[comments below used with permission from Jeremy]
“Hi Mark this is Jeremy Vine from the BBC, just to say I’m really really enjoying even looking at the piano, it’s a beautiful thing. It arrived bang on time (in fact 2 minutes before you said it would) so I was really impressed with that and the with the care your guys took when they brought it into the house. It sounds extraordinary, it looks immaculate and it’s exactly what I wanted so I’m feeling like a very happy customer and many thanks.” – Jeremy Vine

You can hear Jeremy’s original voicemail message by Clicking Here

The piano is everything that I had hoped for, with a full rich tone. The tenor and bass ranges in particular are so much better than my previous instrument; you can really bring out middle lines in the tenor. It is a joy to play.

I would recommend your company to anyone looking for a quality piano at a reasonable price as your service was excellent and you were friendly and helpful to deal with. I don’t think I could have found another company who would have arranged to deliver more quickly. The piano stool also arrived promptly as promised and is of good quality.

Thanks
Julia Hodgson
[Julia is a professional musician who specialises in playing the viol]

Hi Mark,
Just to let you know that I still have a huge grin on my face :)
The piano is just beautiful and Christina is thrilled with it. She has been sat at it almost constantly since she came home … leaving it, only to turf me off the computer!

It looks and sounds great. A vast improvement on the old school one. I thought you’d like to see the photo’s … I love the one of Christina racing in to sit at it. She was so excited. Aunty Joan has phoned, so I told her all about it.

Hope you had a safe journey back up north. It was lovely to meet your dad, you obviously work very well together and I think he’s very proud of you. What a nice family you are. Its a shame I can’t buy another piano from you next week … its been such a great experience and you’re so nice. Never mind, I’ll be recommending you to anyone I speak to … whether they want a piano or not! Needless to say, when we’re in the market for another upgrade, you’ll be the first person I call.
Love Jill

I’d like to describe my experience of buying a piano from Mark Goodwin.

Mark responded quickly to my email, and I arranged a visit with my ten-year-old son to Mark’s showroom in Royton, which is easy to find. We were impressed – and at first overwhelmed – by the selection and quality of all the pristine instruments on show. We were able to look inside the pianos, seeing for ourselves their as-new condition.

Mark gave us plenty of time and space to try them all, and after about an hour we gradually narrowed down our choice to a 1981 Yamaha U3, which was not the most expensive piano in the shop, but we fell in love with its tone. Mark was most helpful: he was present in the background and answered our questions, but at no stage did we feel that we were being given the heavy sales technique. We feel that Mark is completely genuine and trustworthy.

My son was made to feel valued and special, and came away with a big smile on his face. Delivery took place in a smooth and professional manner. The price was excellent for an instrument of this calibre, especially when you consider that it has been completely overhauled and comes with a five-year guarantee as well as delivery and free first tuning.

We are absolutely delighted with our U3, which has such an irresistible tone that my kids just can’t keep their hands off it … which means they need no encouragement whatsoever to do their piano practice!

Dealing with Mark has been a delightful experience. We most definitely and strongly recommend Mark Goodwin Pianos.

With kind regards and many thanks.
Tom

Dear Mark
Just a few lines to say sincerest thanks for your help and services in our recent purchase of the Yamaha U3 from you. We were hugely impressed by the quality and value of your pianos. The service was second to none. Our three daughters (two of whom are at Chetham’s School of Music) were able to feel totally relaxed trying out all the pianos.

Thank you for the speed of your delivery and we were all touched by the lovely surprise flowers (you really didn’t need to, but it was a lovely, kind gesture). You were an absolute pleasure to deal with and we would completely recommend you to any one looking to buy a fully restored piano, whatever level they are at.

With best wishes,
Paul and Andrea
PS The piano hasn’t stopped being played since you left this afternoon!

[Note from Mark: I gave the Lawton’s a bunch of flowers because there was a slight mix up with the delivery. They were very understanding and so I thought a bunch of flowers was in order]

If you have done your homework, you already know that the Yamaha U-series is probably the best upright piano you can get in terms of long-term value. You probably know that there are several firms that specialise in shipping used U1s and U3s over from Japan, refurbishing them to some extent, and selling them in the UK. What you might not have been able to figure out is which of these firms to choose. Well, after doing as much research as I could, I choose Mark Goodwin, and bought a U3 sight unseen, and it has proven to be the right choice. Mark does more to these pianos, and at a higher standard, than anyone else. The piano arrived in near-immaculate shape (I notice every detail; nothing is entirely perfect, but this was close), inside and out.

