Just put earnest money down on a 1984 Yamaha C7 - appears to have never been pla

[jimroof]

Looked at a piano today and found a Yamaha C7, 1984 vintage.  Sounded very nice.  Not too bright and a very very round and gorgeous, growling low end.

Decided to check the hammers for wear and, to my surprise, not a groove to be seen anywhere.  I asked if the hammers had been shaped and the seller said 'no'.  How often would one expect to find a 37 year old piano with pristine original hammers?  I am buying from a seller of used pianos and he did have the single bass strings replaced.  Sort of odd that hammers would be like new but it would need bass strings.

Thoughts from the forum here?

[lelle]

Sounds a bit odd. The only thing I could think of is that the bass strings are under tension and get worn from that, while the hammers are not. But if you like how it sounds, does it really matter? 

[jimroof]

This piano appears to be in excellent condition.  Hardly a mark on it.  I played it for about an hour or so and it will take some adjustments to get acquainted again with the feel of a grand piano's action (the break sometimes catches me playing a bit too lightly and throws me).

20K USD, delivered.  Since it's a 1984 it has a somewhat darker tone than some of the more strident pianos that I really cannot stomach.  Worst case, I am out the 500 for the earnest money.  House being built and will not be ready to move into for about 2 months.  This will be one of the first things in it.

https://freeimage.host/i/5qYoV2

[anacrusis]

That looks awesome, congratulations!!

[quantum]

Congratulations.  Yamahas too often get criticized for a bright tone, however, I think prep and attention from a skilled tech can bring out the beauty in its tone.  The Yamahas I have played or heard that have a tone as you have described, that dark and round tone with lots of depth, are fantastic instruments.

[bluenorther]

So what did the experienced piano tuner that you must have hired to inspect the 20 grand grand have to say about the instrument?