U1/U100

dazed · Post by **dazed** » 22 Jan 2007, 17:27

I've been looking for a piano for a while and just want to say thanks for the information on this website which I have found to be down-to-earth and invaluable. I've pretty much decided on a U1 that is currently available in Coach House Pianos, Swansea. Serial# 5466721 import and looks immaculate. I have to admit that before coming to this site I was thinking of going via a 'discounter' but with Coach House Pianos 20 mins drive away that seems particularly silly in hindsight.

It's actually badged as a "U100" - is that significant?

Post by **Barrie Heaton** » 22 Jan 2007, 18:15

Serial# 5466721 c1996
Depending on the price and what sort of guarantee they are giving it should be a good buy - its always better to buy local if you can, but that is not always as practical for the pocket

Disregard the U100 if you like the piano and the price is OK then go for it

Barrie,

PianoGuy · Post by **PianoGuy** » 22 Jan 2007, 18:30

Coach House have a good reputation.

Do you mean "U10 0Bl"? No real difference except that the top opens in one piece rather than folding in half.

The era of your piano's manufacture represents the best of the vintages of the U1 IMO. It also looks great compared to the uglier 'slow fall' models.

I'm sure they'll give you a warranty, so I'd say go for it!

dazed · Post by **dazed** » 22 Jan 2007, 20:36

Hi Guys,

Thanks. The price we're at is GBP2850, including a very nice adjustable stool, initial prep as required, delivery, first tuning and a secondary prep after 6 months or so, 1 yr guarantee. It was originally marked up much more than that but they are having a Jan sale! Given the serial# and their reputation/service, it seems OK to me...

PGuy: It's definitely "U100" and there is not a "U1" embossed in (stuck on?) the metalwork - but there was not in a newish YUS1 next to it either.

Thanks once again for this forum...

Post by **Barrie Heaton** » 22 Jan 2007, 21:11

The price is about right for down south, I would of expected at lest 3 year ~ Gra most dealers are offering 3 to 5 but offering a second service now that different and nice to see I would go for it

Barrie,

helmllwyn · Post by **helmllwyn** » 22 Jan 2007, 22:16

Hi, I bought my piano from Coach House last year and would whole-heartedly recommend them (especially Jerry). Nothing was too much trouble for these guys (and I am a difficult customer believe me!). Very pleased with the preparation of my piano and the after sales care. . plus the price was great too. . . what more can I say, Don't hesitate!
best of Luck, Elizabeth from North Wales

PianoGuy · Post by **PianoGuy** » 22 Jan 2007, 23:07

dazed wrote:
PGuy: It's definitely "U100" and there is not a "U1" embossed in (stuck on?) the metalwork - but there was not in a newish YUS1 next to it either.

Thanks once again for this forum...

It's too early to have the stick-on digits, they're from 6 mil onwards.
Sounds OK value, nice of them to give you a 6-monthly tweak too.

I remember where I've previously heard lyrical waxings about Coach House too now!

As Barrie has implied, the warranty is a bit short, but the 6-month service makes up for that. You're unlikely to find any nasties appear if the first 12 months is trouble free anyway.

Go for it!

dazed · Post by **dazed** » 22 Jan 2007, 23:39

Thanks for the further comments. They have a new P116 coming in in the next few days so I may wait until then to make the final decision (they will ring if sombody else wants the U1) - I've never seen a P116.

Elizabeth - I met Jerry today - nice guy and great showrooms - I've lived here 10 years and driven past countless times on the way to Tesco - but never considered popping in for a look! I like their view on upgrading - giving you full price paid of the old piano.

PianoGuy · Post by **PianoGuy** » 23 Jan 2007, 08:57

dazed wrote:Thanks for the further comments. They have a new P116 coming in in the next few days so I may wait until then to make the final decision (they will ring if sombody else wants the U1) - I've never seen a P116.

The P116 will be a disappointment compared to a U1. Only worth considering if you're pushed for space or it's really cheap. The U1 isn't the world's best seller for nothing!

dazed wrote: I like their view on upgrading - giving you full price paid of the old piano.

I noticed the other day that a few dealers are doing this now:
http://www.pianoforte.co.uk/ for one. Keeps their client base intact I'd have thought, which is no bad thing for the dealer.

PS:

Tesco is evil.

dazed · Post by **dazed** » 23 Jan 2007, 09:09

The piano is to live in my office/study. It's 13' square with thick solid oak block flooring and wall-to-wall pine bookshelves/desks. I can't help feeling that it's going to be *loud* and was wondering if a smaller piano would help...

Edited to remove insane rambling.

dazed · Post by **dazed** » 24 Jan 2007, 14:33

PianoGuy wrote: The P116 will be a disappointment compared to a U1. Only worth considering if you're pushed for space or it's really cheap. The U1 isn't the world's best seller for nothing!

You were right - I tried it (P114m in fact) but bought the U1. Many thanks once again for all the helpful independent advice that is to be found on these forums. Along with Elizabeth I can heartily recommend Coach House Pianos, Swansea - essentially they will do whatever it takes to keep you happy after the sale, including swapping pianos and voicing until you are happy etc.

CJ

PianoGuy · Post by **PianoGuy** » 25 Jan 2007, 21:01

Always nice to hear of satisfaction!

Enjoy your U1 !

PGx

helmllwyn · Post by **helmllwyn** » 28 Jan 2007, 16:55

Congratulations CJ ! May you have many years of pleasure from your U1, and remember ,you can always upgrade to a Steinway in the future!

Elizabeth

dazed · Post by **dazed** » 30 Jan 2007, 16:32

Arrived today...

pikky

Great to feel a real action again...

PS: Can I keep it shiny with ordinary furnitire polish or does one go silicone free etc...? Got to keep it nice so no probs upgrading to the Steinway...

Post by **Barrie Heaton** » 30 Jan 2007, 17:27

dazed wrote: PS: Can I keep it shiny with ordinary furnitire polish or does one go silicone free etc...? Got to keep it nice so no probs upgrading to the Steinway...

A BIG no no

Just a micro fibber anti static duster if you wish to keep the look. Jam butty
marks come off with a soft damp cloth then buff with the micro fibber anti
static duster

Enjoy the new piano and be Environmentally Friendly To Your Neighbour HAVE YOUR PIANO TUNED

Barrie

dazed · Post by **dazed** » 30 Jan 2007, 17:47

Barrie Heaton wrote:Just a micro fibber anti static duster if you wish to keep the look.

OK, thanks...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hama-Antistatic ... B00006IVV8

Post by **Barrie Heaton** » 30 Jan 2007, 18:07

Nice price till you opt for 10 £45.00 P+P

Barrie

dazed · Post by **dazed** » 30 Jan 2007, 21:50

I think I'll try these guys: http://www.microfibreshop.com

My celeste pedal works fine when pushed fully down but when locked left it rises about 2mm which is just enough for it to stop working. Is there an easy adjustment somewhere (I can't see one) or shall I call the supplier... I've currently jury rigged it with an elastic band inside the casework. Slightly longer fibre would work too... A 2mm washer wedged onto the pedal did not work (always some play). (1997 U1).

Post by **Barrie Heaton** » 30 Jan 2007, 22:22

The piano is under Graa taking off the bottom Door and altering the pedal could void your Garra so I would get the shop in But..............

Take off the bottom door and you will see a white plastic block in the middle just above the celeste pedal you will see that both rods go it that universal jont just alter the it Hold one rod and turn the box one turn should be all you need

Its a simple mechanism you will see how it works

Barrie,

dazed · Post by **dazed** » 30 Jan 2007, 22:32

Barrie, many thanks, I understand...