I know someone who is selling a Yamaha C3 that was manufactured in 1984 for the U.S. market. The owner says he bought it new with the intent of taking lessons, but never did. He says in all that time, the piano was only played once. I saw the piano and played it. The cabinet is in perfect condition and it was a pleasure to play, though the touch was stiffer than my teacher's C7. I'm arranging for a technician to look at it. The seller is asking $19,900. If I decide to buy it, I am thinking of offering $10,000-12,000. I would appreciate any input from others on the forum.

A new C3 probably cost around that much a few years ago. I would also suspect that the seller didn't pay that much back in 1984. Unfortunately for you, prices have gone up and the asking price is not totally unreasonable. However, it's definitely worth a try but don't be surprised if the seller expects other people to pay closer to the asking price.

The seller certainly has a distorted idea of used piano prices, especially in this economy. I saw a 10 year old C3 the other day, in a store, for $12,000. He will very likely hold onto the piano and have to be slowly convinced by the market that it is worth about $10,000 - $12,000. His claim of it never being played really has little to do with setting the price at more than what he paid for it 26 years ago! If anything, a piano that sits unplayed for 26 years may have issues that a gently used piano doesn't. Using current prices to gauge this piano's price is probably only moderately useful, as there have, no doubt, been changes in the scale and other details that make comparison rather difficult.

definitely too high for a 1984 C3. I wouldn't think any more than $12K, tops, if it's in excellent maintained condition.

Even 12K is to much. A piano that sits for 26 years though unplayed depreciates just as much as a piano that was played. Mint condition is a perk for the buyer. In an asian piano the age takes precedence. The elements will take their toll on the piano unless it was sealed in a hermetically sealed baggie. How do you know it has not been played....uh three or four times instead of once.
If I remember correctly the scale and actual size of the C3 changed subsequent to 84'. Chris V. Steve C. or Marty F.the resident Yamaha experts would know more. I'd love to see his expression when you offer him 8K.

You're probably right, pianobroker. Most of the Yamaha's that are selling in the price range I mentioned are grey market and have been reconditioned to an extended degree, including new strings, tuning block or whatever it needs to be up to showroom shape. If that piano has sit for 26 years with nothing being done to it, it's probably going to need some work.

BTW, I really like your website. Just looked at first time today.

Thank you all for your comments. They are very helpful.

Pianobroker, you said "If I remember correctly the scale and actual size of the C3 changed subsequent to 84'." I don't know what it means when you say that the scale changed. Would you please explain what that means. Also, when you say that the actual size changed, do you mean that the 1984 model of a C3 is not 6'1"?

The C3'E' series was the last of the 6'00" design. Late 1990/91 saw the introduction of the C3'F', better plate, 1" longer, better bass, hammers, treble bridge cap, Ivorite keytops, soft close fall and wood composite sharps.

This is a quote from Chris Venables, a major authorized Yamaha dealer in the UK. His info is always right on, very knowledgeable /credible as for Yamaha especially. I myself always learn something new from reading his posts.
I have no doubt he would dominate in the Yamaha piano category on Jeopardy.

I don't want to discourage you but you are probably wasting your time with this seller, this is experience talking. I tried to buy a piano from private parties several times and anytime they had a ridicules starting price they did not come down to anything remotely reasonable.

This is a 26+ year old Asian which as most techs will tell you it is probably approaching the end of its useful life. As for the stiff action, you can be assured it is going to need some work. If it were me, 8K maybe a little more if I had a tech I had confidence in and he or she thought it had potential.

Since you are in the Denver area i would suggest you give Chris Finger Piano a call and ask for Jonathan Finger, ask him for ideas. He used to hang around here and he may be able to help you in your search. Jonathan is also a tech. Chris Finger Piano always had a good reputation from what I have heard.

I think this is overstating things quite a bit. I'd say the piano is middle aged, but it's current condition is much more important than its age. If the condition is very good, you may have only maintenance for another 10-15 years before any significant repairs (like new hammers, strings) are required.

If new Yamaha C3's are selling for close to $30k, than $10k is hardly a bad price for a private sale if the condition is very good. Yes, the newer ones are improved, but that model has been a flagship for Yamaha for 40 years.

There may be too far of a gap between what the seller is asking and what you are willing to offer. For that reason alone, it may not be worth your time to pursue.

I really do appreciate all the comments. I have a technician lined up to see the piano Monday morning. We'll see what he has to say about the condition of the piano. I'll report back once I hear what he has to say.

Now I'm getting nervous. The piano technician looked at the Yamaha C3 today and said that it's in perfect condition. I really can't afford the $19,900 that the seller is asking. The technician said $19,900 is probably what a dealer would get for the piano. Since it's being sold by a private party, I might expect to pay closer to $16,000. That's still a big financial stretch for me. Any thoughts?

Broaden your search.

cfertig,

Nothing to get nervous about. Don't buy it. New C3's in the bay area are pegged around 24-25k out the door, and that's too expensive.


Mike

Excellent condition used 1984 C7's go for less than $19,900. Dealers charge too much for used pianos, that is not an accurate figure for private party sales. Like others have said, shop around, I seriously doubt it will be bought out from under you. If you still want it later on, make them an offer that you feel is reasonable, certainly much less. All they can say is no.

Thanks. I will both broaden my search and also see if I can get the seller of the C3 to come down drastically in price. I am going to start another conversation about a Petrof that is for sale.