Used Yamaha C3 advice

[derschoenebahnhof]

Hi,

Quick question there... went to see a used C3, 1976. I loved it, a joy to play. Seller is asking $15K, is this a good deal?

The instrument was rarely played but very well maintained, tuned every 6 months. I loved the action as well. Didn't see any trace of rust on the strings, no cracks in the sound board either.

Only thing is the front of the keys has turned yellow with age, but the key tops are still white.

I have a few days to decide, since there might be others interested as well

I tried a used G2 on the same day and the action was too stiff, I was missing notes and it was hard to play softly.

Thanks,
CG

[lhorwinkle]

WAY too much money for that piano!  That much money will get you one 20 years newer.

Anyway, I'd avoid pre-1985 Japanese pianos.  Their built for the climate in Japan, and are not suitable for the US.

That's not to knock Japanese quality.  They just didn't build them for US climate until the mid 1980s.

[quantum]

Is this a private seller or a dealer? 

Have you had your independent piano tech evaluate the instrument?  Such person can inform you on the condition of the piano and also their opinion on a reasonable price. 

Look at the serial number, there should be a letter before it.  This letter is the version / revision of the C3 model.  There have been design changes between versions. 

I have a few days to decide, since there might be others interested as well

This may be a selling strategy.  Make sure you have a counter offer prepared with a date of your own.  A tech's evaluation can help you determine your offer.  Be prepared to "show" no interest and walk away, especially if you have found a connection with the instrument. 

Anyway, I'd avoid pre-1985 Japanese pianos.  Their built for the climate in Japan, and are not suitable for the US.

Do you have a source for this?  That is a pretty big claim.


***

My personal take on used Yamaha C3's:  they can be excellent instruments if voiced and regulated well.  IMO a well prepped, broken-in used C3 can outshine a brand new stock C3.  This opinion may come with a little bias as I have a used C3, that does not carry the typical Yamaha sound found on new instruments.  With a good tech, it is possible to bring the sound closer to an S series. 

[derschoenebahnhof]

Is this a private seller or a dealer? 

Private seller.

Have you had your independent piano tech evaluate the instrument?  Such person can inform you on the condition of the piano and also their opinion on a reasonable price. 

Look at the serial number, there should be a letter before it.  This letter is the version / revision of the C3 model.  There have been design changes between versions. 

Oops, I can't believe I didn't write down the serial number. So far I have not had a technician evaluate it.

This may be a selling strategy.  Make sure you have a counter offer prepared with a date of your own.  A tech's evaluation can help you determine your offer.  Be prepared to "show" no interest and walk away, especially if you have found a connection with the instrument. 

I made a lower offer so will see how it goes...

My personal take on used Yamaha C3's:  they can be excellent instruments if voiced and regulated well.  IMO a well prepped, broken-in used C3 can outshine a brand new stock C3.  This opinion may come with a little bias as I have a used C3, that does not carry the typical Yamaha sound found on new instruments.  With a good tech, it is possible to bring the sound closer to an S series. 

In addition to this used one, I also tried a used C3 from 1981 at a Yamaha dealer. Both sounded more mellow than newer Yamahas in my opinion.

I am also considering a new C2X as well.

[derschoenebahnhof]

WAY too much money for that piano!  That much money will get you one 20 years newer.

Anyway, I'd avoid pre-1985 Japanese pianos.  Their built for the climate in Japan, and are not suitable for the US.

That's not to knock Japanese quality.  They just didn't build them for US climate until the mid 1980s.

Hmm, so from what I understand (ok, talking with a dealer...), is that the interior environment of a typical US home is drier than in Japan and therefore, Yamaha compensated for that. Would that mean a piano built for Japan would not be suitable for the US at all?

I am not sure I get that, it sounds a bit extreme. Also the dealer said that Yamaha made pianos built for the US way before 1985.

Thanks,
CG

[beethovensonata]

Way too much money! When i was looking for pianos i found a 96 C5 Yamaha for 17k! thats a 6' 7" piano!  I didn't really like the brightness and stiffer action of Yamaha, and felt they where focused on technology and digital pianos, disklavier etc. so i leaned Kawai, which focuses on the acoustic grand better.  I played a 2014 Kawai gx2 (the brand new ones) and a gx6, BEAUTIFUL pianos, but then i played a 2011 SK5 Shigeru Kawai, big mistake....the rest is history i bought the Shigeru SK5.  Ok but for your Yamaha, i would look at kawai's they are better pianos, and are actually slightly cheaper.  Why? Because Yamaha has a name for its self.  You can find a 2007 Kawai rx3 for 15k on Ebay!

Beethoven

[lhorwinkle]

Regarding the manufacture of Japanese pianos prior to the 1980s ... Larry Fine's "Piano Book" and his publication at pianobuyer.com talk about this.  It's widely known in the industry.  Check it out.

[derschoenebahnhof]

Regarding the manufacture of Japanese pianos prior to the 1980s ... Larry Fine's "Piano Book" and his publication at pianobuyer.com talk about this.  It's widely known in the industry.  Check it out.

Well here is an extract from Larry Fine's book:
https://pianotek.com/cart/page.html?chapter=0&id=15

Does that mean any pre-1980 Japanese made piano should never be bought because it "might" "possibly" "kind of" "sort of" maybe develop cracks? He doesn't seem to think that way. Where are the statistics that would back the warnings about indoor dryness in the US causing havoc to pianos? There seems to be lots of opinions out there.

I know someone who bought a 1965 Kawai and is very happy with it.

If the price of a used instrument is right, and tone/touch to my liking, would I spend twice as much money for a new instrument? I think it is all a matter of risk a used piano buyer is willing to take.

Best,
CG