The Yamaha UX3 is a model we regularly stock and is very popular with our customers. I’ve put together a summary of this model and included some of my thoughts. If you have any technical info or corrections for this article, please email mgpianos@gmail.com.
Is the UX3 any good?
The Yamaha UX3 is an exceptional piano. It has a rich tone and is far superior to almost all upright pianos and even better than most baby grand pianos. The UX3 will last any musician a lifetime. Highly recommended, no hesitation. Go for it.
When was it produced?
The Yamaha UX3 was manufactured between 1982 – 1988.
Where was it made?
The Yamaha UX3 was made at Yamaha’s premier factory in Hamamatsu, Japan. All of Yamaha’s finest pianos come from this factory and are identified by the ‘U’ in their model numbers. This means that every piano in the ‘U-series’ is built with expertise and top-grade materials. It is this consistency in production that makes the U-series pianos so sought after, even generations later. The Hamamatsu factory is where Yamaha produces their stunning concert grand piano, the CFX, which retails for £140k!
What differences between similarly named models?
Yamaha UX3 has longer bass strings than the Yamaha U3, which is achieved by curving the bridge at the bottom end. Also, the UX3 uses better materials for both the action parts and the soundboard. The ‘X’ in the model number refers to the x-shaped frame behind the piano, which distributes the support equally across the piano’s frame.
[photo of the X-shaped brace coming soon]
Yamaha UX3 videos
Here is a Yamaha UX3 we previously stocked:
There is another here and also here
Opinions from the forums, blogs, articles etc?
What do other people thing of the UX3?
From Piano Tech:
“They are amazing, it just got more growling bass, but they got that sweetness . . . it’s just inspiring. If you’re looking for a 52 inch, this is the one.” Source: Youtube
Who should buy them?
Ambitious students and accomplished pianists should buy the Yamaha UX3. It will last a lifetime and you’ll never need to upgrade.
Who shouldn’t buy them?
If you need something smaller, consider the UX1; or, for something smaller and cheaper, but still of a professional quality, the Yamaha U1. If you can double your budget and have a big enough room, you should go for a lovely Yamaha C3 or C5 grand piano instead.
Will I need to upgrade at some point?
No. The build quality means the UX3 has been built to last a lifetime. You might have to recondition some of the internal felts every 10-20 years or so, but the piano itself will last as long you. The only reason you may change from a UX3 is if you wanted a medium or large grand to enjoy the extra depth that longer bass strings can bring.
Yamaha UX3 Dimensions
Width: 154cm
Height: 131cm
Depth: 65cm
String length: [coming soon]
New and used prices
When first released, the Yamaha UX3’s RRP was 30% higher than the standard U3. However, Yamaha stopped producing the x brace and discontinued the line, making the pianos relatively rare. They hold their value very well on the secondhand and reconditioned market and cost around £6000 in our showrooms.
Alternative models to consider
Alternative models to consider are the Yamaha U3, U300, U30A and U30BL. These models also have a height of 131cm and, therefore, generate rich tones at the bass end. They are all top quality professional grade pianos that will last a lifetime.
Conclusion
The UX3 is similar to the U3 model. Yamaha made some design improvements with UX3 and used more refined materials in places, but overall, it sounds and plays quite similar to a U3. Both pianos are top-notch, but if you demand a spoonful more quality, then go with the Yamaha UX3.
Looking to buy? Have one for sale? Contact us!
We’ve stocked many Yamaha UX3 pianos in the past and as soon as more arrive, they go straight onto our “stock list”/pianos. Sign up to our newsletter and we will keep you updated.
Questions?
If you have any feedback or questions, please get in touch via the contact details below.
Call: 020 7060 5899
E-mail: markgoodwinpianos@gmail.com
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Thanks for reading,
Mark