Yamaha U3 Serial Number Japan

1. Yamaha Piano Serial Number Search+japan
2. Yamaha Piano U3 Price List
3. Yamaha U3 Serial Number Japan Number

Sorry, I had this posted in the beginner section and thought this thread would fit better here:Well, I've decided to get a used YAS-23 for my son. Been looking on e-bay (I know), and other 'used' internet places. When I look for things, it becomes an obsession - learning as much as I can (even though I don't play). I was wondering if anyone can give a brief history, or point to someplace - of the YAS-23. When did it become available (how old can one actually be?)? HOW DO YOU TELL WHAT YEAR IT WAS MADE?

Can I tell by the serial number? I've noticed some serial numbers followed by 'A.' Also noticed some simply say 'YAMAHA' on the bell, followed by 'Made in Japan.'

Others have the tuning fork emblem above, others have the emblem to the left, still others have some other writing between the 'YAMAHA' and the 'Made in Japan.' Here's what I've found so far:Oldest ones have big 3-tuning-forks in circle emblem on top, with YAMAHA below and JAPAN below that. Serial numbers begin with a zero?Newest ones have no tuning-fork emblems, have YAMAHA on top, Established in 1857 in the middle and JAPAN on bottom. Serial numbers starting with a 3?There appear to be two other types of markings: The second to oldest has a smaller emblem in front of the YAMAHA on the same line, followed by JAPAN on the line below. Serial numbers starting with a 1?The second to newest appears to only say YAMAHA followed by JAPAN on the line below. I've seen serial numbers starting with a 2.I still don't know when Yamaha replaced the YAS-21 with the 23, think it was early 80's.Thanks,Bill. Udate:YAS-23 replaced the -21 in 1979!YAS-23 is still the current student model.Early models (0xxxxx, and many 1xxxxx) had the fixed thumb rest instead of the adjustable one common today.

There are no other major differences.Serial numbers followed by an 'A' mean they were sold in the 'Americas.' Serial numbers in the 'Americas' are in sequecial numerical order, but not every number was necessarily built. In other words, they may skip from 397xxx to 400001 for some internal reason, but a 4xxxxx is always newer than a 3xxxxx.Models currently shipping are in the upper 4xxxxx (or maybe just breaking into the 5xxxxx) range.A 38xxxx was checked and found to be sold in March of 2003.New horns are assembled in China. The very newest horns do not say 'Japan' on them like most of the ones out there do.Bill.

Interesting findings on the emblems and first # of the serial # to get a rudimentary age. Mine is one of the oldest out of the 4 groups.

I wonder if there are enough people that bought them new that still own them and they can give input on when they bought theirs to maybe find out when the changes occured. This has the most info in the Yamaha section so far, starting from oldest threads here (2003) going through any relevant serial# post or YAS-23 message up to this 2007 thread. I still have 3 years worth of posts to read yet. Hopefully I finish within the hour. Bill thanks for making this thread. I'm up to 2008 now and still your thread was the most informative with actual info to be a little more specific in finding the age of the YAS-23.

Also how did you acquire the info about the 4 different age groups?I did find another thread that mentioned that Vitos from Japan should have same serial numbers but only adding a 1 to the first number. If that's the case then my YAS-23 would be a 1980 with it's 032xxxA serial.Here's the thread:Vito Serial Numbers/Country of Origin (is the: Vito Serial # Chart: (http://www.doctorsax.biz/vito7131rkserno.htm).Also how did you acquire the info about the 4 different age groups?I deduced the way the markings and serial numbers worked by comparing pictures of ones for sale (could see marking) and their serial number (usually had to ask for that from seller).

As for the 4 groups, I just noticed 4 different markings when looking to buy. Several calls were made to Yamaha to get the numbers tied to sale dates in the ranges.BTW, my son has been playing that horn I bought 3 years ago since he was 8. You'd think he'd be good by now, but.he isn't. He HATES practicing. He just now got to join the public scrool band (it starts in sixth grade here). He gets to play the beri because he already knew how to play the sax, so that was good.

Yamaha Piano Serial Number Search+japan

He always wanted to try the beri (wow, your parents were right afterall). Maybe later in life, he will realize 'Hey, I know how to read music and play the sax.that's pretty damn cool!' Either way, our two kids are required to play something. Daughter has turned out to be a wonderful flutist.

