Second-hand U1 Advice

[Scorpio]

Hello there,

I've set my sights on acquiring a second-hand Yamaha U1 upright, and as someone completely new to the process of buying a piano, I'm seeking advice as to what may be expected in terms of age vs. price range, warranty etc.

I came across a 1979 model at a dealer showroom which looks (to my untrained eye) to be in very good nick, and with a price tag of £2500. I spent a good hour or so trying it out . As a grade 2/3 learner, with a limited repertoire, it sounded great, though compared to my current electronic keayboard, I guess most acoustics would ! I plan to revisit the place this weekend and have asked along a piano teacher for a second opinion. In the meantime, I'm looking for some guidance on the following points:

- Can anyone give an indication as to whether £2500 is a reasonabe price tag for a U1 of this age, in good condition ?

- The dealer is offering free delivery and first tune, within the price tag, together with a 12-month Warranty. Again is a 12-month warranty typical for a second-hand piano, or should one expect something more substantial ?

- I saw in an earlier post that slightly later models (serial numbers 4-million onwards)? - came with some design modifications. Were these modifications significant, and would they justify holding out for a later model instead (at perhaps slightly greater expense) with these features on board ?

- Conversations with the dealer have been helpful, but there is an implcation of a reasonably rapid turnover of models through the showroom (on a weekly basis). This has implications for being able to try a certain piano out over several visits (I work away midweek); is it normal for dealers to have such rapid throughput, or is this just 'sales speak' for my benefit ?

- Finally, this particular dealer is based in Longsight Manchester, and has all the appearance of being reputable. Does anyone have any recommendations, of any other dealers of second-hand Yamaha U1's in the North West, or indeed, any to steer clear of ?

Any advice on these matters would be very much appreciated !

Thanks in Advance.

[PianoGuy]

- I saw in an earlier post that slightly later models (serial numbers 4-million onwards)? - came with some design modifications. Were these modifications significant, and would they justify holding out for a later model instead (at perhaps slightly greater expense) with these features on board ?

4 million era pianos are generally more desirable than earlier ones, but a tired one is not as good as a low mileage earlier one that has been prepared well. There were revisions to the frame and the action is likely to have wooden damper drums which are detachable and adjustable rather than the moulded plastic fitted on some (but not all!) earlier models.

Try and make a judgement on the quality of service from the dealer. A good dealer selling a 3-million series U1 is preferable to buying from a shark or an eBay part-timer with a stack of ex music college 4-million-ers!

[Scorpio]

PianoGuy - many thanks for your observations and advice. My understanding is that this dealership has recently changed hands, and I've trawled the internet for any positive references (or otherwise!) as to the pedigree of the dealer, tho' first impressiona are that he is courteous and keen to help. Having said that, comparing £2500 for a c30 year old , with c. £4000 for a new one, i'm now seriously thinking of increasing my budget and going for the latter from a Yamaha dealer , tho' no doubt the standard of these can also vary. Either way, I can tell you that for such a purchase as this I would never even consider going to eBay, or anywhere else where I couldn't sit at the thing and have a go on it before shelling out, even as a relative novice.

Again - thanks for your help.

ps I have to say, IMHO this forum is something of an absolute gem!