PIANO: 1980 YAMAHA Model UX (DELUXE U3), 52 PROFESSIONAL UPRIGHT

************************************************************* FOR SALE: A RARE, LIMITED-EDITION YAMAHA, FULL-SIZE UPRIGHT PIANO: A 1980 YAMAHA Model UX, 52 PREMIUM PROFESSIONAL SERIES UPRIGHT PIANO with GRAND STYLE MUSIC DESK, TONE LOUVRES, RADIAL BACK, PREMIUM HAMMERS. REFURBISHED AND REFINISHED IN JAPAN, CIRCA 2010. This is a rare model, made only from the late 1970s to 1980s, and is one of the best models ever made by Yamaha. It was one of their top-of the-line uprights in 1980, but rather expensive, and not widely available. Many people think the Model U3 is Yamahas top-of-the-line 52 piano, and that has always been an exceptional instrument, but its actually the most basic model in the 52 Professional Series. The X and Y series uprights each had some advanced features not found on the U3. Since the UX was a member of both the U and the X series, it had multiple upgrades over the standard U3. That all adds up to phenomenal tone and touch, as well as a beautiful instrument, that is comparable in many ways to a Yamaha grand. The current Yamaha model closest to the UX is the YUS5 ($21,699 list price), but that one lacks the radial back. ADVANCED FEATURES OF MODEL UX NOT FOUND ON THE STANDARD MODEL U3: *RADIAL BACK DESIGN (see photo) replaces the traditional upright back posts with a striking X-shaped (radial) bracing assembly. This gives the cabinet a rock-solid foundation, which creates more power, especially in the bass and tenor sections, and eliminates any flexing in the cast iron plate. The radial shape also helps to preserve the crown of the spruce soundboard - the slight curvature that amplifies the string vibrations, the way a violin or an upright bass does. And it looks cool! Unfortunately, this option was discontinued in the 1990s. *DISTINCTIVE FRONT: The front is beveled instead of curved, allowing the hinged fallboard to fold back further. *TONE LOUVRE (a screened sound port) in the front board, hidden behind the music rack, projects some of the sound directly out the front, creating a more open sound, like a grand piano. *HIGHER-GRADE HAMMERS, using the same NN series felt as the U3, but mounted on mahogany hammer heads instead of maple wood, for enhanced power and optimum tone. *SUPERIOR TONE to that of most older AND newer 52 models. Deep, resonant bass. Full, rich, warm tenor section. Clear, bell-like treble. Not too bright, not too mellow. STANDARD FEATURES COMMON TO THE YAMAHA U3 and UX MODELS: The longest of the bass strings is roughly the same as that of a 5 7 Yamaha grand. The piano is entirely manufactured in Japan, as are Yamahas best grand pianos. The legs are reinforced with toe blocks, so theyre unbreakable. There are 3 solid brass pedals. If you want enhanced volume and clarity, the front half of the top lid folds onto the back half. The U, X, and Y Series uprights have been very popular teaching instruments in schools and colleges for many years. They are also among the models most often recommended by piano teachers for their students. They have long been a favorite of piano technicians, too, because they sound better, play better, hold up better, and require less maintenance in the long run, than most uprights. Ask anyone who knows pianos. The current list price for a new, basic Yamaha U3 is about $15,000 in ebony. Even at that price, its considered one of the worlds best pianos in its price range. CONDITION: Mechanically and cosmetically excellent overall. It was never played much, so there is minimal wear on the hammers, dampers, and other internal components. Instead of merely being cleaned and tuned, the playing action was also fully regulated for optimal, uniform tone and touch. All parts are original, except for the 88 hammer butt flanges, which are brand new Yamaha OEM parts. This remedies a minor flaw common to all pre-1985 Yamaha uprights: crumbling hammer butt spring cords. INCLUDES adjustable, padded artist bench, a key to lock down the keyboard cover, a felt dust cover for the keyboard, and the owners manual. WARRANTEED AGAINST MAJOR DEFECTS FOR 5 YEARS. PRICE: $4900 INCLUDING DELIVERY. Located in Ware, MA. (Near Route 9, Route 32, and Mass Turnpike) SEE IT ANYTIME BY APPOINTMENT - days, nights, or weekends. CALL (ANYTIME), OR TEXT: (413) 544-4477 (4one3 5four4 4four77) E-MAIL: You can click on REPLY above to send an e-mail. However, be aware that E-mails relayed indirectly through Craigslist sometimes fail to go through. To ensure that you receive an e-mail reply, a list of other used pianos available, and other useful information, please follow that up with a phone call or text. Or better yet, call or text first, and provide a direct e-mail address. kw: Yamaha Kawai Shigeru Boston Steinway Baldwin Charles Walter Mason Hamlin