Yamaha silent models: U1 and V124NTS

[Toby]

I want to buy a new piano with a "silent" function - maybe a Yamaha U1-Silent, if I could find one at a decent price although most dealers are quoting September 2004 delivery for this model.

A couple of dealers have suggested looking at the Yamaha V124NTS instead. From the Yamaha website, there appears to be little if any difference between these models (other than price and a couple of inches).

Does anybody know if there are significant differences and which one would be better value for money?

Are there other (similar quality) models worth looking at?

[Barrie Heaton]

Yamaha V Series are softer in tone compared to the U1 they are very similar in all other aspects case is a bit different they are a nice piano and made in the UK

As to other silent systems all the big manufactures have a silent system of some sort just under different names. Even Bluthner has one you can also retro fit a silent system to your piano see http://www.uk-piano.org/gabor/



Barrie,

[Toby]

Thanks Barrie.

Have you seen a Gabor system installed? Does it affect the play/feel of the original piano? Presumably it invalidates any guarantees/warranties. Do you know how much it costs?

[Barrie Heaton]

All piano actions have to be altered to accommodate the silent systems however, the Gabor is less then most Set on most uprights is set to 3mm on the Yam silent systems you had to set it to 5mm the Gabor is 4 However, that may have changed it adds about 0.3g to the touch

You also have to remove the damper slap rail and replace with the new slap rail a set off controllers are placed under the keys and the controller box under the keybed Knighs, Bently Welmar and Woodchester all fitted the Gabor system

I would say yes it would invalidate any guarantees as to price all depends who is fitting it give the guy a ring

Kemble and Schimmel use the Yamaha silent systems see here for kemble
http://www.uk-piano.org/kemble/frameset.html


Barrie,