Gray market pianos

[Rhose Caught]

Hi Paul

I don't know about the other brands but from my observations Yamaha makes at
least two types of the same model pianos.  In Australia, Yamaha normally
imports the 'tropical' version to cover our climatic variations. The
'standard' version can and does have problems in tropical regions.  The
reason for this is

1.   White glue not water resistant glue is used on the bridges and I guess
other places.
2.   Hammers are not stapled and are of an inferior quality.
3.
4.
5.

In Japan the pianos are made for local conditions, being a relative small
island the climatic conditions would be fairly stable ie not the extremes
that we have in USA and AUS.  One could guess that these pianos would be OK
in some areas but not others.  Otherwise why do they make two types of
pianos ?

The Greys are obviously standard pianos that have lived there lives in  a
set environment. If the change in environment is to great you may have
problems.


Tony    caute@accessnt.com.au

-----Original Message-----
From: paulmcrpt@juno.com <paulmcrpt@juno.com>
To: Pianotech@ptg.org <Pianotech@ptg.org>
Date: Saturday, 20 March 1999 9:03
Subject: Gray market pianos


>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.
>
>2.  They often have rust on the tuning pins and strings.
>
>3.  Told they probably will be good for a year or two only, once
>subjected to indoor heating and low RH.
>
>4.  Told that Yamaha/Kawai will not support them with parts.  (why should
>they for a 20+ year old instrument?)
>
>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.
>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.
>
>Paul McMillin, RPT
>Carlisle, PA
>
>___________________________________________________________________
>You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
>Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com/getjuno.html
>or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]