<HTML><FONT FACE=arial,helvetica><FONT SIZE=2>In a message dated 02/07/2001 7:19:59 AM Central Standard Time,
<BR>mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com writes:
<BR>
<BR>
<BR><BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">Hello down there Brian! A grey market product is manufactured in the same
<BR>place (typically) as a non-grey market item. There often are some
<BR>differences in the final product. With Yamaha Pianos, the two types have
<BR>wooden components that are seasoned/dried differently. Several years ago I
<BR>drove a "grey market" Mercedes Benz automobile. It did not have the big
<BR>funky bouncy bumpers that are required on all cars sold in the USA, it had
<BR>the 1960s-type smaller bumpers that are OK in Europe. Same thing as pianos.
<BR>
<BR></BLOCKQUOTE>
<BR>
<BR>Terry, I appreciate the info on so called "grey market" pianos. I wonder if
<BR>anyone can be more specific on the way these pianos are manufactured that
<BR>makes their reputation not so good? I have heard a lot of rumors but little
<BR>facts. We here at Powells Pianos do not get the opportunity to rebuild many
<BR>"grey market" pianos so my direct knowledge is limited.
<BR>
<BR>Thanks
<BR>David Koelzer
<BR>DFW</FONT></HTML>