Costco Roadshow: Yamaha Pianos

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Big fan of Costco. Occasionally, the local Costco will stage a roadshow featuring some interesting product. If I don’t buy that very day, I sometimes have to find another local Costco (but further away) that will be hosting the same roadshow. It always takes me a few minutes to track down the roadshow calendar through Google. On the Costco website, roadshows are called Special Events. Pick a region to see what is coming to your local store.

I’m passively looking for a piano and spotted a Yamaha roadshow recently. Here’s the model numbers and pricing. The model numbers are indecipherable. Can someone really explain the difference between all the models in a 30 second pitch? Not sure. Had to jot everything down and look them up on the Yamaha website.

Yamaha CLP 220	1,199.99
Yamaha CLP 240M	2,150.99
Yamaha GB1 PE	7,790.99
Yamaha 48 U1 PE	6,999.99
Yamaha 48 T121 PE	5,899.99
Yamaha 46 T118 PE	3,499.99

Comments

63 responses to “Costco Roadshow: Yamaha Pianos”

April 11, 2008

cklam

U1 is top of the line Japan Make, Taiwan Case Student Piano.
U121 is a cheaper version of U1 assembled in China
T118 is a new kid in the block resemble U1 48 but completely redesign with Cheap Material but retain the same Sound and make in China
cheapo U1
U1 have soft landing but T118 does not.
U1 is $2000 more than t118

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April 14, 2008

kenchu2000

>> Yamaha GB1 PE 7,790.99

I just dropped by Costco in the Bay Area , California this morning and the Yamaha GB1 PE model is selling for $8399.99. I am just wondering how one could get it down to $7790.99?

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April 14, 2008

Ken Chan

Not sure about the price disparity. The price I spotted for the Yamaha GB1 PE was displayed on the piano in the Mountain View warehouse. No negotiating needed to get it down to $7,790.99. When I visited the Fremont warehouse, I noticed a different mix of pianos available. The best approach would be to speak to their salespeople and ask for the pricing to the model you are interested in. That’s how I found out that the Yamaha U1 PE could be purchased for an even lower price of $5,399.99 if you aren’t interested in the silent series features.

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April 15, 2008

kenchu2000

Thanks for the info. Yeah I was at the Livermore store today, where the $8399.99 price tag was placed right on top of the piano. I talked to the salesperson and he said even though the transaction is going through Costco, but the piano is actually sold and shipped by MusicExchange (http://www.muex.com/). He insisted that $8399.99 is the best price he could offer me on the GB1 model.

Looks like there will be another Yamaha road show @Mountain View later this month. I might go check out there. The only question is I live in the Central Valley so I am not sure if they are willing to deliver it to my home.

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April 15, 2008

Ken Chan

The dealer at the Fremont store was Pianos Plus in Castro Valley, CA. The delivery fee was $125.00 for service within (I believe) a 25 mile radius of the warehouse. Even if they delivered, I would assume at some point the delivery fee would be prohibitive.

By Central Valley, I’m guessing you mean in the Stockton / Merced area. The Yamaha roadshow was in Stockton this past weekend according to the Special Events calendar.

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April 26, 2008

Ken Chan

You are right. I stopped by the Yamaha roadshow at the Mountain View Costco today and spotted the GB1 PE listed for $8,399.99.

The roadshow featured a different mix of pianos than the last one. The Yamaha 5′ 3″ Grand Piano GC1 PE was listed as $12,699.99. I didn’t see that one last time.

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April 30, 2008

kenchu2000

OK, I finally got a good deal from the Livermore Costco store couple weeks back. The sales guy gave me the $7790 price + tax on the GB1 model. The delivery cost was $225. I think the delivery cost could be better but since I was pretty happy with the final price, so I didn’t bother to negotiate any more. 🙂 The total came out ~$8707 delivered.

I received the piano last Wednesday and have been pretty happy with it so far. The only downside is the sound can be hear very clearly from my neighbors’ home across the street.

Yeah, there were a mixed of pianos at Livermore Costco store too. I also saw some higher end Yamaha Baby/Grand Pianos, but I didn’t look at them closely since they were out of my price range.

The sales guy that I dealt with is a great guy, his name is Ulysses Venci. Email me for his contact if anyone wants to buy a piano from him.

