Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Piano Forum 40 yr old U1 or newer T121 - both Yamaha

Thank you for your advice re this Robert... if anyone else has advice please post...

I can't afford a new piano and can't afford to pay a lot for a used one either. My son has been playing for 12 years and my daughter for 6 - both are in lessons and enjoy playing but are not continuing with RCM exams... my son plays Jazz and does some improv... he also plays piano for the pit band for musical theatre. My son's teacher is recommending a piano with more direct action. I am trying to find a Yamaha because I have been told that they are really good. Prices in Victoria BC, Canada for Yamahas seem quite high.

I found a 1974 used Yamaha U1. It has been in the seller's family for about 40 years. The seller says it has been lightly played by one person and tuned regularly, but it hasn't been tuned for 2 years as the owner hasn't been playing for a few years now. The piano has been moved once in that time. The owner is willing to have a piano technician look at it - which we will do if we buy. They are asking $3000 CDN. Given my budget, is this a good piano to consider? Is there anything that we should watch for for this piano given its age?

There is one other piano - a lightly used Yamaha T121 that is about 8 years old - it looks like it is in pristine condition. The owner is asking $3400. What is your advice re this one? We may be able to negotiate the price on the U1, but I think the price on the T121 is fixed.

Finally I did see a M1 Yamaha advertsied for $1600.00, I haven't checked it out, not sure if it is good or not.

Thanks for any advice you have and Happy Holidays!!

I'm not really up on Canadian market, but a 40 yr old U1 would sell for about $1500 here.

I would tend towards the T121. I think you could negotiate the price a bit, but even so, the newness would make up for the difference in the model.

There seems to be interest in only one brand name here…..The asking price for the 40 yr old U1 is far too high for its age.


Not sure what is meant by the direct action comment, you would have to ask for clarification of that part.

A used piano offered for sale is only going to be as good as it has been taken care of. Because there is a particular name on the front does not translate into an instrument in good condition.
There are lots of good used pianos available in both Victoria and Vancouver.

Thanks for the advice. RE direct action - I might not have the wording correct, but basically, the teacher was meaning that we should be looking for a tall upright rather than a low model.