I hate Yamaha piano's, they're too bright.
Also keep in mind that the piano Vanessa's been using recently and keeps in her apartment is not a good indicator as to how Yamaha's sound (I realize this wasn't the piano used for the ATM recording, lol, it's a general statement). Yes, her piano is a Yamaha but it's a Yamaha that was made specifically for her and she specified the tone that she wanted. Which is a more dark, mellow, richer tone. Yamaha's never actually sound like that, they're always extremely bright and thin sounding. :/
To each their own though. It's a matter of personal preference. lol
And I really don't think nearly everything they produce is crazy good either, their keyboards are so gimmicky. lol
So no love for Yamaha. Gotcha!
Come now, you're gonna say you like Steinways.....correct? 
It's impossible not to. I played a restored 9' grand from the early 1900's at a studio a few years ago. That was an amazing instrument!
Dan/NS
Steinway's are a step up from Yamaha, but I actually prefer Bosendorfer pianos. And everytime I mention that people tend to ask me if I like Tori Amos, because she uses one. No, I don't like Tori Amos. lol I just like Bosendorfer.
I love Bosendorfer AND Tori independantly of each other. Bosendorfer is THE BEST PIANO IN THE WORLD! Now for something actually helpful,,,,
BUY A NORDISKA!!! I bought mine brand new for about $7,500 [Including an artist's bench] And it's The Best AFFORDABLE Piano In The World!! I actually like it better than most Steinways I've played.[Steinway is over rated] Other pianos [Like Yamaha] cost double that amount or more, and are of horrible quality. Mines a polished 5' baby grand, and is hand made. Before you make a descision on any piano, play a Nordiska!
PEACE!
p.s. Shauna Burns plays a Nordiska in live concerts. Heres a good example of what one sounds like:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om48I1wcnas
Although its a studio recording you can see her playing it live, and even though mine is only 5', it gives the exact same sound/resonance as her 7'. Nordiska is a small piano that packs HUGE SOUND! We were amazed when they delivered it at how Loud this little 5' piano was! Hope this helps, and GOOD LUCK!
Nordiska's are HORRIBLE pianos. Jesus christ.
A chinese company bought out the original Swedish or Finnish company (I forget), and now produces them, that's why they're so cheap. The company bears little resemblance to the original company now as a result, and the same can be said for their pianos.
How did you get a baby grand for $7,500 when I see Nordiska uprights going for that same amount? :? I'm curious.
However, because they're so affordable it's probably in the interest of the OP to consider purchasing one. Nordiska's are just
decent, they're nothing special. You need to decide what you plan on getting out of the instrument, how long you'll keep playing, and the types of music you intend to perform.
Nordiska's are an okay short term investment for beginners (and that's saying a lot from me because I hate them, lol), but a few years down the line if you continue to play, you'll notice the short comings of that instrument, so you've been warned.
Nordiska's never meet the expectations of concert pianists though, the majority of classically trained musicians I've spoken to hate them too. Haha.