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June 9, 2008

jenny

I am looking for a piano for my 6 years old. She started her first lesson last week. I don’t want to spend too much on the first piano. Is T118 / T121 a good buy instead of U1. Does it really matter if it is make in China or Japan? What is PE? I got a quote for a new U1 by a Yamaha store near Valley Fair. It is $5,800 which is cheaper than Costco by $1,200. However, the same place quoted T118 for $4,000. I am confused. Will someone share their experience with me. Thanks…

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June 9, 2008

Ken Chan

PE is polished ebony, which is a reflective black surface. I think that is the lowest cost finish. The other options are various stained wood finishes.

As noted in an earlier comment above, the U1 can be purchased at Costco for $6,999 or $5,399. The $1,500 extra gets you the silent series feature that allows you to output the sound through headphones–say if you are practicing at night. There is also an interface for connecting your computer to the U1.

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June 10, 2008

jenny

Thanks, Ken, for answering my quesitons.
For a 6-year-old beginner, would you buy a new T118 or a used U1? Which one will be easier for resell?

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June 12, 2008

Ken Chan

Jenny: I don’t have to expertise to answer your question. You should ask your child’s piano teacher for advice. For used pianos (or used anything), it all depends on the condition of the product and how well it was maintained. If you have questions on resale values, I would look at how much dealers sell used pianos as well as how much people list them for sale on Craigslist to get a sense of the discount between a new and used piano.

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June 13, 2008

jenny

Thanks, Ken, for your advise.

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July 9, 2008

JEssica

U1 is original make in Japan

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July 9, 2008

JEssica

Hi JEnny,
Never buy a used U1, unless you know someone who bought from new and want to sell it. otherwise, I will buy a brend new yamaha even smaller size.

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July 10, 2008

Ann Baker

Does anyone know where I can buy a decent ukulele? Is there a Costco road show? If so, I can’t find it. Just need a decent one for a beginner adult that will stay in tune. Also don’t know whether to get tenor or what else? What is the most common? Thanks!

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August 10, 2008

Chris

From my child’s music teacher, I got the response that T118 is a very decent entry level piano.

We had a roadshow in Oregon and we got a T118 for $3800. We visited the same dealer few weeks back, and got a quote of $4500 (with music teacher’s reference discount).

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August 18, 2008

Kay

I visited a local Yamaha store which is closing for out of busines. The sales quote $6,000 for a U1. Does anyone know if his price is higher than Cosco roadshow’s price?

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September 16, 2008

Julie

Does anyone know where i can get cheaper price for U1 in bay area?

Where is the store located at close by valley fair?

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September 16, 2008

Ken Chan

I believe the closest Yamaha dealer is at:
Yamaha Peninsula Music Center
861 S Winchester Blvd
San Jose, CA 95128
408-241-9700

You can find U1s through Craigslist if you don’t mind buying used.

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September 16, 2008

Julie

Thank you Ken.
I am not the piano expert. I am looking one for my kids. What will be different between U1 and T118. What would be the lowest price for a brand new U1?

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September 20, 2008

Stephen

Ken,

Did you say that you saw the price for GC1 PE was $12,699.99 or $14,699?

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September 27, 2008

Ken Chan

Stephen: The label read: Special Event, Yamaha 5′ 3″ Grand Piano GC1 PE, Piano Only, 12699.99.

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October 2, 2008

pianoparent

Buy a Yamaha Clavinova CLP 200 series piano instead of a cheap upright. Most dealers have great close out prices. For example, you can buy a brand new CLP-270 for a little over $2K, and it is way, way better than a U1. http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/ContentDetail/ModelSeriesDetail/0,,CNTID%25253D59015%252526CTID%25253D203500,00.html

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November 15, 2008

Matt Hill

Hi Ken,
I was at a Costco Roadshow in Folsom, CA. Was having trouble at getting down to that $5399.99 price for the U1. Their pricelist there was $6999.99 and they said that was already without silent feature. The local Yamaha dealer said the price should be $5899.99. A lot of confusion there and I was going in there ready to buy. Would you happen to have any contacts at Costco or Yamaha that might be able to find me the right SKU# to get a $5399.99 price? I’d really appreciate it.
Thanks!

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November 17, 2008

Ken Chan

I have no contacts at Costco or Yamaha. I wonder if Yamaha has raised its prices because we had noticed (see above) that the GB1 PE had increased in price from $7,790 to $8,399. I guess pianos aren’t like LCDs where the prices go down several hundred dollars every few months.

