"Seasoned For Destination"

[David Love]

The biggest problems I've seen are in the pinblock, soundboard/rim/rib glue
joints and bridge (loose pins and split caps).  It's more these types of
things than worn action parts.  As you say, the action part issues are
usually rectifiable, although since the pianos are unsupported by Yamaha
Corp action parts replacement can be problematic whether the reasons are
justified or not.  And, as you say, some problems, like the butt loop
problem, occur on some domestic models as well.  

The main issue for me is not whether one chooses to service them or not--if
a customer calls me and has one I don't turn them away--but rather whether
you would recommend one for purchase.  I suppose if the price were low
enough you could let it go with various caveats but I have noticed that
dealers who are selling them often don't seem to have a different price
structure for the grey market versus the domestic--if they even disclose
that they are grey market at all.  That being the case, considering
potential problems, that they are unsupported in terms of acquisition of
replacement parts, the slight strike against them in terms of resale, and
considering the evidence that they don't do well in more extreme climates,
if asked, I don't recommend people purchase them.  

David Love
davidlovepianos at comcast.net 
www.davidlovepianos.com

-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Bruce Browning - The Piano Tuner
Sent: Friday, September 12, 2008 2:08 AM
To: Pianotech List
Subject: RE: "Seasoned For Destination"

David,
With respect to the "grey market" pianos, people on this list keep saying
"coming apart", or "falling apart". Where are the specifics, as in my 10 -
12 years of servicing these in this country I have only seen minor
problems which can easily be rectified, such as well worn key bushings,
and the inevitable hammer butt loops (and aren't these problems common to
locally supplied models as well?). Admittedly the environment I work in is
very kind, but what should we be looking for? Centres and bushings, OK.
Action parts, including springs, OK. Keys, no warping, or keytops lifting.
Strings bright. Tuning, the usual intermittent problems, but nothing
prevalent. I'm afraid I'm not sold on this, yet.
Scott, with respect, the two references you gave provided no clearer
explanations, and in my opinion were purposely vague to discourage, ie.
frighten, the general public.
Let's hear the specifics!
Bruce Browning
The Piano Tuner.