Yamaha C2L Grand Piano

The Yamaha C2L is is a Yamaha C2 with a few, very small design changes. These are great pianos for those who want a grand piano that isn’t overwhelming in a small space. If you have any technical info or corrections for this article, please email mgpianos@gmail.com.

The pros of buying a Yamaha C2L

  • At only 170cm long, it is small for a grand piano, yet it produces a surprisingly clear and resonant sound.
  • The Yamaha C2 models are highly thought of, and will hold their value well, this includes the C2L and the C2X.

What are the cons of buying a Yamaha C2L?

  • It is brilliant, but it is still a small piano. Larger models have longer string, and longer strings give a piano a more powerful, higher quality sound.
  • It can be tricky to source. You could get a nice young C2 instead and never regret it.

When was it produced?

The Yamaha C2 was first introduced in 1995, the C2L model was added in the 2000’s as an upgrade, however the differences are minor and mostly design based. The C2L was replaced by the C2X a few years later. They are all virtually the same piano.

Where was it made?

The Yamaha C2L is made in Yamaha’s top factory in Japan, this is where all their very best pianos are produced, including the CFX, a concert grand that sells for around £140k.

What differences between similarly named models?

As stated before, the design changes between the C2 variations are so slight that many would struggle to spot them. The Yamaha G1 models are also essentially the same piano, they came first and were later replaced by the C-series. The Yamaha C3 is the next upgrade and the first full-sized grand in this series.

Videos

Quotes

Don’t just take my word for it, this is a quote I found on a Piano World forum about the C2 models…

“In my experience the C2 is a nice model”
- http://forum.pianoworld.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/2867695/opinions-experience-w-used-yamaha-c2-things-to-watch-for.html

Someone on that same forum shared a recording they made of their own Yamaha C2. The OP replied…

“It certainly shows the C2 in a very good light as well!”
- http://forum.pianoworld.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/2867695/opinions-experience-w-used-yamaha-c2-things-to-watch-for.html

Who should buy them?

The Yamaha C2L is bought by pianists, piano teachers and ambitious students who need something that sounds fantastic, but fits into their small music room. If you have the space and the budget, we would recommend you go bigger; the C3 has a better touch and tone, and the C5 and C7 increase on that too, however you certainly wouldn’t regret getting a Yamaha C2L (or any of the C2 variations).

Will I need to upgrade at some point?

If you maintain your Yamaha C2L properly, you won’t NEED to upgrade, however you may one day wish for something bigger, like the Yamaha C3 or even the C5 that I mentioned before.

Dimensions

Width: 149cm
Length: 170cm

New and used prices.

A Yamaha C2L will be around £15,500, a Yamaha C2 will cost around £15,000. You don’t get much for the increased cost.

Alternative models to consider similar to this.

At the risk of sounding repetitive, the Yamaha C2 and C2L are essentially the same beast. If you want something less expensive, you may want to consider a Yamaha G2, this is an older model, but if found in a great condition, it is a very similar instrument. For something with an even better touch and sound, you could also look at the full-sized C3 and beyond, they get bigger and better with each model upgrade.

Conclusion

The Yamaha C2L is just a C2 with a few very small design changes. It is a great piano, but the same can be said for any of the C2 models. If you can’t find the C2L, then get a C2 and you will be just as happy.

Looking to buy?

To see our current stock list, click here.
Sign up to our email newsletter, and we will keep you updated.
I hope this summary was helpful to you, and as always your feedback, thoughts and questions are welcomed, so don’t hesitate to reach out.