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Hi all. I have the opportunity to buy a used Yamaha G2 made for the U.S. market in 1984 (serial no. J3893649). It is owned by an elderly lady who bought it new 22 years ago and has only lightly played it over the years. A piano tech (representing the seller) has looked at it and said that it's in fantastic condition -- no reconditioning is needed. Of course, I would bring my own tech with me to look at it. I haven't yet played it, but will later this week. She's asking $9,500 for it. Does anyone have an opinion on this model? Does anyone own one? Would I be pleased with the tone and action? thanks.

Joe

If you like it and it checks out ok with your tech, I wouldn't have any reservations about it for normal (non-institutional) use.

The price is maybe a tad higher than I'd like to pay, especially given that new pianos (from China) can be had in the same size for that amount of money.

Agreed, the price is a little too high.

Have your tech check it out, then play a few new pianos in the price range and compare!

How do the Chinese pianos compare with Yamaha? I've heard mixed things about them? Which Chinese brands would you recommend?

I would generally not consider the new Chinese pianos to be of the same quality of materials or workmanship as that Yamaha from 1984 (when it was new). It's just a question of the current condition of that instrument.

I'm not knowledgeable enough to recommend specific brands; all I can say is my experience with them has varied in proportion to the amount of dealer prep work they are willing to do on them. The "catch-22" of this is these pianos represent the cheapest instruments in the store and are often not subject to enough/any dealer prep.

By all means take a day and go play them for comparison's sake. At the end of the day, you probably won't change your mind, but you'll be better informed. I haven't found one that "knocked my socks off" but at the rate they're progressing, it's possible to find one.

G2's are great pianos, but the price is too high. In most parts of the country $7,500 would be more like it. Condition is everything. I know this is not the place to try to sell something, and I'm not, but I've got a G2 in the warehouse I'd be glad to sell for $3k, but it is a genuine dog, worn out. Gray market piano I got on trade. Its got a Japanese emblem on the side. I don't know what it means, but I tell customers its Japanese for Estonia.

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I appreciate it, especially the feedback on the asking price. I'm going to see/play the piano today. I'll let you know how I make out. In the meantime, if anyone else has an opinion on the G2's from the mid-1980's let me know! Joe

Ok. I went to see the piano today....absolutely in pristine condition, from what I could see. There wasn't even any dust on the soundboard, strings, etc...no visible cracks in the pin block or soundboard...not a scratch on the finish at all. It played beautifully and had a great tone. Problem is...she's asking $9,500 for it and is firm. People who have replied here seem to think that is high. What is the best way for me to find sales of other G2's so that I have a basis for comparison?

I was checking into a 1984 Yamaha G2 here in Vancouver a few weeks ago. The seller had an evaluation from a local tech (all good) and had a starting price of $10,000 US on Ebay. At that price there were no bids.

Having done all the research I told him that his price was high, expecting that he would finally sell it for $8,000 Cdn or so.

Later I followed up with him and he told me he had sold it privately for $10,000 Cdn (which is $8,800 US).

$9500 might be a little high for this piano. Or maybe not if it's really pristine. You might have a hard time finding a true comparison for pricing purposes. Assuming the price is firm, now the question is whether you're willing to spend $9500 on a piano. If so, will you be able to find a piano you like better for the same money?

Thanks for the info Birchy. That's helpful.

Ok. Here is what I'm not right with: This very nice elderly lady admitted to me that she purchased the piano in 1984 for $5000-$6000. In 2006 dollars, this would be $11,000-$12,000. I looked at Fine's depreciation schedule, and for a 22-year-old grand piano in "Better" condition, it looks like the value would be about 41-42% of what a similar new piano would cost. Would this mean that she should be selling the piano for about $5000 or so?

Now granted, Yamaha does not make G2's anymore, so it's difficult to do a direct comparison. The only comparable model of today is the C2, which, new, has a list price in Fine's book of $24,000. 42% of that is about $10,000.

Help!!!!

I'd offer her something like $8k, say that's all you have, and "call me back if you change your mind". Leave all your contact information. I suspect that instrument isn't going to sell (either at all or quickly) for that price. You know she'd never get that amount in trade from a store or dealer. That strategy worked for me once when looking at a used car, in good condition, that was obviously overpriced.

As for finding something to compare it to monetarily, I think I have seen C2's from the later 80's, and they are a VERY common piano to find on the used market. See what the prices run for used C2's both in your area and around the country.

Ultimately, you want to be happy with your piano (whatever the price), but I SERIOUSLY doubt that one's going anywhere at $9500.

Thanks TerminalDegree. I called and she's staying firm at $9,500. I think what's happening here is that the piano tech representing this private sale has built in a nice little commission for herself and doesn't want to budge off the price....

Ok. Did some research and spoke to some dealers, who told me that a G2 of this age and condition would sell (and have sold) for at least $10,000-$11,000 in a piano store.

It looks like I now might be able to get this piano for about $8,750 after negotiating a bit. I love it....think I'm going to go for it.

Presumably with delivery, a free initial tuning and some kind of warranty, remember! You'll have to pay for all that on top.

Continuing on with this thread.....I hired my own certified piano tech to look over the piano thoroughly. He confirmed that it's in fantastic shape, no problems...no work needed. I think I'm going to go for it. The owner is only willing to come down $500 from the original asking price (i.e. will accept $9000 for it). This is in my price range (no higher). I really want a Yamaha, as opposed to any of the new Chinese pianos.....so after researching it thoroughly I feel comfortable with my decision.

Go for it and don't look back.

The price is in the ball park and the piano appears to be a jewel.

Enjoy!

Sounds like the piano has been well cared for, and lightly played.

You've done all the correct things (i.e. asked for advice, had a tech check it out, done some price comparisons).

AND...it's what you've been looking for. Go for it!

Hey everyone. I did it! I'm getting the piano on Friday. Can't wait to have it in my house and play it! I'll keep you all posted.