Are Yamaha Pianos Good? Is Yamaha a Good Brand?
Yes. Yamaha is one of the best and most respected piano makers in the world, and for most buyers it is the safest choice you can make. Here is the honest picture.
Why they are so well regarded
Yamaha builds pianos to a very high and, crucially, very consistent standard. A good Yamaha is reliably a good Yamaha, which is why teachers, schools, studios and exam boards use them everywhere. They hold their value, they last for decades, and they are straightforward to service.
The one thing to check
Not every Yamaha is built in Japan. The professional models people prize, the U1, U3 and C-series, were made in Japan, while some cheaper modern models are built in Indonesia or China to a lower price. Both work, but the Japanese-built pianos are the ones with the reputation and the resale. See are Yamaha pianos made in Japan.
Is a Yamaha right for you
If you want a bright, clear, reliable piano that holds its value, yes. If you specifically want the warmer, more variable tone of, say, a Bechstein or a Bösendorfer, that is a different choice at a very different price. For value and dependability, a Yamaha is very hard to beat.