A gray market piano is one that was originally meant for sale in a different climate than this one. Hence the U2, marketed in Japan but not the U.S. is a gray market instrument - it was never meant to reside in a climate as dry as the typical American home in winter. Almost all of the gray market pianos in this country are used, since there is no market for used pianos in Japan and Korea, but a tremendous supply. In the U.S., Americans are usually suckered into buying "used" pianos thinking they are as good as new but for half the price. Selling gray market pianos is also a way for some piano dealers to carry a brand name they cannot get new! Unfortunately, these gray market pianos can be a challenge to maintain - both in regulation and tuning. These are not scare tactics, but honest truths to those of us techs who have had to deal with their poor performance. Carol Beigel Greenbelt, Maryland
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