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December 20, 2008

Jayanta Samanta

I just bought a U1 today at $5300 (including tax) out of the door NEW from Local Yamaha Dealer in Alameda County. They initially told me their Costco Price is $5899 + Tax + Delivery. They sell thru Costco also.

Buying Piano is one of the most confusing experience.

I do not know whether I paid more or less. But I think it is close to better price one can get a new U1.

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December 23, 2008

Sue

Hi Jayanta Samanta,

Just curious if we could get the name of the Yamaha dealer in Alameda county. Did you pay for the delivery ? If so how much? I think you got a good deal for U1 ! Does this have the silent mode ?

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February 1, 2009

Liqun Cao

Hi Jayanta Samanta,

Is the $5300 for U1 after tax? Thanks.

Liqun Cao

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February 10, 2009

schilcote

I have done some reasearch on the model T-118. It is not a chepo U-1 as some have said. Some Yamaha techs have dismantled them next to a U-1 and have verified the componutes are the same except the bass strings are two inches longer. I have also learned that you need to be very careful buying a used U-1 because some are imports from Japan that are not made for North America climate and develop very serious service issues that Yamaha will not support with parts or service.

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March 7, 2009

JeffHui

RE: T118 for $3550 include shipping
does that price include sales tax? if so, what’s your tax rate?
I am also shopping for a T119 or P22 for my kids and we are upgrading from a Digital Piano

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1. March 8, 2009
  
  Ken Chan
  
  Prices do not include sales tax. If you are in California, I believe that sales tax may be going up soon, so that may or may not factor into your purchasing timeline.
  
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March 9, 2009

JeffHui

Hi Ken, Yes, i am in fact in CA, and current tax rate is 8.25%, thank you for your feedback, it’s also a good motivation for me to act fast…

Since my younger one is only 4, should i also consider the Kawai K2 where it has the softfall fall board as well as the adjustable bench? I think the K2 should be a little bit cheaper because it is only 44.5″

Any feedback?

JeffHui

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March 17, 2009

john

Hi,

I just bought for my son (5 years old) a new U1 at a Yamaha dealer – local store for $5600, included tax + delivery + 2 free tunning + 10 years warranty. My research shows that old U1 yamaha (more than 10 years old, some have 20 years old) still asking price more than $3000 in my area (from Craiglist).

John.

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March 26, 2009

Jane

It seems to me that all you mentioned either new U1or T118 are much cheaper than my area, here the new U1 costs around $10K and T118 costs $4895 (already discounted). What do you all think about the grey market piano? Buying a piano is really confusing. I have been thinking about between the used U1 and new T118 for weeks, any comments? thanks!

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April 4, 2009

Sonja

Hi,
we are going through “buying a piano” experience and it’s all but easy. We live in North Carolina and local Yamaha dealer gave us $4900 price (on sale without tax) for T118 while U1 was around $8000. I was able to find used U1 (year 1991) for $4000 (with tax). Based on what I am reading on this tread, all the prices I got are quite high. My daugther is 9 years old and started playing piano, so we are debating between Yamaha CLP330 ($2300) or acoustic piano, but the search is confusing. I would appreciate if someone has an idea where we can find a bit better priced Yamaha pianos.
thanks!

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1. April 6, 2009
  
  Ken Chan
  
  You can always ask Costco if any of their warehouses in North Carolina will be having a Yamaha roadshow any time soon. I don’t know of there are regional differences in pricing; i.e., California v. North Carolina.
  
  Reply
April 9, 2009

Sam Li

There is a Yamaha Costco(Mountain View, CA) roadshow on April 24th, 2009.

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April 25, 2009

Paul – SFBA

Sonja,

$8000 for a U1 is definitely too much. I visit a dealer in SF Bay Area a few days ago, he told me that the list price for U1 is about $10k, but nobody would look at the list price. He gave me a hint that I could get it at a real price between $5600 to $5800. Later I heared that somebody get it at a even lower price.

When I talked to my son’s teacher. She recommend U3 or about models. I just wonder do I really need a U3 for a beginner at the age of 6.

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May 2, 2009

bill clinton

We bought a T118 today for 3550 usd, after everything and tax. I was able to bring it lower, but after my wife join the discussion and show great interest, the dealer would not offer any more discount. The piano doesn’t sound too bad compared with the U1, according to my daughter’s teacher. We are located in Ohio. The piano is made in Hangzhou, China. And the price there is 18900 RMB. Just for your reference.

