Yamaha U30BL upright piano review, price and stock
The Yamaha U30BL is one of the finest uprights Yamaha has made. It is a higher-grade version of the well-loved U3, built at the same Hamamatsu factory in Japan, and it holds its quality and value well. We recondition these from Japan, so we usually have one or two in stock.
You can see what we have below, or call us on 0161 213 9402, message us on WhatsApp, or book a showroom visit using the links at the top of the page. Every piano comes with 0% finance, free UK delivery, a free first tuning, 14-day free returns and our lifetime warranty.
In stock now
Any U30BL we currently have is shown here. If we have none in at the moment, the list shows a few close alternatives from the same premium family, and we can usually find you a U30BL within a few weeks.
Yamaha U3 Premium
An upgraded version of the U3 with higher-grade internal materials. We currently have 7 in stock.
A good used U30BL usually costs a little more than a U3, which reflects its higher grade and how scarce they are. Every piano is delivered free anywhere in the UK.
Why the U30BL is worth it
The U30BL never fails to impress us and is one of the most consistently high-quality Yamaha pianos there is. Physically it looks very similar to the U3, with only minor differences to the cabinet. Musically it is a step up. It is a full-size upright at 131cm tall, which allows a longer string length and a bigger soundboard, so you get a rich, deep tone rather than the brighter sound some smaller pianos have. A good rule of thumb is to stick to uprights of at least 130cm to avoid an overly bright tone.
It was built in Yamaha’s premier factory in Hamamatsu, Japan, the same place they make their concert grands, as an improved version of the U3. It was only in production for two or three years around the late 1980s, which is part of why good ones are scarce.
U30BL and U3, the differences
Here are some photos so you can see the subtle cabinet differences between the U30BL and the U3.
Here is the U30BL. Notice there is no lock and the side arms are shaped slightly differently.
And here is the U3. Notice it has a lock and slightly wider, flatter pedals.
A closer look at the U30BL pedals.
And the U3 pedals.
What you get when you buy from us
Every piano we sell comes with 0% finance (a deposit then 18 monthly payments), free UK delivery, a free first tuning in your home, our lifetime warranty, and 14-day free returns with free collection and a full refund.
Each reconditioned upright goes through our 50-point inspection and preparation checklist before it is sold. We repair or replace only what needs it, so the piano is sound throughout, not just tidied up on the surface. You can read our customer reviews on Google and Trustpilot.
Buying from anywhere in the UK
If you cannot get to a showroom, buying at a distance is simple. You order online, we invoice you, and specialist movers deliver. If you would rather we picked a good one for you, just ask. Our showrooms in Manchester and London are open by appointment if you would like to play before you buy.
Hear one being played
Here is a recording of a U30BL we had in stock, so you can hear how it sounds.
You can see more of the U30BLs we have stocked before here, here, here, here, here, and here.
The details
Height 131cm, width 153cm, depth 64cm. In production for a few years in the late 1980s.
Who buys them?
The U30BL suits ambitious students of all ages and will take them through to grade 8 and beyond with no need to upgrade. Its quality and longevity make it popular with experienced players too, especially anyone who wants top touch and tone but cannot fit a grand into the room.
Who shouldn’t?
If space is tight, the smaller U1 may suit you better. If you have the room and the budget, you might prefer a grand. The U30BL also has a little brother, the U10BL, which we stock often and which is of equally high quality.
Alternative models to consider
Any of the top-end U series pianos are worth considering, especially the U3, U30A, U30BL and UX. They all come from Japan and all stand 131cm tall, so they share that deep, warm sound.
Not to be confused with
The U30BL is not to be confused with the cheaper B or P series. These are not made in Japan, have a short string length, and can sound too bright by comparison.
An honest word on price
The U30BL is no longer made. When new, it had a list price around 30% higher than the U3. We price it above the U3 to reflect its scarcity, the high demand, and its consistently high quality.
Questions?
If I’ve missed anything, or you have any questions at all, please drop me a line at hello@markgoodwinpianos.co.uk.
Many thanks
Mark