Yamaha C3X Grand Piano

If you have looked at Yamaha grands, you will have come across the C3. The C3X is its modern replacement. It looks similar, it is the same length, but Yamaha made enough changes that it is worth understanding what you are getting.

What is the C3X?

Yamaha launched the CX series in October 2012. It replaced the C series, which had run since 1967. The six models are the C1X, C2X, C3X, C5X, C6X and C7X.

The C3X is the middle of the range and the most popular. Many teachers, serious players and small concert venues see it as the “sensible” professional grand.

How is it different from the older C3?

Yamaha borrowed ideas from its flagship CFX concert grand. In plain terms:

• Soundboard. The C3X and the larger CX models use a soundboard built with CFX know-how. The aim is a longer, singing sustain.
• Stronger back frame. The beams under the piano are more than 20% thicker than before. This helps the piano stay clear and full at loud volumes.
• Better hammers and strings. Higher-grade hammer felt and European music wire, again following the CFX.
• Finishing touches. A soft-close fallboard, so the lid over the keys cannot slam on little fingers, and Ivorite key tops, which feel more like old ivory and less slippery than plain plastic.

Most players find the C3X a little warmer and rounder than older C3s, which some found bright. That is a general view, not a rule. Every piano is different, so always play the one you are buying.

Where is it made?

The C3X is made in Japan, at Yamaha’s Hamamatsu factory.

When was it made?

From late 2012 to today. Yamaha has since refreshed the range again, so you may also see newer versions advertised. A quick check of the serial number on our free serial number lookup will give you the year.

Sizes

• Length: 186cm (6’1”)
• Width: 149cm
• Height: 101cm
• Weight: about 320kg

So it needs the same floor space as an older C3. Allow room for the stool and to walk around it, and check the route in. Our movers measure every job, but it helps to know the narrowest doorway before you fall in love with one.

The pros

• A modern, well-made Japanese grand with a proven design behind it.
• Long enough to sound like a “proper” grand, but still fits a good-sized living room.
• Holds its value well, because demand is steady.
• Many are still under ten years old, so wear is usually light.

The cons

• It costs more than an older C3 in similar condition. You are paying for newer parts and less wear, not a completely different instrument.
• Some C3Xs live in very quiet homes and are played little. That sounds good, but a piano that has hardly been played may still need regulating and voicing to bring it to life.
• Look for silent versions (often sold as C3X-SH). They are useful for late-night practice, but check the silent system works fully before you pay.

What to check when buying a used C3X

• The serial number matches the model and age you are told.
• The case, especially the lid edges and legs, for knocks from moving.
• Whether it has been tuned regularly. Ask for the tuner’s name or invoices.
• Where it has lived. Direct sunlight or a radiator next to it is bad news for the soundboard.
• Ideally, have an independent technician inspect it. It is money well spent on a piano of this value.

Who should buy one?

• Serious students heading for diploma level or music college.
• Teachers who want one piano that will last their whole career.
• Anyone who has outgrown a baby grand and has the room.

If space is tight, look at the C2X or C1X. If you have a large room and want more power, look at the C5X.

Alternatives to consider

• Older C3 or G3. Less money, and a well-restored one can be a lovely piano. See our Yamaha C3 guide.
• C2X. Slightly shorter and a little less money. See our Yamaha C2X guide.
• C5X. Bigger and more powerful, for larger rooms.

Conclusion

The C3X is one of the safest choices you can make in a grand piano. It is not a dramatic leap from a good C3, but it is newer, better finished and has plenty of life ahead of it. Buy on condition and history, not just the model name.

Thinking of selling your Yamaha C3X?

The C3X is one of the most wanted grands we see, and buyers often come to us asking for one by name.

We have specialised in Yamaha pianos since 2002. You can sell to us in one of two ways.

• Sell outright. We make you an offer, collect the piano, usually within a week, and pay you by bank transfer.
• Sell on commission. We collect your piano, bring it back to showroom condition, and sell it from our showroom. You get a fixed, guaranteed amount when it sells. If it hasn’t sold within 12 months, we pay you anyway.

Either way, collection from a ground floor room anywhere in the UK is free. There is no obligation, and we won’t add you to a mailing list.

What we need from you

• The serial number. On a Yamaha grand it is stamped on the iron frame, near the tuning pins. Lift the lid and look just behind the music desk.
• A few photos: the whole piano with the lid up, the keys, and the serial number.
• Your postcode, and whether the piano is on the ground floor.
• If it has a silent system, tell us which one (for example SH or SH2).