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May 11, 2009

john

Hi Jane,

10K for U1 is quite high, I would suggest you could take a vacation trip to Bay area (Santa Clara county, California) or ask friends or relatives in bay area to do a pre-shopping/negotiate price for you – then buy one around 5,6K and ask the seller to ship to your home – I guess it could be cheaper.

Hi Sonja,
A digital piano is just a piano with a computer inside, but computer is outdated quite fast because of the rapid change in technology (it does not retain resale value as good as an acoustic piano).

Cheers,

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May 11, 2009

Ken Chan

At the end of the day, it’s the musician that makes the music and not the piano. The amount of time your child spends practicing will have a greater impact on how the music will sound rather than whether the piano is made in Japan or China.

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May 21, 2009

Kris

I am looking for a piano for my daughter. I still can’t decide if I should buy a used or new one. I was introduced to new Yamaha T118, Yamaha C109B, Yamaha Cable Nelson, Bergmann 46″ upright and 3 used pianos, Yamaha U1, U3 and Samick 52″ upright. My friend told me not to buy Yamaha lower end models because they were made out of Japan. Samick was highly recommended by the store owner but I don’t know anything about this Korean made piano.

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June 2, 2009

Stan

Hello, I just found this blog. Looks like there’s still a lot of conversation to be had. I’m currently shopping for either a T118 ($3995) or T121($4995) and was wondering what was the best price so far. If I could get them $500+ cheaper, that would be great. I’m in the East Bay and San Jose area so I’ve already been to Pianos Plus in Hayward and Music Exchange in Dublin. Thanks. Stan

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June 16, 2009

Stan Smith

I am looking for a piano for my 10 year old and she has been playing quite well on a $200 keyboard for 2 years, then a $700 weight key keyboard, both Yamahas for the last 3 years. I am now looking at the Suzuki models as I cannot fathom paying $5000 plus for a kids instrument, much like the way I bought myself Mexi Fender Strat , rather than USA Gibson Les Paul. So, any thougths…

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June 27, 2009

Jim

It seems the best price for a Yamaha piano is in CA. I’m in the northeast. My local piano dealer said their instore price is always better than the price they give Costco. The best price I got so far for a new black T118 is $4350 before tax and s/h. The dark red color is $400 more. Should I wait for a roadshow? Thanks.

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June 29, 2009

Lynn

I was debating either new Yamaha T118 , T121 or U1 in the past few days after I visited the local Yamaha piano store. My first choice was T118 is 1 inch lower and 2 inches shorter than U1. The price quote was almost half than U1. I could not tell much the difference between these 2 models of course U1 is better but is worth paying double from T118. I brought my 7 yrs daughter with me with her piano books back to store today. Now I can tell the difference between T118 and U1. I made our decision today with U1. The big reason convinced me was U1’s sound quality is closer with her teacher’s piano that she goes her house 45 minutes weekly which is upright steinway been 30 years. U1 makes sound better than T118. T118 after few tunings might be much better.

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July 17, 2009

Loc

I just bought a Yamaha T118 at Costco San Jose for $3,973 ($3500 + $323 Tax + $150 delivery). One free tuning is included. Yamaha Costco roadshow in San Jose is from July 10 to 19. They do not have U1.

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July 18, 2009

Ken Chan

Even if a particular model does not appear on the floor, you can ask them. They should have a price sheet for all their models.

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August 16, 2009

John

I am looking for a new Yamaha U1. I am very interested in those very good deals posted here.

Jayanta Samanta, for your amazing $5300 deal, would you please let me know what is the dealer’s name?

John, for your $5600 deal, would you please let me know the dealer name also?

I am living in Bay area. I have been shopping around for couple of weeks. I would be very happy if I could get a deal that is close.

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Regards,
John

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September 4, 2009

Ajit

Just Purchased T118 Polished Mahagony for $3999.99 at a Costco road show in Orange County CA. With tax and delivery it cost $4500.00 (The Black was avilable for $3699.99 + Tax + Delivery). I am sure one can beat this price however you will not get Costco’s service and return policy.

I have both my kids ages 6 and 7 just start music. We first pruchased a electronic piano for half the price but changed our mind. The Upright Yamaha on the long haul will retain its value and can be handed down to the next genaration.
Enjoy the sounds it make and some day the music.

