuthill 
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Sent: 11/13/2010 8:54:31 PM 
Subject: [pianotech] Grey Market Yamaha


I inspected a Yamaha 44" console made in 1971. According to the Yamaha website, this instrument was not manufactured for the US market. It spent the last 4 years here in the SW corner of Colorado. Prior to that it was in Florida. I took out the heating rod, which was thankfully unplugged. How long it has been in the piano is anyone's guess. There was a stencil on the back stating "Completely conditioned for Florida- Hale Piano & Organ Company". Zehme Piano Service, RPT last serviced the piano in 1994. Owners have not had the piano tuned in several years.


Piano is in good condition needing the following, regulation, including moderate hammer shaping and key leveling. Strings good- no rust, dampers good.  Bass  bridge good, upper treble has a suspect glue line. It appears a little wide, but I could not get a needle nose tweezer to catch crossing the glue line. The soundboard has 3-4"  and one 16" hair line cracks. No buzzing or other sounds, ribs firmly attached.


The  butt string cord is broken (cut?) on every hammer butt. The action is a little sluggish, but that could be due to needing regulation. Any estimate on how long it would take to replace the cord? Should I replce the cord?


Owner wants to sell. Any idea as to the value of the piano as is? What concerns should a buyer have with this grey market piano? 


Thanks,


Chip Tuthill
Tuthill Piano Service
Associate Member PTG 
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