Hi Gang:
Once again I find myself relying on the inexhaustible (invaluable) knowledge of this group.
My wife has made a pledge of giving me one of the best presents any lucky guy in this business could ever hope for:A Yamaha Grand piano! (love my wife to death)
I’ve found a 1973 Yamaha G5 (6"6') completely rebuilt and with a 1 yr warranty, and not a blemish on it which I comptemplating buying. It’s in “mint” condition and delivered to my living room at no extra cost.
I have not played it (it’s out of state) but the owner claims it sounds as good as any brand new yammie.
My first question is, are this pianos a good era for Yamaha building their well renowned pianos?
Second, what could be a “fair price” for this piano. I don’t want to pay more than it’s worth.
Simon, Scottyee, UD, anyone, could you offer some insight on the subject?
(I am dreaming about doing some incredible recordings with this "puppy")
Thanks guy,
Mario




[This message has been edited by Mario (edited 01-13-2003).]

Hi Mario,
I`ll pass on giving any "buying advise" , but I will say that there "real" (non synth) instruments are under rated.
I realy think it would be a fine piano.
Yamaha makes soooo many things that I don`t think a lot of people take there intrsuments (acoustic) seriously, but they should. Before a bought my Guild D55 (guitar) I tried a concert size Yamaha guitar and I liked it very much but being a display model anyone and everyone "played" it and it showed. It didn`t have the "action" of a D55 but very close and a nice instrument.
About the piano, all I know is that they must be tuned about once a year and where it has a one year warranty I`ed try for new strings and a "retune" after 6 to8 months.
That`s about all I know about piano`s.
I hope this info helps and I wish you all the best and many happy hours playing
Keep us informed, good luck !!
jedi

Hi Mario,

My advice is that BEFORE you go out and buy ANY acoustic piano, read "The Piano Book", by Larry Fine.
http://www.pianobook.com/

This truly is "the" DEFINITIVE book to buying a new or used acoustic piano and well WORTH your investment. It covers ALL the ends and outs of piano buying, and includes a comprehensive section which breaks down each major piano manufacter's piano production, thru the years, and recommends which year/model(s) were the best/worst vintage years.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/det...=books&n=507846

Good luck and keep us posted.

Scott

Mario ,

I am a piano dealer in Baltimore . If you want some help , email me privately .

Dano

Mario, Can you ask the seller to give you a serial number of the piano?

Here's some info you should read before purchasing a used Yamaha piano:
http://www.yamaha.com/ycaservice/group004/grayacoustic.htm

And to check the age of the piano: http://www.yamaha.com/ycaservice/group004/ageyamahapiano.htm

Good luck!
..rb

Mario,

Most people don't realise but making piano's is what Yamaha started out doing in the early part of the last century. Look at their logo and you will find that it comprises three crossed tuning forks.

I used to sell their grand and upright pianos and would rate them second only to the well known German Manufacturers.

Take the advice of the others on this forum and read up their long and succesful history.

You are a very lucky man.....

Regards - Keith

Thanks everyone:
All your suggestions I've followed.
Scott, thanks for your valuable chat on the phone last night, you certainly know your stuff.
Dano, I will email you with whatever information I have. Too bad you live so far from Connecticut, I would hire you for an appraisal.
Jedi, thanks for your input and good wishes.
Rhumba and Kfingers, very helpful stuff, thanks a million all.
Mario

ps. I have taken someones advise and hired an apraisser in the area to check the piano

I don't know how far away this piano is from you, but if at all possible, I strongly suggest that you observe the old maxim: Try before you buy.

Marck:
Right you are. My wife and I will be driving up to New London, Conneticut from New jersey this week end so we can play the Yamaha Grand.
After a 2 hour visit to my local library today, I've armed myself with enough amunition to face any piano salesman upthere.
Taking with me: a Flash light,a dusting brush, a screwdriver and a big "punch list" to follow.
Wish me luck!
Mario

Unless you have perfect pitch, take a digital tuner. Sometimes older pianos can be tuned to themselves, but can't be brought up to standard A=440.
Just in case.
DonM