Yamaha YUS5 upright piano review and information

The Yamaha YUS5 is a brilliant full-sized piano, it can be difficult to come by, but you will not be disappointed if you can find one. If you have any technical info or corrections for this article, please email mgpianos@gmail.com.

The Pros of buying a Yamaha YUS5

  • It has the same basic frame as the popular U3 model, so you are getting a really nice upright.
  • It has upgraded hammers and superior strings giving extra richness and depth of tone
  • It has a large music desk with ‘windows’ behind, which helps the sound escape easier.
  • It will hold its value for a long time compared with more basic pianos.

The cons of buying a Yamaha YUS5

  • It is a relatively young model and not many were made which means they are not easy to find.  
  • It is more expensive than basic models.

When was it produced?

We think that the Yamaha YUS5 was produced in the early to mid-2000s but we need to check those dates. If you know, please tell us.

Where was it made?

The Yamaha YUS5 was made in Yamaha’s best factory, which is located in Hamamatsu, Japan. Yamaha produces all of its best uprights here, including their top concert grand pianos such as the Yamaha CFX, which sells for £140,000.

Differences between similarly named models?

The YUS1 is 10cm smaller at 121cm. This means it has shorter strings and therefore less depth of tone. The YUS3 is a very similar piano, but the YUS5 has a wider music desk with the ‘windows’ behind.

Videos

Quotes from blogs, forums etc.

Here’s what others have to say:

“We just had a YUS5 come through our store, I’d go so far as to say, it’s the nicest upright I’ve ever played…. nice touch, feel, sound…. it’s a really nice piano.”
Les Koltvedt, Piano Forum – http://forum.pianoworld.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/1816179/re-differences-between-yamaha-yus3-and-yus5.html

“Vastly better music desk—not a deal clincher but very nice”
jivemutha, Piano Forum – http://forum.pianoworld.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/1816179/re-differences-between-yamaha-yus3-and-yus5.html

Who should buy them?

The YUS5 will suit any professional pianists or anyone who demands the very best piano without the space for a grand piano.

Will I need to upgrade at some point?

No. The YUS5 is good enough for professionals and has been built to last. The next step is a medium to large grand piano.

Dimensions

Height: 131cm
Width: 153cm
Depth: 64cm

New and used prices.

The Yamaha YUS5 is not easy to find. You’ll be paying a high price because they are very rare. I imagine you should budget above £7000.

Alternative models to consider similar to this.

If you don’t have £7000 to spend, you might want to buy a U-series instead, such as the U3, U300, U30A, U30BL or U3X. If that doesn’t bring the price down enough, try the Yamaha U1 which is smaller, but still a great piano.

Conclusion

The Yamaha YUS5 is an outstanding upright suitable for the very best pianists, but they are hard to find secondhand and are usually quite expensive.

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