Looking at a 1980 UX-3 for $4,800. The piano sounds very nice. It is pristine and looks like it was rarely played.

My research indicates that it is grey market as it was made for the Japanese market. The X bracing was used for tuning stability, and not necessary the sound or tone difference.
Yamaha discontinued it in 1980.

So I guess there is no real premium for paying extra for the X bracing for the piano sound although I find it hard to believe it does not affect the sound in some manner.

Does anyone see any real negatives with this piano? Might be a bit high for the price but seems to be in the correct range. Has 5 year warranty.

I have a Yamaha UX, and I really like it. I bought it for $4650 in 2004 from a dealer. It has held up well. Interestingly, though, the serial number is 4827085 and the Yamaha website says it was made in 1990, which would mean the X bracing wasn't discontinued in 1980. Or maybe my source on the year is incorrect.

Nancy

Here's a Youtube video of the seller playing the UX-3 while I was there:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzTzjKMw_eQ

Thanks Nancy, it looks like from another thread that you got one of the better UX-3's that were made later. Something to do with scale length. Looks like the UX-3 is a slight step up from the U3.

From that thread:

"Between the 3 Yamaha mdls. you are considering, I can only assess them as for specs. and as for personal preference (sound wise, action) though the "like new" "low milage factor" is always gonna be the contingency whether to buy or not. I've had multiple examples of each mdl you are inquiring about. The UX3 is by far the best mdl. though the age factor is an issue. I've had early 80'S UX3 that were in near new cond.,though many preowned UX3 were heavily played over the years.Personally I try to obtain the low milage, newer ones. They are an artist level player's piano so the preowned specimans were played as opposed to meeting a furniture criteria. The UX30 is a lesser mdl. as for the cabinet (not as heavy duty as the UX3 or even the U3 though the strung back looks the same as the UX3). The UX30 sounds a bit thinner than the UX3. Cabinet makes a difference.Yamaha is kinda vague as for scale differences. Same analogy in comparing a newer U1A vrs. a U10BL or U30A (48" version) Now a newer UX3 (4mil-5mil serial#) would be the ultimate, best of both worlds.They are obtainable in the gray market because I've had them. The newer ones are also upgraded as for the fall board and the bigger music rack like the U5 or WX7 (US discontinued mdl.) If you have to compromise, a like new UX30 is better than a worn UX3. The U3 is Yamaha's production line 52" uprt. It is a great piano though if you compare an UX with a U3 a player can feel the difference almost immediate. The UX series is more expensive than the U series (U1,U2,U3) in Japan. I have found that gray market pianos in the U.S. are better the newer they are for several reasons.
1.Newer the scale design,the better
2.Less years in a humid environment,the better
3.Newer the piano,most likely the better the cond.(not true all the time)
4.Newer Yamaha and Kawai are polyester as opposed to ? as for the finish.
The radial back (X)back are found only on Yamaha's high end mdl. Also the action geometry is much more balanced and consistent than the U series(U1,U3 etc.) The true players in the US will usually buy the UX series because they are not concerned as for the mdl. recognition of the Yamaha U series as for comparative value or resale.
The new Hailun uprt. is a great option as for a new piano, quality and price wise. Only my opinion and not gospel."

Man,who wrote that long convoluted thread.Doesn't he have a life other than PW.

Lucky we are to have you Pianobroker. Your unbiased, knowledgeable and legthy responses are very much appreciated.

I've only been on the Accoustic Piano forum for a week and you look to me as the goto person for reliable information.

If I lived anywhere near North Hollywood CA I would be haunting your store.

Wow, I'm pretty impressed with my piano now! I really just stumbled into that purchase on the advice of my tech, who now looks like a genius to me. I really appreciate you re-posting that thread, Paddler, and of course I am grateful to pianobroker for actually writing it all out. Piano shopping forces you to get really educated, and it can be exhausting to try to figure out all the quirks of each brand. At least Yamaha is pretty consistent with its naming; Kawai makes it nearly impossible to compare through the years!

Nancy