Yamaha U1 good for long term investment?

[pbryld]

Hello. I have only played for six months, but I already need a change of piano (current one is old and very worn out). So, am looking to purchase a new piano, but it needs to be good for a long time. I am progressing quite quickly, and I am looking for a piano that will not need change until I feel I need a grand, if I ever do.

I have been looking at some older Yamaha U1s.

One is from '71 and is about 3/16 of the price of a new one.
The other one is from '85 and is 5/16 of the price of a new one.

Are they good (enough) for my needs? Is it too old (i was thinking: no, it isn't). I am convinced it's a good price.

Any advice? Thanks.

[jimbo320]

Hi Pb,
The Yamaha U series are great choices if you want a vertical (upright). I haven't played one in a long time but I remember I liked it. I'm more into digital pianos myself but a big fan of Yamaha. If I needed a vertical it would be the U1.

Best of luck to you, Jimbo

[richard black]

Personally I haven't a good thing to say about Yamaha uprights, especially the big ones. They don't wear very well and even new they sound and feel most peculiar. That said, I'm not sure I've ever played one from as long ago as 1971.

[jimbo320]

I'm not a big fan of verticals but I do prefer Yamaha. It's all a preference of choice as with any instrument. I'm a digital kind of guy myself but if I was to want an acoustic it would be one of the Yamaha C series....

[silverwoodpianos]

Average life span of an Asian built upright is 35-45 years.  1971 is a long way back…..so is 1985.

[keys60]

Are they good (enough) for my needs? Is it too old (i was thinking: no, it isn't). I am convinced it's a good price.

Any advice? Thanks.
[/quote]

Good enough if it was well cared for. If so, a kid can learn on it just fine. Have an unbiased experienced player check it out for you. Yamaha verticals are decent for a student IMHO.
If it wasn't well cared for, it could be frustrating.