Life is grand.and your thread still lives, with apparently still no conclusive answers as to how to determine what year a Yamaha was actually built. I've searched for 294831A with no luck on finding it birthdate year. Years.and years have passed since this thread started back in 2007. Has there ever been any information that can actually nail down the 'built' date for these Yammis?? Thanks!you can email them, i found out the year of my tenor using this one: imail@yamha.comnot sure if it's still active or if it'll help, but may be worth a shot.

Yamaha Grey Market Pianos are made in Japan, and are known to be among pianos sold by unauthorized Yamaha dealers, often as a reconditioned or a restored Yamaha piano. However, these pianos are substantially different from Yamaha pianos sold under warranty, by authorized dealers in North America.' You may ask.Quite simply: Yamaha Grey Market Pianos are NOT 'seasoned for destination and use in North America'.For reference, see pages 176-177 of by Larry Fine, along with for more information.Grey market pianos have flooded the US andCanadian markets during the past few decades. They are often imported in large quantities by Japanese dealers to North America, for second hand use. Upon closer examination, these pianos are sold at a fraction of theprice of a new Yamaha upright or grand, to the public. To the averageconsumer, they appear to be of the same quality as Yamaha pianos'seasoned foruse in North America', but the reality remains constant, consistent, andtrue - they are not.Thetouch and tonal qualities of these pianos - mostly to seasoned pianists andpiano technicians - are drastically and noticeably different fromYamaha pianos sold under warranty by authorized dealers in North America.

So while you may be trying to save several thousand dollars on your piano's purchase, in reality, these pianos are being sold by unauthorized dealers and DO NOT come with ANY warranty, backing, or support from the Yamaha Corporation.We have personally serviced countless grey market pianos for our customers, and needless to say, have researched this subject to its core. So to be fair, we have prepared this information for our customers, and for the sake of other piano owners, like you.If you you are having any second thoughts, especially if someone is offering you aYamaha grey market piano, please keep that second thought, and look at some ofthe information we have prepared, here. Yamaha Grey Market Pianos: Made in Japan, Not Intended for Use in North AmericaGrey market pianos that penetrate the North American market are actually made in Japan and are not intended for sale in foreign markets.Their specifications are also different from pianos made for US distribution. What’s even worse in the case of consumers encountering troubles with their piano, is they often have a difficult time getting them serviced.

Yamaha Piano U3 Price List

Because no parts or service is available from Yamaha to support Grey Market Pianos. Yamaha Grey Market Pianos: Where Do They Come From?These pianos are often sold to schools and institutionalusers in Japan. After years of use, the instruments become worn out, requiring refurbishment, and replacement. The school will then discard and sell thesepianos to private firms who then repair and refurbish these pianos tomake them look and sound – for a time - like brand new.The pianos then find their way to the international market,specifically, North America, and other parts of the world.Now one word of advice: Yamaha NEVER rebuilds or refurbishes any of these used pianos carrying the companyname.What Makes Yamaha Grey Market Pianos Different from Yamaha pianos sold in the US?1. Moisture Problems. One of the most noticeable defectsthat users experience after buying grey market pianos is that theseJapan-made products are prone to moisture problems.Pianos manufactured for the Japanese market are made to adaptJapan’s moist climate, which does not work well in the US climate whichis rather extremely dry. One other thing you'll notice with grey marketpianos is that their case parts do warp, while the soundboard cracks,causing the piano to lose its tone and tuning stability.2.

Yamaha U3 Serial Number Japan Number

Cabinet instability. Grey market pianos from Japan donot have polymer barrier placed between the wood and the pianofinish, which explains why these pianos are prone to cracks andlines.3.

Technology advances. Most grey market pianos are often old and outdated to the point of being worn out, whereas pianos sold by authorized Yamaha dealers in the US havebeen developed, highly refined, and built with the latest and mostupdated specifications in the industry.So now, if someone offers you a Yamaha grey market piano, now you have sound reasons to just say 'No!' Carefully choose a piano, crafted, manufactured, and seasoned for its intended destination, to your respective climate of residence.