Dear list, I am asking for your opinions or experience with imported used Yamahas made originally for the Asian market. I have been told and believe that these pianos are built with a different moisture content in the wood before the pianos are assembled. I have also been told that these same instruments , now subjected to our warmer, drier homes will have problems such as cracked soundboards, loose pins, etc. I have also been told that Yamaha frowns on them coming here but does nothing to stop it. I normally advise my clients to steer clear of these particular pianos because of the above reasons. Today I inspected 2 of these imported used Yamahas, a U-1 and a U-3. Both were in good condition today. I told my client, that I inspected them for, the same information I quote above, as well as that they were both in good condition at present. This practice is relatively new to this area (St. Louis, MO) and am interested in how these imported used Yamahas do in the real world in the U.S.A. I was told by the dealer here that the importer in Florida has had no particular problems with them and had been importing them for 20 years. Do any of you have first hand knowledge of what to expect from these pianos in the future and will share that knowledge with me so I can be more direct in my vague answers I give to my clients asking about these pianos Thanks , James Grebe from St. Louis pianoman2inlink.com
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