Yamaha U3

[exackerly]

I want to replace my beat up old upright, and I’m looking at U3s. I’m pretty familiar with this piano, because my stepmother used to have one. I love the deep rich sound. But what are the parameters I need to be thinking about? I found one online at a pretty good price. It was built in 1971, in Japan. Is that too early for Yamaha? I know that their really early pianos were not considered that great.

[alexariddle]

A 1971 U3 can still be a great instrument, but condition matters much more than the year. Yamaha quality was already solid by the early ’70s, though not quite as refined as later decades. Check the usual parameters: tuning stability, soundboard condition, pinblock tightness, action wear, hammer grooves, and whether it’s been regularly serviced. If it’s been well maintained and hasn’t been over-used, it could still be an excellent piano with that classic deep U3 tone. An independent tech inspection is definitely worth it before buying.
Wacky Flip

[exackerly]

Thanks, that was very helpful. But now comes the bad news. I live in Iowa, and the piano is in Idaho! It’s not going to be possible for me to fly out there to see it before buying. I’m sure absolutely everybody will advise me not to do that. But the store it’s at has a very  good reputation. I haven’t talked to them yet, but they might be willing to send me a video showing it being played. Am I nuts, or could this possibly work?