Gray market pianos

[Glenn]

I have first hand experience with only one.  It is a 30 year old Yamaha G5

-----Original Message-----
From: paulmcrpt@juno.com <paulmcrpt@juno.com>


>List,
>
>Can anyone tell us the straight, unbiased info about these used Asian
>pianos that are available in large quantities at such low prices.  I have
>been told and/or observed the following:
>
>1.  They are roughly 20-40 years old.

True

>
>2.  They often have rust on the tuning pins and strings.

True.  The G5 I did had a serious crud problem on the soundboard.  The
finish was embedded with a dirty, rough layer.  The store owner wasn't
paying for me to do the soundboard so he cleaned it up the best he could.  I
was told that crud was due to high industrial pollution in that part of the
world.  What a mess.

>
>3.  Told they probably will be good for a year or two only, once
>subjected to indoor heating and low RH.

Rumored to be true.  The one I did (and it doesn't get much dryer than
northern Colorado) is doing great after the restringing.

>
>4.  Told that Yamaha/Kawai will not support them with parts.  (why should
>they for a 20+ year old instrument?)

True and I don't blame them.

>
>They seem to be decent instruments and I have found no problems, or even
>potential major problems with them.  I am confused and wondering if I am
>missing something.

I've heard about many that develop the climate shock problem which ruins the
pinblock, the soundboard and the action and the case.  Did I leave anything
out?


>A music store owner/friend toured the facility in Florida that sells
>these and was impressed enough to try them out.  I find myself repeating
>to him what I cannot prove to myself .   I want to advise him correctly.
> If anyone can share their experience on this please do.

Florida is humid.  Maybe more of them survive there.

>
>Paul McMillin, RPT
>Carlisle, PA


Glenn.