Yamaha SU118 upright piano review and information

The Yamaha SU118 is a great piano that will last a lifetime. The SU series are hand crafted using only the very finest materials, this means the SU series are some of the finest pianos ever made. If you have any technical info or corrections for this article, please email mgpianos@gmail.com.

The pros of buying a Yamaha SU118

  • The Yamaha SU118 is made from high quality materials.
  • It is a great instrument for those who need a piano with a lovely sound, that will also fit in a smaller space.
  • It was produced in Japan, in Yamaha’s best factory.
  • This piano has longer strings than many of this size, as the castors have been removed to make it smaller, without shortening those strings.

What are the cons of buying a SU118?

  • It is still a smaller piano, and size matters when it comes to pianos.
  • It may be difficult to transport without the castors.

When was it produced?

The Yamaha SU118 was produced is still being made brand new and I believe it was first introduced in the mid-1980s.

Where was it made?

The Yamaha SU series has its own production line at Yamaha’s leading factory in Hamamatsu, Japan. It’s here that Yamaha produces its best pianos with expert engineers and craftsmen. The CFX, Yamaha’s concert grand piano which sells for £140k, is also made here.

What differences between similarly named models?

Other similarly named models are the Yamaha SU7 and the SU131. These pianos have a cabinet height of 131cm, making them 13cm taller than the SU118. The extra height means that the SU7 and the SU131 have longer strings which is critical in achieving a deep, rich tone. 

Videos

Opinions from the forums, blogs, articles etc.? (try not to quote other dealers)

I had the pleasure of playing a couple of SU7’s last time I was looking for a piano, and also the SU118, and I thought both were superb – its a beautiful action for sure” – Piano Tuners Forums.

Who should buy them?

The Yamaha SU118 is suitable for those who want a top quality piano with good dynamics across the registers without having to bring in a full-sized piano which may look imposing in some houses. 

Will I need to upgrade at some point?

The Yamaha SU118 is made from select materials and crafted with much care. They go through careful testing when made to make sure that they are long-lasting and consistent. The only reason you may want to upgrade is for a taller piano with longer bass strings. 

Dimensions

Height: 118cm
Width: 150cm
Depth: 59cm

New and used prices.

New RRP £14,284
Used £6,990 (very hard to find secondhand. You could be waiting years)

Alternative models to consider similar to this.

It is worth considering the Yamaha U1 or U3. The U1 model is also made in Japan to high standards but is slightly taller, giving it a better sound quality. The Yamaha U3 model, and its improved variations, are even better. With a U-series model, you will get a top-notch piano. These pianos are some of Yamaha’s best and are taller than 130cm, the minimum height needed to produce better depth and richness in tone.

Conclusion

The Yamaha SU118 produces a lovely tone and is a pleasure to play.

Looking to buy?

To see our current stock list, click here. We currently have a Yamaha SU118 available in our London showroom.

Sign up to our email newsletter and we will keep you updated.

I hope this summary was helpful. Feedback, thoughts and questions are welcome.