All our guests, and even the children’s piano teacher thought it was new. The knowledge that it is in fact over 30 years old, but plays and looks as if it were new, is worth almost as much as the savings. And on top of it all, Mark is an upright, helpful guy who has been a pleasure to work with. Buy with confidence.
Rev Dr Bill Schweitzer Minister, Gateshead

Dear Mark,
Just a quick thank you for your very professional yet relaxed and prompt service. We love our piano and have you to thank for it.
Thanks so much!
Thom

Buying a piano from Mark was far easier than I would have expected. In the beginning I had googled ‘buying a piano’ and came across Mark’s name. I was cautious to use somebody online that I didn’t know, but he had such good reviews. In a way that made me more cautious as it seemed to good to be true! But indeed, Mark Goodwin Pianos is a gem, as is his piano technician. I corresponded with Mark via email and his responses back were always prompt. My piano is sublime!

As a pianist whom recently moved and left behind her piano I had been putting up with a old freebie. I’m in love with my Yamaha U3. The bass notes are lush and rich, the treble notes are sparkly but not too bright. A perfect balance with a light touch to match. Mark’s service was easy and friendly. I’d recommend him to anyone looking to buy a piano.

Warm Regards,
Mrs S (identity withheld at customer’s request)

We are pleased and delighted with the grand piano that Mark has supplied us with. It came promptly and on time and the service was highly professional. I recommend Mark Goodwin Pianos to anyone who is looking to buy a piano for their home or business.

Uri Geller

Hi Mark,
I just like to thank you for providing a five star service from first contact with yourself, through to our meeting with Douglas and the final delivery by 2 thoroughly professional (and very pleasant) piano movers on Friday. The piano looks even more impressive once in the home and the sound and performance of the piano has been admired by all. I’ve already seen the impact with 2 friends already keen to research your website.
So once again thanks for the patience and having the online and regional support in place to give us the confidence to invest in a beautiful piano of such a high standard.
Regards
Alastair

I learnt to play the piano from aged 7 and ceased playing regularly at aged 17 or 18. I always intended to take it up again later in life and, at 26, decided it was time to do so. After some research on the Internet, Yamaha upright pianos seemed to be a good, quality purchase, with the U3 something of an industry standard.

I quickly discovered that the pianos were much better value second hand but that it was important to buy a properly refurbished one. This is the reason I went to Mark Goodwin and was very happy with his service. He gave me what I felt was impartial advice, explained the pros and cons clearly and allowed me to try many second hand U3s in his shop without giving me a ‘hard sell’.

He was accommodating when it came to delivery and also very well equipped to place the piano in my house with the minimum of fuss. All in all, I’m extremely pleased with both Mark’s service and the piano. I would highly recommend Mark Goodwin Pianos.

Thanks
Mike

We have been looking for a “real” piano for our son to complement his Yamaha Clavinova. We found Mark Goodwin’s website and he seemed to have just what we wanted in stock. A quick phone call later and we were travelling across the pennines to have a play.

Mark’s approach is to tell you about his pianos, pointing out their plus points and their shortcomings and let you play, touch, feel them until you are ready to choose the right one for you. Once you have made up your mind, Mark makes all the arrangements – A week later our piano is in our dining room, having been professionally delivered and is now being played and enjoyed!

If you are looking for a good value piano Mark Goodwin Pianos is certainly one place you should put on your shopping list.
Highly recommended!
Eddie Wright

Hi Mark,
The piano arrived safe and well yesterday afternoon, so I just wanted to drop you a note to say “Wow” !! It is absolutely beautiful; good as new (infact better because it sounds lovely!!) and it fits in the living room perfectly…phew! Thank you so much for everything. It’s been so long since I played, that your help was invaluable.

The guys who delivered it were fantastic as well; very friendly and professional and exceptionally good communicators. They rang to arrange a time, then called in the morning to confirm, then sent a text half an hour before they arrived.

