A practical guide to the Yamaha upright and grand piano models we most often stock, sell and recommend.
The biggest mistake we see is people buying a brand new Yamaha B1 simply because it is small and cheap.
For the same price, you can buy a professionally reconditioned Japanese-made Yamaha U1 instead. A far higher quality piano with better materials, a richer tone and much stronger long-term resale value.
The U1 is popular because pianists love it. The B1 is popular because it is cheap and shiny and people buy it without asking their piano teacher for advice first.
If your budget stretches to a new B1, you should buy a Japanese U1 instead.
U1, U3, B1, B3, etc
The U1 is Yamaha’s compact upright, and for many families it is the sensible first serious piano. It is small enough for a normal room, yet it has the clear tone and dependable action that made Japanese Yamahas so trusted. A well-reconditioned one will take a child right through their grades.
The U3 is Yamaha’s full-size upright and the one most teachers point you towards. It is taller than the U1, with longer strings and a bigger soundboard, so the tone is deeper and fuller. A properly prepared one lasts for decades and suits everyone from a keen beginner to an advanced player.
The Yamaha B1 is not a terrible piano. It is simply the piano people buy when they want something brand new at the lowest possible Yamaha price. That is very different from buying the piano that someone will enjoy playing. For the same price, a professionally reconditioned Japanese Yamaha U1 will usually feel more serious, more satisfying and far more likely to inspire you to enjoy your learning.
Old obscure model, lower resale demand. Don't bother looking for one as they are almost none being sold. It's better to look for a U1H.
Improved action and reliability. Common older Japanese-made Yamaha upright. It's still usually better to look for U1H instead
Short transitional production run. Similar to U1E with minor refinements. Not many around so look for a U1H instead.
Solid early-1970s U1. Reliable, respected and commonly imported into the UK but not many available so look for a U1H instead.
One of Yamaha’s most popular ever uprights. Excellent reliability and value. Widely available. Millions of them were made. This is your sweet spot for starting shopping for a Yamaha U1. The U1H is a great place to start. Very high quality without a high price.
Slightly brighter, cleaner modernised successor to the hugely successful U1H. Very safe option to buy.
Later Japanese-built U1 with improved styling, action and strong resale value. Overally stronger tone compared with U1H and U1M but more expensive
Premium Upgraded version of the Yamaha U1
Later premium Yamaha upright range. Usually newer, refined and less common than standard U-series pianos.
Premium U30, YU, and X-braced version of the U3 uprights.
Premium upright models often positioned above the standard U3, with cabinet and action refinements depending on the exact model.
Premium upright models often positioned above the standard U3, with cabinet and action refinements depending on the exact model.
Premium X-braced Yamaha uprights, often sought after by buyers wanting something above a standard U3.
Premium X-braced Yamaha uprights, often sought after by buyers wanting something above a standard U3.
GC1, C1, G1 and similar Yamaha baby grands.
Compact Japanese Yamaha baby grand. Popular for homes, teachers and smaller music rooms.
Slightly larger than the C1, giving more tone while still staying relatively compact.
C3, C5, C7 and larger professional Yamaha grands.
One of Yamaha’s most respected professional grands. A serious step up from compact baby grands.
Large professional Yamaha grand, often used in performance and institutional settings.
Browse our archive of previously sold Yamaha pianos, including serial numbers, photos and videos.
Some other Yamaha uprights you may expect to find
Some other Yamaha grands you may expect to find
Visit our Manchester or London showroom, reserve online or message us for advice.
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