Yamaha U1 - Is silent a good idea?

stjcquinn · Post by **stjcquinn** » 14 Sep 2006, 12:36

My first posting although I have been avidly reading your advice for some time. I am a non-player about to purchase my first acoustic piano for my 12 year old grade 5 daughter. We have a few thousand to spend (through gifts from proud grandparents etc)and I want to spend it wisely but am scared about such a big purchase. I have been recommended that a Yamaha U1 would be a good piano for my daughter and I like the idea of the silent option ( we currently have a digital casio and she practices with headphones ) but I note that the guarantee is 2 years for the electrical components and 5 for the piano itself. This makes me wonder if they expect the 'electrics' to fail. I also wonder if the 'silent' version will hold its money as well as there is more to go wrong??? Most grateful for your comments. Also, any views on Chris Venables - great discounts but good after sales etc?? Many thanks

PianoGuy · Post by **PianoGuy** » 14 Sep 2006, 14:45

Good piano, great idea but yes, the digital unit will fail at some point leaving you with a standard U1. Depreciation is therefore steeper than a standard U1. A 5 year old Silent is worth about the same as a normal version. Weigh up whether you need the Silent facility or will a bog-standard practice pedal suffice? If you use a computer for music, the MIDI facility of the Silent may be useful.

There are many posts on this forum regarding vast discounts vs service. I suggest you read a few of them and make your own mind up.

sussexpianos · Post by **sussexpianos** » 16 Sep 2006, 11:35

The U1 is a good piano. having the silent option is more expensive but very handy. At least the warranty is 2 years, most electronics is only 1. I have had very old silent models and they have all been fine. there are a number of technicians who can repair these if they go wrong.I would not worry. As with where to buy? Well all I can say is try local, see if they can match a national price or come close. I would alway pay more and get local and you will get things done quicker if needed. And remember, try before you buy, and buy what you try. Make sure the regulation has been checked and adjusted before delivery and have it tuned 2-4 weeks after delivery. I have heard some dealers saying that pianos do not need tuning after delivery because they are modern, that is bull. Its just a way to save a tuning fee.