At the time of writing we have a YUS3 SH (silent version) on our for sale on our Yamaha U3 Premium models.

Both the Yamaha YUS3 and Yamaha YUS5 sit at the top of Yamaha’s upright range. They are built on the same core Yamaha U3 design and both deliver a high level of performance suitable for advanced players and demanding environments.

This is not a comparison between good and better. It is a comparison between two closely related high end instruments with a small number of specific differences.

Core design and structure

What is the same

Both models share the same underlying structure.

• They are the same height at around 131cm
• They use the same soundboard design
• They share the same frame and scale
• They are built on the same platform as the well known U3

In practical terms this means their fundamental tonal potential is extremely similar.

Key materials

• YUS3 Uses high quality acrylic key surfaces
• YUS5 uses Yamaha Ivorite synthetic ivory

Ivorite provides a slightly more textured surface which can feel more secure under the fingers in the same way that old ivory keys used to.

Pedal configuration

• YUS3 has Soft pedal, Practice pedal, Sustain pedal
• YUS5 has Soft pedal, Sostenuto pedal, Sustain pedal

The practice pedal on the YUS3 is useful for quiet playing at home as it lowers the volume by around 50%. The sostenuto pedal on the YUS5 allows selective note sustain and is mainly used in more advanced repertoire. Do you value the ability to lower the volume, or to play contemporary advanced pieces that require the sostenuto pedal?

Music desk and projection

• YUS3 has a standard upright music desk design
• YUS5 has a larger grand style music desk with an open panel behind

The YUS5 design allows more sound to project directly towards the player. This creates a slightly more open and immediate playing experience at the keyboard. I’ve played these designs on various other models (UX10A and UX30A) and have never really felt it to make a significant difference to the sound but it does get them a more premium feel. See what you think!

Action refinement

• YUS3 receives a high level of factory regulation consistent with professional uprights
• YUS5 receives additional refinement and preparation, or “hand finished” attention to detail.

The YUS5 can feel slightly more responsive and controlled, particularly for advanced players. The difference is subtle and depends on individual sensitivity.

Hammers and tonal finishing

• YUS3 is fitted with high quality Yamaha hammers with careful voicing
• YUS5 receives more detailed hammer preparation and voicing at the factory

The YUS5 may present a slightly more rounded and complex tone when first played. However, final tone is always influenced by setup and voicing after installation.

From the Forums

Here’s a very old forum topic discussing the pros and cons of YUS3 vs YUS5 vs U3. It’s an interested ready

Summary

• The YUS3 and YUS5 are built on the same foundation and share the same core musical potential.
• The YUS3 offers a complete high end upright experience with no meaningful compromises.
• The YUS5 adds a layer of refinement in touch, projection, and features.

Both are serious instruments suitable for the most demanding of pianists. The choice between them comes down to how much value is placed on those final details rather than any fundamental difference in design.

If you have a YUS3 or YUS5 for sale we’d be very interested to discuss. Please send details via our sell my piano form

Many thanks
Mark Goodwin

p.s. you can see our current stock of premium U3 models on the list below (if any)

Yamaha U3 Premium

An upgraded version of the U3 with higher-grade internal materials. We currently have 4 in stock.