Yamaha GC2 Grand Piano

The GC2 is Yamaha’s way of giving you a longer, fuller-sounding grand without the price of the C series. It is the bigger brother of the GC1, and it is fairly new, so most second-hand ones are in very good condition.

What is the GC2?

Yamaha’s GC series sits between the entry-level GB1K and the premium CX series. There are two models: the GC1 and the GC2. Both are made in Japan.

The GC2 is 12cm longer than the GC1. On a grand, extra length means longer bass strings and a bigger soundboard, and you can hear the difference, especially in the lower notes.

GC2 or C2X?

This is the question most buyers ask, because they are exactly the same size.

• The C2X is the premium model. It has higher-grade hammers, strings and soundboard work borrowed from Yamaha’s CFX concert grand.
• The GC2 keeps the same footprint and a lot of the same feel, but costs less new.

If your budget stretches to a good C2X, play both side by side. If it does not, a GC2 is a lovely piano and a big step up from any upright.

Sizes

• Length: 173cm (5’8”)
• Width: 149cm
• Height: 101cm
• Weight: about 305kg

The pros

• Japanese-made, with a soft-close fallboard as standard.
• Long enough to sound like a proper grand, but fits most decent-sized living rooms.
• Most used GC2s are only a few years old.

The cons

• New Yamaha prices in the UK are very competitive, so a nearly new GC2 does not always save as much as you might hope. Compare with the price of a new one before you buy.
• The C2X is better finished and a little richer in tone, if you can stretch to it.

What to check when buying a used GC2

• The serial number matches the age you are told. Our free serial number lookup will give you the year.
• Where it has lived. Keep it away from radiators, underfloor heating and direct sun.
• Whether it has been tuned at least once a year since new.
• The case for knocks from moving, especially the legs and lid.

Who should buy one?

• Families who want a “real” grand that will last a child all the way through their grades and beyond.
• Adults returning to playing who want more than a baby grand.
• Teachers who want a Japanese grand on a sensible budget.

Alternatives to consider

• GC1. A little smaller and cheaper. See our Yamaha GC1 guide.
• C2X. Same size, premium build. See our Yamaha C2X guide.
• Older C2 or G2. A well-restored one can be great value. See our Yamaha C2 guide and Yamaha G2 guide.

Conclusion

The GC2 is a sensible, well-made grand that punches above its price. If you want a 173cm Yamaha grand and the C2X is out of reach, it is an easy recommendation.

Thinking of selling your Yamaha GC2?

A GC2 is usually still young, so it makes an excellent second-hand piano for our customers, and we are always keen to hear from owners.

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.