U3 Keys problem.

D Minor · Post by **D Minor** » 06 Feb 2007, 13:13

Hi

I'm not a happy bunny at the moment.

All I wish to say at the moment is how much would it cost to renew the keys on my U3?

Having spoken to Yamaha they informed me an octave set costs less than a tenner trade, but with labour costs would you give me an estimate?

Thanks.

PianoGuy · Post by **PianoGuy** » 06 Feb 2007, 14:55

Are they cracky-cracky? !!

D Minor · Post by **D Minor** » 06 Feb 2007, 17:04

And the crackers are getting worse! In fact some were crackers when they left the shop.

According to the shop, which shall remain nameless at present, the MD would only replace an octave as they were soooo expensive!

At least the hammer loops are not decayed as has happened to another person's piano purchased from the same shop!

The shop is supposed to be sending their technician out to examine them...

I was thinking of an upgrade you see, but this and another issue puts things on hold.

How I wish I had discovered this forum a few years ago.

PS And No! I didn't purchase from Infamous

Post by **Barrie Heaton** » 06 Feb 2007, 20:57

The problem with Yamaha keys they are in 2 sections tops and fronts and getting the old ones off on some models is a pain.

To get a nice neat job you do need the keybed I have a gig to line them up but I do prefer to have the keybed handy you only need to be 0.5m out and it can look like a dogs dinner - not that I do much repairs theses days not cost effective.

I have been know to put bog standard tops with fronts on for quickness but that was on stock pianos back in the 90’s

You may as well have the bushings done at the same time as the key will have to be re levelled and squared and they will be worn

Price: very sharp intake of breath……………

Hmmmm £700.00 +
Cheaper to trade up

Barrie,

PianoGuy · Post by **PianoGuy** » 06 Feb 2007, 21:35

Hmmm....

I would be tempted to get a hand-cut recovering job using thin flat sheet. It makes for a better finish than mouldings, and you can leave the fronts alone.

Let me know where in the world are you and I'll see if I know anybody in your area who can do it neatly enough. Cost usually about 300 quid. You're welcome to email me.

I'm assuming it was a second hand U3?

Post by **Barrie Heaton** » 06 Feb 2007, 22:38

PianoGuy wrote:Hmmm....

Let me know where in the world are you and I'll see if I know anybody in your area who can do it neatly enough. Cost usually about 300 quid. You're welcome to email me.

Including bushing ?

Barrie,

D Minor · Post by **D Minor** » 06 Feb 2007, 22:38

Thanks for your replies.

Now aswell as not being happy, I'm also very annoyed with the manager of the shop.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing and I should have rejected the piano. I feel conned.

One good thing is that my tuner says it's a good piano otherwise.

Pianoguy - Thanks very much for the offer of email. When I have calmed down and phoned up the shop again ( as expected, the technician hasn't contacted me yet ) tomorrow, I will explain the sad state of affairs.

PianoGuy · Post by **PianoGuy** » 06 Feb 2007, 23:01

Barrie Heaton wrote: Including bushing ?

Barrie,

Nope!....

But if it's just got the cracklies it might not be necessary. Yam keys crack due to chemical breakdown, not wear.

D Minor · Post by **D Minor** » 06 Feb 2007, 23:16

There are fine grey lines all horizontal, and smooth to touch, but E ( Treble Ist line ) is bad.This key feels rough where there are vertical lines further up alongside the black key.

I will email you now with the name of the shop and the serial number - my other issue!