So…. a huge thank you and I won’t hesitate to recommend you to anyone I know who is considering buying a piano. You made the whole experience very pleasurable. Oh…and the best news is that I haven’t forgotten how to play….must be like riding a bike!
Kind regards
Zoe
[i][zoe’s daughter is shown in the photo][/i]

Hi Mark
I cannot thank you enough for ALL your help. You have been not only generous and helpful, but exceedingly honest and communicative. I could hardly ask for more. My wife was worried about us going all the way to the UK to buy our piano, but after our 80 emails (!) and all your advice and help, I couldn’t think of anyone else from whom I’d rather buy it or anyone who deserves the sale more than you. Buying from someone you don’t know can be a complete crap shoot, but I feel that this wasn’t at all the case with you. On the contrary, I feel you have been more communicative and forthcoming with advice, information and assistance than anyone thus far …and BY far. With this purchase, I couldn’t be more satisfied and pleased. You have really contributed to placing a well-loved musical instrument that will serve our home for many years to come. This means a lot to me, and our positive experience with you in this regard will always be a welcome memory attached to it. And for this I thank you very, very much!
Stephen (Finland)

Note: Yes, Stephen did indeed buy a piano from me here in Manchester. It cost him something like £700 to get delivered.

Update
I sent Stephen an email by mistake some months after his purchase and he replied with the following message

Hi Mark,
Funny you emailed me today, because I was planning on emailing you later on after work to let you know how pleased we are with the piano we bought from you and with all the service you provided. Immensely pleased. Again, should I be able to help potential customers decide to do business with you by providing reference or recommendation, please let me know. I would be happy to do that, as I believe very strongly that honest businessmen like yourself should be rewarded with more business.

Thanks again, and we have some friends here that are very impressed with the tale of how we got our piano and the quality of it. So much so that they, too, bill be interested in purchasing a piano from you in future. As this develops, I will inform you.
Kind regards,
Stephen

Hi Mark
I would like to thank you for selling us a U3 Yamaha piano, which was a smooth transaction. Your choice of instruments was wonderful. The piano is beautiful and as described on your website. I think that your musical experience with pianos and the love for your job make your shop an ideal choice for anybody who is wanting to choose a suitable piano. Now the challenge is back on us all who play the piano in our family to work towards the next musical grade. I think it will be a great fun. Thank you. Best regards, Jan.

Dear Mark,
I just wanted to drop you a quick note to say thankyou so much for such a smooth and enjoyable purchase. Sorry that I didn’t write sooner but I’ve been playing my new piano non-stop for the past week…..I LOVE IT!!! The piano looks absolutely stunning and the polished black finish is flawless. It sounds incredible too! And the action of the keys is superb. It’s hard to believe that it’s 31 years old – if only I had aged so well! The U1 was definitely the right choice for my style of playing as it’s got a lovely bright sound – just as you described.

The guys who delivered it and took away my old piano were also excellent – they quietly and professionally did the job taking great care and I was very impressed. My daughter starts her piano lessons on Friday although she’ll have a job getting past me to the piano – maybe I’ll have to buy another one from you!!!!

So thankyou again for all of your advice and for taking the time to answer my many questions – it was my biggest unseen purchase but I am absolutely delighted and convinced that I bought from the best person.
Thankyou thankyou thankyou!!!!!
Neil

Mark,
Thank you so much for your help in providing us with a beautiful U3, we are so pleased with it. We were looking not only for an excellent instrument but also something nice to look at, as it is sited in our main living room, our needs have been fulfilled on both counts. Your service is excellent, and your delivery people courteous and professional. I’ve attached a picture of our daughter Hannah with a very big grin which sums up how we all feel.

Regards
Peter

We are delighted with Mark’s helpful service and quality of the piano we bought. No hard sell, the pianos do it for themselves. Mark kindly agreed to open the shop on a snowy Sunday morning to fit in with my cross-country travel plans. Ten days later the piano arrived in Exeter and the old piano was removed free of charge. My daughter is delighted with it as is her piano teacher! Here is a photo of Martha with her piano.
King Regards,
Neil

Dear Mark
We are very pleased with our U3 Yamaha and the professional service Mark Goodwin Pianos delivered. I would have no hesitation in recommending you to friends and colleagues who were looking for a new/refurbished piano.
Best regards,
Tony Smith

Hi Mark,
We live in Geneva, and purchased the piano from you which was delivered here by Coles and Co. We are extremely happy with the piano. It is a beautiful instrument, and has been reconditioned with care the attention. Annie was extremely helpful in the showroom when I went to see the different pianos, and there was a great selection to see. The ordering process was very easy. You were a great help in organising the delivery of the piano, and the removal people did a great job also. All
in all, the service you provide is excellent, and the range of pianos you offer is fantastic. I think its quite a unique business, and I will certainly be recommending you in the future.
Thanks again for all your help.
Regards,
Hannah & Ed

