I posted a while back asking opinions on different pianos (and got quite a few) Wanted to say thanks for the help. I was wrapped up in the K3 vs U1 debate but I couldn't convince myself that I liked the softer sound of the Kawai's. At the same time, I didn't want to shell out the $9K + tax for a new U1 (Ottawa price). I didn't mind the T118 and other less-expensive Yamahas but they weren't quite as nice as the U1. And then there's the name recognition if I ever need to sell.

I waited and waited (it's very hard to be patient when you really want a piano) eventually I saw a 2008 U1 pop up on the web. It was bought locally and I was able to get its full (short) history from the local retailer where it was originally bought. I played it, liked it and bought it. $6700 CAD was what I paid, which seems fair to me given the age and the cost of new ones around here.

I had it delivered today and I've been playing it for hours. My hands are so sore! I'm very happy. Thank goodness for the practice pedal, everyone else is asleep and I can still play.

The only room we had for a piano is our finished basement, not ideal but no choice. I've never noticed any humidity problems there but I'm wondering how concerned I should be?

The other question is how long to wait before a tuning. It actually held its tune quite well through the move, but I should get one done. I understand I should leave it in its new location for a wile before getting it tuned, how long?

Thanks again for the tips,

Congrats on the new piano. I'd try to hold out for a few weeks if you can stand it.

Congratulations on your new piano angstrom.

Pictures, we like pictures :-)

Wow, 2008 is practically brand new. Great price. Congratulations! I lusted after the U1, but it was way out of my price range. Not that I don't love my T118, but, well, you know.

Congratulations. That's a really nice piano!

Congratulations, you have gotten yourself a fine piano. The Yamaha U1 was my first piano, bought sight unseen, and it was in tune and perfectly playable right out of the box. We spent 16 years together on two continents until I sold it for more than I bought it for. Enjoy your time together.

As others said, we need pictures!

Don't forget to post in the "Picture of your practice space" thread

http://www.pianoworld.com/forum/ubbthrea...ce%20space.html

Congratulations on buying a wonderful piano. Yes...post pictures of your new baby. For a new Yamaha, the dealer recommended the first tuning in the home to be between 6 weeks and 3 months. They tuned my piano before delivery, but I had it tuned after about 8 weeks. I'm certainly no expert, but I don't think you can tune a young (2008) piano too often. Congratulations again!

Congratulations on finding the piano for you. Don't let yourself get too sore, but keep playing!

Ok, I took a picture for the practice space thread:

http://www.pianoworld.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/1386911/8.html

I guess I can link to it here without too much duplication.



It's my little musical oasis, and now it has a piano!

Nice piano, i have the same

I had my U1 tuned 8 weeks after it was delivered and then 6 months later. My tuner advised me it wouldn't need tuning again for another 12 months. I'm very pleased with mine, it's a real workhorse of a piano.

angstrom, is that a Yamaha MO8? nice studio!

Nice studio! Congrats on the piano. I almost went the upright route! Yamaha makes a great upright. I bet you are enjoying the action.

Thanks,

Yup. That's a MO8, a great "little" (if I could use that word) synth. Best bang for the buck out of the whole Motif line IMHO. If you're a synth nerd like myself there's lots to muck around with for not too much money.

I used it for just over 2 years for my return to piano lessons (after a 20 year Hiatus) but the action, while nice, just isn't heavy enough to prepare me for pieces at RCM level 3 or 4 so now. . . the U1! I love them both, but I find the upright has made a big difference with the lessons, even in the first two weeks I've had it.

Coolness dude, I have a qy700, the precursor to the motif line i suppose... I think I would get a motifXS rack to use with my qy, but maybe get a mo8.

anyway, nice U1. definitly a piano to be proud of!

Great piano in a great room!

Congrats and enjoy!

Norbert