<HTML>Hi all, We have been working with the so-called "gray market Yamahas" for years and have found that for the most part they are good pianos.  We recondition ALL of our pianos, including these Yamahas.  Every once in a while we have found a bad apple in the bunch (we send those back) but no more than we would find in any number of used American Yamahas that we evaluate for purchase.  Its all in how the piano was cared for.  There is a really good Letter to the Editor in the February 2000 edition of the Piano Technician's Journal.   Yamaha of America has its financial benefits by denouncing these pianos as each one of these sales cuts into their new sales.  One thing to think about...To what climate does Yamaha of America prep their American bound pianos?  Northeast?  Southwest? Etc?  As a nation we have so many different climates.  What about if someone moves from Arizona to New York?  ! This question, along with other points are in that Letter to the Editor. As with any used piano, there may be minor problems with the pianos and so I would be suspect of any dealer that would sell these "as is" with no preparation. Hope the input helps! ~Lanie Moody Piano & Organ Marlborough, MA</HTML>