Hello Mark!
Just wanted to say that all is well with the Yamaha. We used the piano for our exams recently with excellent results! Everyone is pleased with it and it really is lovely to play. Thank you for going out of your way to deliver it so promptly, I know you put yourself out to deliver it. So kind of you, not many would go the second mile these days. Please give our regards to your father and our thanks for his help. It was lovely meeting you both.
Regards
Dana Mitchell, Hebron Piano School

Hi Mark
I have wanted a piano for a number of years to enable me to resume playing.
Having retired, it seemed the perfect time. The U1 I bought from you has been a real pleasure to play and I am now confident enough to have started lessons. You were so easy to do business with and your enthusiasm and honest approach made the trip to your shop well worthwhile. Thank you for all your help.
Barbara Howells

I started out in 2002 with an electronic piano but after trying out a decent Yamaha acoustic I knew that it was the only way forward. You can feel an acoustic instrument as well as hear it, and for me that makes a big difference.
Initially it was difficult to find a supplier that had a refurbished Yamaha U3 that felt right. I tried lots of examples but each had a foible or two. However, all the U3’s I tried from Mark’s stock played really nicely. In particular, they had a very consistent action and tone as well as a great sound. Buying one was an easy decision to make: they were all clearly a cut above the others I’d tried elsewhere.
I’ve now had the 1985 U3 long enough to know it well. It has easily exceeded my expectations.
Buying a piano can be a big step, but Mark is very patient and helpful. I strongly recommend that you go and try out what he has to offer.
Regards,
Nigel.

Dear Mark
We are delighted with the Yamaha and the excellent service we received from you from the first time we contacted you, to the day it was delivered and installed.
Your dealings with us were at all times friendly, informed and personal – and we would have no hesitation recommending you to anyone seeking a top-notch piano at a reasonable price.

Best wishes,
Deon Lombard and Claire Frost

My 8 year old daughter has been having piano lessons for almost a year and has been practicing at home on an electronic organ. Her teacher recommended an accoustic piano and after much research I came across Mark Goodwin Pianos. The Yamaha U3 piano I ordered arrived on time and in excellent condition. The purchasing experience has been exemplary, with Mark dealing with any of my questions promptly. I will be receiving the free ‘at home’ piano tuning shortly.

Regards,
Rajan Bali

Dear Mark,
I am so pleased with it and I would happily recommend you to anyone who wanted a piano. Your web page gave a good flavour of the service I got from you. I was not pressurised in to buying. I could take the time to mull over the pianos on offer. I feel I am fortunate to have hit upon your web page.
Regards
Peter Garner

Having taken a leap of faith some 16 years ago in purchasing a second hand piano, when it came to wanting to change it this year for a newer model I was contemplating buying a new one. After looking at and trying various makes of new pianos, it soon became clear that I could not justify paying the high price needed for an instrument that satisfied all my criteria – touch, sound and appearance – which only seemed to be present in the top of the range models.

I was downhearted that what I considered my safe option was unattainable, that is until a clicked onto your website. On visiting your showroom it proved to be right, I was delighted that on the U1 Yamaha which I chose, the touch, sound and appearance were everything I wanted.

I must have driven you up the wall with my four ‘looped’ practice pieces, whilst trying to establish which touch I preferred and which sound I was listening for, but you remained patient, responsive and helpful throughout – I particularly liked the way you jogged between the two pianos I was considering, playing them for me so I could hear what they sounded like when played properly! By this time we had gone well through lunch time and you must have been starving.

I am delighted with my new piano, not only does it sound lovely but it looks great too. I do far more practice now than I did before – it really is a brilliant piano. There was also a thumbs up from my two sons who visited at the weekend. They think it is a great piano and that I made a good choice. One day perhaps I might be able to play nearly a well as they can. In my dreams!!

From visiting your website, to meeting you, to the hassle-free purchase and to your delivery of the piano I have felt confident in my dealings with your company. I would have no hesitation in recommending you to anyone who is considering the purchase of a piano for I feel sure you will continue to conduct your business in an open and honest way.

