Gray market pianos

[Antares]

The only thing wrong with them is in the fact that they were not built for
the American/Europian market.
Since Yamaha makes piano's for different climates and markets, some piano's
meant originally for, for instance, the domestic Japanese market, might fall
apart in parts of the world where climate and thus humidity conditions are
dramatically different.
I am a factory trained tech and have seen quite a number of these, what we
call here "paralell import" Japanese domestic piano's, and they all have the
same problems after a rather short while : Because of the central heating in
my part of the world (western Europe) the varnish on the soundboards of
these instruments begins to get flaky, it literally crumbles off the
soundboard. The metal parts (plate, screws, bolts and strings) are usually
heavily corroded, hammers are worn, so are dampers and often these two have
hardened because of the humidity influence, wood can be warped or will,
straps and leather parts will crumble and break in your hands.

This is not a lie, this is purely an account of what I have seen over more
than a couple of years.
No wonder the factories wash their hands in clean water....

Antares

Yamaha tech (amongst others)




>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]
>