Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Piano Forum Yamaha U5 or Charles Walter 1520 console

Thank you for the link. I will try to get the serial number from the seller when I finally hear back. And as much information as possible about the piano. I do have the probable name of the RPT that last tuned the U5 two years ago. I may contact the RPT, as well. Thanks again.

WOW! Those are some really TALL upright pianos...

Sorry, I overlooked this.

To eliminate confusion why not just choose a 52"Ritmüller - it's bass speaking length is 6 miles....

Norbert

Further update on the U5. I spoke to the RPTs that may have tuned it (so long ago they don't remember), and they cautioned me that this may be a grey market piano from Japan that was used in a school setting for several years, then sold to an American dealer. Or it may be an US-market piano, but also used in a school and then similarly sold to a dealer, polished up, and resold to the current owner. The RPT said I should be careful considering pre-owned Yamaha uprights because some have had much hard use.

Prior use is an issue with any used piano.

You can check whether the Yamaha is gray market here.

You should go and play this piano, instead of assuming what it is or isn't, based on description or supposition.

The price on a U5 is quite low, indeed. Back when I was shopping for a tall upright piano, I almost bought a new one. I'm a fan of the Walter, but I think the better model comparison with the Walter is the U1, not the U5. Focusing on one metric alone (string length) is like comparing the mileage of a car based on the size of the gas tank… not particularly useful in and of itself.

I agree with the esteemed Terminator unless the serial number indicates the U-5 is an oldie from way back when. In that case, the piano might be wroth 3k to someone, but not necessarily to you. It's a question of risk/reward and your appetite for risk might reasonably lead you to take a pass without making the trip to see and play it.

Though it's hardly a sure thing, the fact that it's a wood finish leads me to think it didn't come from a music school either here or in Japan. The wood finish adds considerably to the cost, and schools more often than not go for the cheaper ones in basic black.

If it's later than 1990 manufacture, so-called wood seasoning grey market issues don't mean much. It would really come down to history of use and maintenance, same as any other piano of any brand.

Thank you. As always, the replies of seasoned piano professionals make this forum very worthwhile. Still waiting on an email from the U5 owner. I will ask for the serial number and any other information I can get.