Once again – thank you.
Gaynor Jeffries

Dear Mark,
My wife had a long held desire to learn to play the piano, so for a special birthday (I’m not saying how many) I decided to buy her a piano as a suprise. Having done some research I decided on a Yamaha U3 and found Mark Goodwin pianos. I discussed the pianos Mark had available and on Mark’s recommendation went for the 1982 model. I was a little unsure about buying the piano unseen over the internet but as promised the piano had been totally refurbished and looks like new – everyone who has seen it thinks it is! It has a fantastic tone and I am extremely pleased with the service and the price!
Thanks,
Keith

I never thought that buying a piano could be so enjoyable, and so easy. Our old piano had sold much more quickly than we had anticipated, and there was a big piano-shaped hole in our house which I was keen to fill. We looked at a number of instruments locally, but nothing was appealing, and then I came across Mark Goodwin pianos on the web.
We set off on the hundred mile round trip on a Sunday a couple of weeks ago. Mark was helpful and informative, and we tried a wide variety of U3s, surprised that they were all so different. It took one more visit to find the right one. Mark’s gentle laid back approach made both visits a joy.
Mark and his Dad delivered it last Monday morning, and we are just delighted with it. I have played more this week than I have for years. It is in immaculate condition – friends are surprised to learn it is 24 years old.
Thank you Mark, for making the search for the right piano such a positive experience.

Dear Mark,
This is to let you know how pleased I am with my Yamaha U3 that I purchased from you. I had always wanted a ‘real’ piano as opposed to a digital one, and having heard Yamahas being played I was convinced that the sound was right for me. However, I was unable to afford a brand new one and was resigned to sticking with my digital. That was until I came across your website and over a period of 6 months we exchanged emails and you sent me some really helpful information about buying a Yamaha piano second-hand. Eventually I managed a trip up to your shop in Manchester, and it was your patience in playing different U3’s that you had in the showroom, as well as giving me time to make up my mind as to the one I preferred. At no time did I feel hurried or pressured into making a purchase, but after some advice I settled on a 1983 Yamaha U3. Delivery to my home in Colchester was speedy, the delivery guys called an hour in advance of the scheduled time and confirmed their arrival. They expertly manoeuvred it into my living room and carefully removed the packing material, constructed the stool and even dusted the piano after it was set up. I have continued to be pleased and never tire of going to the piano to play – it’s sound is like it’s exterior – beautiful. After a difficult day at work, returning to practise on this instrument is a joy. So thank you, Mark, for all your help in selecting what is an outstanding instrument. Your professionalism and the service you provide do you credit and I would have no hesitation in recommending you to others looking to buy a piano with confidence.
Kind Regards
Martyn Griggs – Colchester

Dear Mark,
We’ve had the piano for a week and a half now and I absolutely love it. I was away when the piano arrived, but it was fantastic to see it when I walked in. I sat down and played it immediately. I needed a new piano because I am now studying for Grade 6, and our old piano’s keys kept sticking down or not sounding at all, which hindered my progress considerably! The Yamaha U3 sounds magnificent, I’ve been playing non-stop. Thank you for all your help,
From Aleks Bhowmick

Hello Mark
My wife was completely ‘blown away’ by the surprise (I had her agree to stay upstairs watching a DVD with the volume turned up and the blinds closed till Jon and Co had gone), then brought her down for the surprise of her life – she had absolutely no idea what to expect.

Here’s a quick summary of the things that pleased me about our transaction:
The piano – it’s condition is flawless and to my untrained ear, it sounds perfect
There was never any pressure to buy. The communications (despite bad weather and the busiest season of the year) were excellent. There was a sense of honesty and integrity about everything to do with your handling of the enquiry. The delivery team were extremely careful, courteous and thoughtful. For a modest fee, the delivery team removed the old piano and delivered it to our local church. My wife thought she had been gifted a brand new piano – need I say more!!!

