How Much Does a Piano Cost? How Much Should You Spend?

If you’re shopping for your first serious piano, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of options, price tags, and conflicting advice. So let’s cut through the noise. What should you really spend?

The Gold Standard: Yamaha U1

If your budget is anywhere around £4,000, there’s a clear winner—the used, reconditioned Yamaha U1. It’s the most sensible, reliable, and musically satisfying starting point. For most buyers, a U1 will be the last piano you ever need to buy.

We’ve written a full blog post dedicated to why this model makes so much sense: Why the Yamaha U1 Is the Best Acoustic Piano

Want More? Stretch to a U3, U30BL or UX30BL

If you’ve got a bit more room in your budget, consider upgrading to a Yamaha U3, U30BL, or UX30BL. These models offer bigger soundboards, richer tone, and even more rewarding playability—especially in larger rooms. All are available reconditioned in the UK.

Can’t Quite Afford a U1? Consider a Knight K10

If your budget is below £4,000, the Knight K10 is a great alternative. It’s a solid British-made upright you can find on eBay for around £500 in tatty condition, or fully reconditioned from a reputable dealer for up to £2,000.

But be honest with yourself: do you want to settle for a good piano now, only to long for a U1 in a few years? The tonal depth and longevity of a U1 far surpass the Knight. It’s not just a better piano—it could be the only piano you’ll ever need.

Think Long-Term: A Piano Is For Life!

A piano is a decades-long investment. This isn’t like buying a TV, a dishwasher, or a car. A good piano is your companion through stress, celebration, grief, and joy. It connects you to the greatest music ever written and gives you a place to create, reflect, and grow.

Let yourself think of it as a family member. Something that supports your emotional health and awakens your soul. So, if there’s any way you can stretch to a Yamaha U1, we’d urge you to do it.

Make a U1 More Affordable

And if outright purchase feels like a reach, you can always start by renting a U1 from £99 per month or buy one outright using 0% finance with a deposit from around £400 and 18 monthly payments of around £200 – and then it’s yours forever!

Don’t Be Fooled by New Budget Models

You might be tempted by new models like the Yamaha B1 or B3. They look shiny and modern. But for similar money, a used U1 is simply a far superior instrument in tone, build, and long-term value. We can prove it because people often come to us to trade in their B1 or B3 for one of our Yamaha U1 or U3 pianos instead. 

Pianos vs Cars: A Perspective Shift

The average person in the UK spends around £7,000 on a used car, which drops in value every year and mostly just gets you from A to B. In contrast, the average spent on a used piano is less than £2,000—yet a piano can transport your soul to another dimension.

So postpone your next car upgrade and invest in a better piano that will bring music, depth, and soul to your home for decades.

Want More Help?

We’ve built an entire website to help you choose the right piano: WhichPiano.co.uk – packed with honest, detailed advice for first-time buyers.

Whatever your budget, we’ll help you find the right fit.

Final Word!

If you can afford around £4,000, buy a Yamaha U1 and be done with it. If not, consider a Knight K10 or rent a U1 while you save. Just don’t buy the wrong piano and regret it.