[sdiy] OT: upright pianos

[David G. Dixon]

I really like Yamaha pianos.  They have a percussive, jazzy sound that I
really prefer, and very nice responsive actions (for uprights).  The smaller
ones are nice, although the 48" U1 model is considered the industry standard
upright.  It is what you will invariably find gracing music school faculty
offices.  However, every piano is a unique, and really must be tried.  Also,
beware Yamaha uprights (or really any Japanese or Korean piano) which has
recently come from Asia, and/or has been used as a rental piano.  These are
typically in very bad shape and are not worth buying.  The actions are very
soggy, and the soundboards crack with the severe change in humidity between
the hot, humid orient and our cooler, drier northern climes.  If you can
find a nice used piano from a local owner, that's the best (unless you're
willing to put out for a new piano!).

Other than Yamaha, some Samick uprights are very nice.  I haven't tried
Kawai, but I imagine they'd be similar to the Yamahas.

I own a shiny black Yamaha C2 5'8" grand, and I LOVE it.  It is exactly the
right piano for me.  It is about 10 years old, and was owned by a local
(Vancouver) Chinese family (the Chinese typically value music and music
lessons very highly).  It sat next to a Steinway for most of that time, so
it didn't exactly wear out from over-use.  Now it's original place is
apparently occupied by a Fazioli (did I mention that it was a rich Chinese
family!).

David G. Dixon
Professor
Department of Materials Engineering
University of British Columbia
309-6350 Stores Road
Vancouver, B.C.  V6T 1Z4
Canada
 
Tel 1-604-822-3679
Fax 1-604-822-3619
 
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-----Original Message-----
From: synth-diy-bounces at dropmix.xs4all.nl
[mailto:synth-diy-bounces at dropmix.xs4all.nl] On Behalf Of JH.
Sent: Monday, December 01, 2008 12:50 PM
To: synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl
Subject: [sdiy] OT: upright pianos

Slightly off-topic:
Is there anybody on the list who is experienced in acoustic upright pianos?
Which brands should I be looking for (new ones, and possibly older ones, 
too), if I want a fast and *light* action?
Are there upright pianos that have a light touch like a Wurlitzer E-Piano?

JH. 

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