I noticed a lot of music stores selling secondhand pianos imported from Japan. One place I visited said to choose a few I'd accept, and he'll get one of those models - eventually. He also said sometimes he goes to Sydney, but doesn't buy anything because there wasn't anything up to a high enough standard.
This gave me the impression music stores prefer the ones that don't require effort to fix. And - someone else imports them - and all the music stores buy them from the same place.
Does anyone know where?
Can you buy one directly from the same place, without going through the stores?
In case the answer's no… Can anyone recommend somewhere in Sydney that has a huge choice of pianos, and really does reco them (not just claim they do)?
I think anyone can import them. No special licenses, etc necessary. Piano's are worth next to nothing secondhand (perfect!). The hard part is finding the model you are after. If you happen to be not particular there are many many stupendous bargains around. The transport costs (specialist) often cost more than the piano itself! Good luck.