A WORD OF WISDOM ABOUT PURCHASING GRAY MARKET PIANOS. THEY ARE THE BEST ONES MADE.

 

My wife and I were fortunate enough to have spent half a month in Japan. We were both there for the cultural experience but I was specifically there for answers to questions I had about new and used Japanese pianos. What I was hearing in the US wasn't making sense. I wanted a better understanding of the piano collection and rebuilding industry in Japan. Also on the agenda was a visit to Kawai Piano and Yamaha Musical world headquarters in Hamamatsu City.

 

The finest pianos in the world are made in Japan

 

We stayed in Tokyo, Osaka Sin, Wakayama, Kyoto and Hamamatsu City. My days were spent at piano rebuilding and collection facilities as well as touring the major piano makers of Japan. All of the piano refurbishment is done with the utmost care; attention to detail is unrivaled on a worldwide scale. It's not done until it's perfect. The term " good enough " is not something you hear there. The bar in Japan is set right at the top.

 

Climate

 

I learned that Japan's climate is identical to that of North America. It ranges from extremely dry to horribly humid. Most days are pleasant but depending on where you are it could snow or rain. I've learned that every home, even the most modest, has central heat and air conditioning. I know the truth about seasoning, there is no such thing. It's a lie to make you buy a new piano from the new dealers in the US. They are all made the same. There's no such thing as a gray market piano. When I told an executive from the largest piano maker in Japan what we're told in the US about seasoned for destination he actually laughed out loud. " Why would it be made different? The climate is the same here as North America ".

 

Now we know

 

Our trip there reinforced my belief that the finest pianos in the world are made in Japan and located there. The best of the best are not exported out of the country when they are new. Interesting note: When you want to buy a new piano in Japan you go directly to the factory or company owned stores. You can play dozens of them in specially designed listening rooms. You get to pick the best sounding one and have it delivered to your home. You see, in Japan customers can buy directly from the piano makers. This is how the finest ones end up staying in Japan. If you look up the serial number and it says " not destined for North America " then you should seriously consider buying that piano. It's definately the pick of the litter. You'll end up the best of the best.