I'm new to the forum, and yes I'm prepared to be hit with an onslaught from the anti-S&S-movement, but all that aside, I'm wondering which piano is likely to hold it's value over the next 10 - 20 years and beyond. And if maintenance costs will be vastly different. They are both in excellent condition. The Steinway is Model 100, measures 41 1/2" and has a Walnut finish. The Yamaha is Ebony finish 44" built in Japan.

Any insights on either one would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Links to photos have now been added a few posts down.

I would go with the Steinway, all else being equal. I am assuming it is the 40" model. I have a soft spot for them. A Yamaha upright that age will probably be losing its spring loops, if it has not already.

How old are these pianos now? Sorry didn't pay much attention to the thread title. Steinways continue to be in demand as they age and unless you are paying a huge premimum for it now, you should be able to cash out at about what you paid or a little more.

41 years of age is a little long in the tooth for an Asian piano. It is near the end of its useful musical life. The P2 model is less popular today than it once was. There will likely be a flood of used Yamaha (Chinese built) verticals on the market in the next decade or two that will further depress the value of this instrument.

A Yamaha that age should also be checked for tuning pin torque and hammer spring loop replacement. In 1967, Yamaha pianos definitely developed problems if exposed to medium or lower humdities.

A 1962 Steinway console doesn't excite me either, and should be checked to make sure it is in good condition. The large Yamaha P2 may have better tone. Even though I prefer Steinway overall, the console size is a bit small for a full sound. The Yamaha P2 was known for a good sound, and I think Yamaha is now a sought after name, so resale value shouldn't be a problem.

Thanks for all your helpful feedback. I thought providing a picture of each piano might give you a little more to go on. I tech looked at the Steinway(who actually trained at the Steinway factory in the 60s) gave me a big thumbs up on the Steinway. I'm trying to get an idea of a fair market price for these well-kept pianos.

http://www.pianoworld.com/Uploads/files/steinway1.jpg

http://www.pianoworld.com/Uploads/files/1967Yamaha44.jpg