You will certainly be mentioned to any acquaintance who is in the market for a piano. And I’m happy for you to use my comments on your web site.
Kind regards
Les

I would like to say how pleased we all are with the refurbished 1980 Yamaha U3 piano purchased from Mark Goodwin Pianos. It has been beautifully refurbished just as Mark had promised. Mark’s help throughout the purchase was very professional, patient, with no pressure put upon me to make the final commitment. Delivery was prompt and professionally carried out and when I found that two keys required small adjustments after the long journey to East Kent, Mark arranged for a technician to carry out the required adjustments. I can recommend Mark to anyone looking at purchasing a very reasonably priced high quality piano. The photo is of my daughter on the newly delivered piano.
Mark – Thanks for all your help and giving us the opportunity in experiencing a real piano again after years of digital pianos.
Kevin Smith-Burchnell MRICS MBEng

Mark,
Firstly, sorry this has taken so long – I have a new camera to replace my old one (sand in the mechanism again). I’ve finally taken a photo of me, though I’m not sure that I’m really the face that sells pianos! Anyway, I thought I’d write to say that it was a pleasure coming to visit you in your shop, and of the 15 or so pianos that I tried out, the two best U3’s were yours; it was well worth travelling up from Cambridge. The piano is such a pleasure to play that three months on my playing has improved enormously!
Thanks again!
Joe

Dear Mark,
I am so pleased with the Kawai Piano which I have just bought from you. It has a wonderful sound and it is very inspirational to play and I can envisage many happy hours ahead. I have been singing your praises loudly, thanks for the wonderful service, and for patiently answering my many questions. Thank you also for delivering the wonderful duet-stool, I now have the perfect set-up and I couldn’t be happier
Kathleen

Hi Mark,
First of all, just to say a heartfelt thank you for all your help, patience, efficiency and courtesy over the past few weeks. Also for stocking such gorgeous pianos! :-) David is absolutely delighted with the U3 – touch, tone, responsiveness, everything – and his piano teacher, having given it a thorough work-out at his last lesson, was also hugely enthusiastic about it. I may yet be tempted to start having lessons again myself, given how lovely it sounds and what a pleasure it is to play!

I also have to confess that, when I first came across your website, I found myself thinking “What’s the catch here?”, given that you appeared to be selling a higher quality product for significantly less than other dealers were charging. Having dealt with you directly, I can say now with all honesty that I really don’t think there is one. I should add that I will definitely be recommending you very highly to anyone I know who is looking for a second-hand piano (particularly those, like us, whose aspirations would otherwise exceed their budget!!). It has been a real pleasure dealing with you.
thanks once again,
Best wishes,
Patricia

Hi Mark,
Just to let you know we are thoroughly enjoying our U3, our favourite purchase to date. Not only does it look fab, it sounds fantastic too. You took all the stress out of buying a piano, being able to come to your showroom and play your pianos without any hard sell made it a really enjoying experience for us all and you and your Dad were so helpful with delivery. Thanks so much – I have already recommended you to a friend who is thinking about buying a new piano.
Here is Polly practising for her Grade 1 !!
Katie

[Mark says: Many thanks for your purchase Katie. Thanks also for the wine :) ]

Hi Mark,
The piano has arrived safely and Sasha is over the moon with it, it sounds and looks fantastic! – we made the right decision to go with a refurbished Yamaha – it’s far better quality – looks, sound and build than anything we saw new in the same price range.
Regards,
Carl

We are so pleased in the professional manner that Mark dealt with our purchase of the Yamaha U3. There was so many top quality pianos to choose from in the showroom. After narrowing down the finer differences we eventually chose one. Mark agreed to buy our piano but at the last minute we sold this privately. Mark was very obliging and agreed to take our old piano to the forwarding address. He was spot on time with the delivery and managed some tricky manoeuvers in getting the piano in place. The piano is a beautiful piece of furniture and plays like a dream. We would have no hesitation in recommending Mark Goodwin Pianos to anyone who would like a quality piano at a reasonable price, combined with excellent service.
John & Janet Westmoreland, Burnley, Lancs.

Hello Mark,
I have been very pleased with Mark Goodwin Pianos. I knew I wanted a Yamaha U1 so e-mailed Mark about looking at one in his London store. One had just been sold so they didn’t have any left for sale in London so Mark brought one down within a few weeks. I am very pleased with my new piano, it looks like new and sounds great.
Once again thank you for your help.
Michelle Langman.

Dear Mark,
I just wanted to write and tell you how pleased we are with our piano.
Having started our search for a piano, we quickly liked the idea of a high quality reconditioned piano. Being guitar enthusiasts, we were looking for something we would really enjoy the sound of primarily. We had planned to get a second hand piano of some kind, but having heard a U1 against some others the sound and playability was just what we were looking for and then it was hard to look at anything else.