Ajit

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January 20, 2010

Christy

I am desperately confused about what to do. After I haggled, I got a quote for $3500 for the T118 (not including tax, shipping) and $5200 (not including tax, shipping) for a U1 that is 1.5 years used (by a college).

What should I do?

Very confused in Chicago
Christy

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February 13, 2010

Jayanta Samanta

I just came to this site after an year.. Sorry for beign late in responding to your questions on my Piano buy exp…

I bought it from PianoPLUS in Castrovalley area.. Vey nice dealer.. I still see them in Costco ocaasionally, they remember me still.. It was a 3 hours of burgain price. On a nice Saturday. I was the last buyer on that day…..

http://www.pianosplus.com/pianos_plus_about.php

Great buying exp. U1 sounds great. You can buy Piano from them without fear…. Very high Quality piano stock….

Late reply but Hope this was helpful..

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March 10, 2010

Gaurav

I am shopping for a Yamaha GC1 and the Costco roadshow is in St Louis. They had the polished ebony @14,699 but I liked the Polished Mahogany better and they won’t sell that at Costco. The local dealership agreed to honor the Costco price @14,699 and asked for an extra $1000 for the Polished Mahogany. Delivery charge of $275. I have asked him to give the Polished Mahogany at the same price $14,699 and am thinking of asking him for free delivery. Will that be a good deal – not sure. I also like the slow fall on the fall board and trying to see if he can order one for me with that…any comments on the price or the mdoel itself vs the GB1.

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1. March 10, 2010
  
  Ken Chan
  
  I guess every Yamaha / Costco roadshow operates differently. At the one I attended, the salesperson was willing to sell any Yamaha piano, not just the models on display. I could pick my finish and options. I also know that the polished mahogany lists for more than the polished ebony. Here’s a link to the latest prices I’ve seen:
  
  http://www.hiwhy.com/2010/02/24/yamaha-piano-special-event-at-costco-2010/
  
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March 24, 2010

steve the piano man

The Gb1 is an old model. The GB1k comes with the slow close fallboard

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April 12, 2010

Steve

I know that the roadshow at costco gets paid at least 10% to costco for using the facility, why not go to the dealer directly and save the 10%. They will sell you the U-1 for alot less than at a costco. Do not reveal that your were at the costco because they (the dealership) get in trouble if they send you to the store to save money.

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December 1, 2010

Ada

kawai gm12 verse yamaha gb1k
which one should i choose? any advise please

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April 23, 2011

David

I feel much better buying from a real piano store that know what they are talking about. I like Costco, but I would go to a store like Keyboard Concepts. Better selection to choose from.

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May 30, 2011

Tim Nguyen

The informations above are helpful… because I’m looking and pricing for Yamaha Piano model T118 . Thank you!

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September 4, 2011

ken woodrow

What the heck, why not buy a piano at Sears, because they stopped selling them because the sales people did not know squat about pianos and could not answer the thousands of questions you have for a quality informative discussion about the qualitites and pricing of pianos.
Go to a Dealer that sell pianos not a road show where costco collects 10 to 15% of the selling price. It is a rip off!

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September 4, 2011

ken woodrow

One more thing, most of the pianos sold at costco are not the top quality pianos by yamaha but the least expensive chinese made yamaha pianos, like the U-1 and the P-22 and the GB-1 and more.

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September 5, 2011

Ken Chan

@ ken woodrow – while the road show only displays a limited number of pianos, I think you can see the pricing for and buy other Yamaha models.

I am not fond of the buying experience through a dealer, where pricing can be a bit opaque. I prefer seeing a price list up front and figuring out which product I want to buy, not a forced conversation through a salesman where I have to ask how much this piano costs, then how much that piano costs.

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March 15, 2015

Vincent Chambers

So much of this information is incorrect, I don’t know where to start.

No all models are available at Costco, the venerable U1 among them. In our store we no longer carry the U1 except in TransAcoustic or Satin finish with Silent system. The base model has become a commodity.
Costco is great for dealers, although we do make less. Remember, we are Costco members too!!!

The available pianos are not limited to what’s on the floor, but what’s part of the Yamaha/Costco agreement. The salesmen usually have that list with them.

Also, technically, a member receives new product in 4-6 weeks; the pianos on the floor are owned by the dealer but are floor demos. If we don’t sell them within 18 months, we sell them at a demo sale. Cheaper than Costco, but the finishes aren’t perfect unless you pay for a detailed package. However, they ar wbroken in, sound better, and require less tuning than a brand new one.

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