[img]http://picasaweb.google.com/donnellyericp/RecentlyUpdated#5400426184083743970[/img]

http://picasaweb.google.com/donnellyericp/RecentlyUpdated#5400426296548669778

I recently came across this piano and was curious if anyone has seen this damage (or stain) on a soundboard before. This is a 1975 Japan Market Yamaha U1 slightly refurbished with some refinishing work, keytops, etc. Are these brownish spots some kind of insect damage or possibly spray from a refinishing procedure? They are present on the inside of the soundboard there are visible (about 10% as bad) from the back of the piano as it has gone through the soundboard. Any info would be appreciated...thanks!

Mildew under the thin soundboard finish perhaps? I have seen this before on gray market pianos and just kind of scratched my head.

If you notice especially in older gray market pianos,when the lacquer starts breaking down along with years of excessive humidity,the soundboard lacquer turns a burnt orange as it starts to deteriorate.More obvious on grand piano soundboards in that they are subject to the elements and more noticeable. When you strip them they turn white again.It looks to me like someone tried to strip the finish with the harp and maybe the strings still on the piano.Obviously you can't do such a good job. I think if it were original it would not be whiteish.

IJ"m sorry pianobroker but the sound from your youtube clip does nothing to promote that Steinway piano. Steinways have a "Steinway" sound but....that's not it ;-((
robin

Most likely mildew. These pianos are bought up and store in big warehouses until they can be work on and shipped to North America. High humidity in the warehouse would be the cause for this staining.

"Most likely mildew. These pianos are bought up and store in big warehouses until they can be work on and shipped to North America. High humidity in the warehouse would be the cause for this staining."

So much for those "warehouse sales."