Richard Williams - Yamaha U3

For years, I have always wanted to own a black Yamaha upright piano so that my children can grow up around music. Having done some research, it was clear that whilst a Yamaha U3 was by far the best quality piano to go for, a new one was way beyond my budget. So when I came across Mark Goodwin Piano’s website, I was both surprised and excited to note not just how immaculate his U3s looked but how affordable they were. My initial email enquiry to Mark led to a number of email exchanges between us over a couple of months. Each time, Mark replied promptly, answering all my questions and giving me as much information as possible about U3s. Not once did Mark try to give me the “hard sell”. Quite the opposite. He understood that I wasn’t in a position to buy a U3 right away and that if and when I was, there was nothing to say I would choose to buy from him. Despite this, Mark was enormously helpful. This spoke volumes to me about how Mark goes about doing business. No pressure, no hard sell. Just honest, helpful information and advice.

Once I eventually decided to buy a U3, I visited Mark’s Manchester showroom. This was packed with U3s, all of which looked completely brand new, such is the high standard to which his pianos are reconditioned. I instantly knew that I wouldn’t find a better U3 any where else and that if I was going to buy one, it would be from Mark. Mark showed me around and made himself scarce so that I had as much time as I needed to try out out various U3s. In no time at all, I found the right U3 for me which Mark arranged to be delivered to me the following week and tuned free of charge a few weeks later. To say the U3 looks stunning in my home is a huge understatement. More importantly, it sounds amazing. Everyone who sees the piano can’t quite believe that it isn’t brand new.

Whilst it goes without saying that I now have a stunning piano that I am thrilled with, what stood out for me was the level of customer care shown by Mark, not just up to the point of sale but beyond. The U3 I purchased exceeded my expectations in every way but because I am something of a perfectionist, there were two very minor adjustments I wanted Mark to make to the piano some time after delivery. I was definitely being overly picky in asking Mark to make these adjustments but he arranged for them to be made right away and without question. Again, the results totally exceeded my expectations.

I would have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Mark Goodwin to anyone who is looking to buy a U3. In fact, I have since recommended to Mark a friend who was so impressed with his pianos that she ended up buying a U3 piano from him. Needless to say, she is as thrilled with her piano as I am with mine!