When I contacted you I was really pleased that you had a number of pianos that we could choose from. It was great to be close enough to visit the shop and try them out. It is by far the best approach to let the customer try and try and take time to listen, we really appreciated that. Some piano shops can be very pushy and its completely offputting. That said, having dealt with you, if I couldn’t get to the shop, I would be more than happy to let you choose a piano for me.

The delivery was fast, (being excited to receive it, that was great) and we are more than pleased with it. Really, you wouldn’t know it wasn’t a new piano, its a top-notch product that sounds great. I really commend you on your product, fair prices and manner of doing business, its refreshing. I wish you every success.
Best Wishes,
Christine Windsor

[6 weeks later Christine sent me the following update:]

I’ve had a lot of good comments about the piano. A real serious pianist round the corner said it sounded better than his, as has every person that has heard it to be honest, might even send you a customer one day. Mia did her grade 1 this week (no results yet) and said the piano in the exam was rubbish compared to ours… mind you, she is very biased, but its good that she can tell the difference all the same :-)

Hi Mark
Just wanted to say thank you for everything. You made the whole process completely painless, which is a rare thing these days. We are both completely delighted with our new acquisition. It looks great and sounds wonderful in the room where you placed it for us. (Now christened “The Music room”) and it was great to get it delivered so promptly. The only real problem is the scuffles that break out over who gets to
play it :-)
Thanks again Mark.
Regards
Mark

Dear Mark,
Thought I would let you know we have just had our complimentary 1st tuning and our lovely piano is sounding better than ever. This is our 1st piano purchase and we are so pleased with the whole experience. We did originally have a bit of a worry about buying such a large value item from a web based supplier but needn’t have worried. We were guided through the whole selection process with skill and patience and the piano we chose was delivered promptly. We are delighted with the sight and sound of our lovely instrument and look forward to many years more.
Kind regards,
Jenny Lee

Hi Mark,
I should mention how thrilled we are with the piano. We were looking to replace our ninety year old piano with a more up-to-date-model, and our research had shown that the Yamaha U3 is a great piano not only for students, but also for more accomplished players. A brand new Yamaha U3 was prohibitively expensive, though, but when we found your website we felt that we’d struck gold! The piano looks like new, inside and out. Even the back looks good! Not only does the piano look fantastic, it sounds fantastic, too! It has such a deep, rich tone, and is an absolute pleasure to listen to. I just don’t know what we would have gained by buying a brand new model.

I should also thank you for your prompt response to all our emails, and for your patience when we came to visit to try the pianos out! Thanks, too, for delivering so promptly, and for the great care that you took not to damage the wooden floors when you moved the piano into the house. I will recommend you to all my friends and hope that your business goes from strength to strength!
Janine

Very happy with piano, and only too please to recommend you as a source of reliable, good quality used pianos, to family and friends
Your Sincerely

James Smith

Hey Mark,
Thanks for the other day. The delivery definitely went very smoothly. You two were ever so professioal!! The process was quite scary to watch but thank God the piano went through the tiny corridor. It was really exciting for me – this is the 1st piano I bought for myself. I’ve got a YAMAHA in my parents’ house in Hong Kong which I got when I was six. And this U3 is just amazing!

And it’s great that you’re regularly donating to the charity too :)
Right, I’d better get back to my practice. I’m having a lesson this afternoon with a new teacher. Thanks again for you great service, Mark and take care!!
God Bless You,
Steph

Dear Mark,
We are very pleased with our recently purchased Yamaha U3 piano; the quality of finish and sound are superb – in fact it has left me rather puzzled as to why anyone would wish to purchase a brand new one! I am quite certain that the piano will provide my children with an excellent start and will serve them (and us) well for many years to come. It has been a pleasure doing business with you.
Best regards,
Shaun Licence

I’m very happy with the looks of the piano and it sounds fantastic, a really deep sonorous sound.
Kind Regards
Stephen

Hi Mark!
Just a quick ‘thanks’ for the fabulous service you provided! Love the piano, and really appreciated the honesty and quality customer care. Will definitely pass on your name to friends looking for an instrument!
Best Wishes,
Elise

Hi Mark
I’m very happy with this piano it sound’s like new and look’s new hopefully I will not wear it out to quickly with boogie piano playing, such a nice tone good low register and sparkling high notes very pleased next time I’m up Manchester way will call in thank’s again,
Mick