Yamaha GH1 and GH1B Grand Piano

The GH1 is one of the lesser-known Yamaha baby grands. You will see it advertised as GH1, GH1B or GH1FP. It is a Japanese-made small grand from the 1980s and early 1990s, and a good one can be a very sensible buy.

What is the GH1?

The GH1 is a baby grand of about 161cm (5’3”), the same length as the G1 and C1. It was built in Japan at a time when Yamaha was making some of its most reliable pianos. Used examples we and other UK dealers have seen date from the early 1980s to around 1991.

How is it different from the G1 and C1?

They are close cousins and share the same length. Players often describe the tone as medium-bright and lively, with plenty of clarity for its size.

The letters after the name usually tell you about the cabinet and finish rather than a different piano inside. As with any older grand, the condition of the individual piano matters far more than the badge.

Sizes

• Length: about 161cm (5’3”)
• Width: about 149cm
• Weight: about 260kg to 290kg

The pros

• Japanese-made, and built to last.
• Often cheaper than a G1 or C1 of the same age, simply because fewer people know the name.
• Small enough for most living rooms.

The cons

• Every GH1 is now more than 30 years old. Hammers, strings and dampers may be worn, so condition is everything.
• As a short grand, the bass is never as full as a C2 or C3. That is true of every baby grand, not just this one.

What to check when buying a used GH1

• The serial number, to confirm the age. Use our free serial number lookup.
• The hammers. Deep grooves mean they need reshaping or replacing.
• The tuning pins. Ask whether it holds its tune between visits.
• The soundboard, for cracks, and the bridges, for splits.
• Ideally, have an independent technician inspect it. On an older grand, it is money very well spent.

Who should buy one?

• First-time grand buyers on a budget who want a Japanese piano.
• Homes where space is tight but a grand is the dream.

Alternatives to consider

• G1. The best-known Yamaha baby grand of the same era. See our Yamaha G1 guide.
• C1. A later model of the same size. See our Yamaha C1 guide.
• G2 or C2. If you can find 12cm more space, the step up in sound is worth it.

Conclusion

The GH1 is a quiet bargain among Japanese baby grands. Buy on condition, not on the name, and a well-kept one will give years of pleasure.

Thinking of selling your Yamaha GH1?

Japanese baby grands like the GH1 are popular with first-time grand buyers, so we are always happy 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.