Today, I took a piano tech with me to look at 2 pianos. Both for sale by different owners on ebay-- one was a Yamaha M500QA (2001) and the U1A (1984).
Tech who is also in a family business that buys and sells pianos said both were in very good condition. Both, barely been used. Both would only need a tuning. Both, depending how close to the opening bid I got it I could sell in a couple years and get close to my money back - the U1 holding the value longer.
He said they would both last me another 25 years or more. Both sellers were great and would be a dream to work with. Both pianos would look great with our decor.
U1A's keys were a bit yellow and there were some big nicks but aesthetically looked good, original owner, moved 3 times by professional piano movers in TX, one move with pully's to a 2nd floor. Sound was rich. Starting price on ebay is $2500, plus $300 allowance to move.
M500QA looked brand new. Sound was not as nice as the U1. Starting bid $1250, one person bid already but they are out of state.
I am looking for some advice which to buy because there is a considerable price difference. My heart is saying U1 but my wallet is saying M500.
Of course, there is always the possibility that in a few years we will upgrade to a baby or a grand which is always been a dream of mine. But if my son, doesn't continue to play then it would all be for looks and I would resort to a one with one of those fancy digital players. I grew up in a house with player piano, ya know the one with the cool rolls. Of course, I don't know if my husband is on board with my $5000 plus dreams! So that may never happen!
If I can get the M500QA for $1700 or less should I go for it because that is at least $800 less, even though I think I prefer the U1? Will I be sorry later?
Remember this is for my 8 year old who is a beginner, probably not musically gifted but has some natural ability. He has played for piano (3 yrs) and violin (2.5 yrs). We plan for him to take lessons for many, many more years (hopefully without resistance!)
Right now he fully enjoys it! Which is better than I did at his age. I played for two years, ending around 8 1/2 years old. Which I fully regret.
When I asked him if he would like the U1 which is just like the piano he uses at his music school he frowned because he didn't like it because he can't see what it looks like inside when he plays! I think he was hoping for a baby grand (because I was trying to talk my husband into it). What woman wouldn't try?
I told him that the U1 he could look inside when he plays,in fact it has the hinges that allow you to prop the top open which allows for a richer sound to come out. I guess the new U1s don't have that feature and that the wood is a lot thinner too?
Thank you for listening and as always your expertise is much appreciated.
