>SEASONED FOR DESTINATION >>> >I've heard both positions stated by folks working for Yamaha. Yes, certain >pianos are "seasoned for their destination." No, all pianos are built on >the same line. Take your pick. - Del Fandich ><< > >There appears to be no consensus or evidence that Yamaha do 'season for >destination' as claimed. Perhaps this is the reason this point is gone >over and over again. Question: why don't Yamaha, who must be aware of the >debate on this issue, come out and demonstrate or document the different >manufacturing processes involved and kill this debate once and for all? >Their credibility must suffer while the debate on this topic drags >endlessly on. For this reason I remain skeptical. > >Is there anyone who can answer this question? Greetings John, Here in Canada the chief engineeer for the Yamaha Corp in Japan has written an un ambiguous letter out lining the companies position. The most stringent drying down of lumber is used for North American shipments, however in certain regions, due to excess humidity, industrial polution, termites ect. alternate materials can be a superior product in the construction of certain components, in these different regions. It is the companies policy to try and produce the finest product possible, yet they are flexible enough, to know how to compete in various global markets. Lets face reality the North American market is the the largest consumer market in the world. Why would'nt a global competitor like Yamaha gear up to compete. Another reality is that North America does not have a serious competitor on the world stage. Before some starts to scream what about Steinway. All of the ones that I have seen in Europe and the far east came from the Hamburg plant. A German or an American piano????? >While the above statement covered the mood of many contributors, no one >reported actual experience of recurring structural problems with 'grey >market' pianos. I posted some observations in January about 3 grands that I had purchased, so say they were A plus quality, what ever that is supposed to mean. in real terms I would not place a two warranty on any of these units. The strings were so rusty from the ravages of industrial pollution, and the tuning pin torque dropped to below any reasonable acceptable level. Like any piano that has had 20 years plus of institutional service, they are ready for rebuilding. These pianos will NOT stand up for very long in the central region of this Continent. We have chosen to rebuild all three units after keeping them for a winter to expose them to low humidity conditions. However the principle problem is the less than honest dealers, and I might add Technicians, that are selling these units with out fully disclosing the truth, or worst yet deliberately mis leading the consumer. I have no doubt that these units will be a great buy in Florida, but there is a long trail of sorrowfull customers here in Saskatchewan. Regaards Roger Roger Jolly Baldwin Yamaha Piano Centre Saskatoon and Regina Saskatchewan, Canada. 306-665-0213 Fax 652-0505
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