Is Yamaha U3 a good piano?

That’s the question we get asked daily by musicians and enthusiasts who struggle to find the right piano that suits one’s needs for sound quality, craftsmanship, and versatility. One of the most frequent names in this discussion is Yamaha and its higher-end model, U3. So, how good is the Yamaha U3? Let’s research some features, advantages, and general reputation to find out whether this piano is just the thing you need.

Overview of Yamaha U3

The Yamaha U3 upright piano has developed a strong reputation based on performance and build quality. Standing at 52 inches tall, the robust structure supports a rich soundboard, adding depth to the tone amateur and professional pianists alike try to achieve. Since its introduction in the 1960s, the U3 has become one of the most indispensable upright pianos in music schools, homes, and concert halls around the world for its superior sound quality and good durability. 

Yamaha U3 dimensions?

The size of a Yamaha U3 upright piano is given by:

• Height: 131 cm (51.5 inches)
• Width: 153 cm (60.25 inches)
• Depth: 65 cm (25.5 inches)
• Weight: Approximately 235 kg (518 lbs)

Sound Quality

Perhaps the biggest factor of the Yamaha U3 answering the question, “Is the Yamaha U3 a good piano?” would be with regards to its sound. The U3 has a bigger soundboard and longer string length than most upright pianos, which blesses it with a full, round sound. The action is responsive; a player has great control over the dynamics. Hence, it is so apt for playing various types of musicals, starting from classical to contemporary.

Build Quality and Design

Yamaha is renowned for their quality standards, and U3 is no different. Precisely built, the U3 consists of a solid spruce soundboard, hardwood rims, and an action mechanism made with extreme finesse. Attention to such details means that the piano is stable and retains its tuning well over time, making it reliable in long-term use. The U3 in its design is suitably appealing, with a high-gloss polished finish featuring flowing lines, adding elegance to every room.

Versatility

Another reason the Yamaha U3 is considered a good piano by many people is its versatility. It allows all levels of playing, from the practice of a beginner, through exam preparation, to an advanced player playing to an audience. A rich tonal palette allows the expression of play, and the piano capability suits it for solo and with an ensemble.

Maintenance and Longevity

Owning a piano is long-term, and the Yamaha U3 is built to last. Maintenance will be ongoing; things such as tuning and periodic servicing will keep it at its best. Yamaha’s reliability makes many U3s still found in excellent condition after many years of service. This longevity in service makes it something worth spending money on for any serious musician.

Price Point

The Yamaha U3 is indeed a superior upright piano and commands the price for quality and craftsmanship that goes into each unit. Generally starting at around £4,000 for a good one, they go upwards of £7,000-the investment daunts many. Bearing in mind this piano is long-lasting, sounds great, and enjoys a very respectable reputation, the value for money it strikes compared to other makes in the same price bracket is very good.

Can a Reconditioned Yamaha U3 Really Appreciate?

Most pianos naturally depreciate, but a high-quality reconditioned Yamaha U3 can buck this trend. The conventional wisdom suggests that as the supply tightens of these instruments and the pound continues its steady decline against the Japanese Yen then the value of reconditioned U3s can appreciate.

To put this into context, consider the following sales:

• Back in the year 2000, we sold a circa 1980 Yamaha U3 for £2,495. That same piano today is worth 80% more.
• In 2010 we sold a circa 1980 Yamaha U3 for £2,895. Today that piano is worth 55% more.
• In 2018 we sold a circa 1980 Yamaha U3 for £3,795. Today that piano is worth 20% more.

These examples show a pretty clear trend: The best time to buy a top-quality Yamaha U3 was yesterday, but the second-best time to buy is today. With possible appreciation into the future, investment in a reconditioned Yamaha U3 offers not only a great playing experience but possibly one that yields financial return. If you are interested in buying, please see our page for pianos we currently have for sale.

Yamaha U3 vs. Baby Grand Piano: Which Sounds Best?

If you are considering a baby grand piano generally around 5 feet in length for superior sound quality, stop and consider the merits of the Yamaha U3. Many people will assume that a baby grand would naturally yield a better sound, and this simply isn’t true in most cases.

The Yamaha U3 sports longer bass strings than most baby grands, hence producing a deeper and more resonant bass tone. This gives the overall tone a bit more quality, helping the U3 be at par with many baby grands.

Generally, when taking these two, one should remember that in pianos, it’s not just about the sound; rather, it is all about the construction, materials, and techniques involved. As a matter of fact, the Yamaha U3 is not to be overlooked when you need to make a piano purchase. Its sound quality is excellent and would sometimes equal or even outshine some baby grand pianos. You may be somewhat surprised as to how a head-to-head comparison would turn out, but you are free to try both on your own and judge which one will fit your musical needs best.

The Seductive Used Yamaha U3 Models

Many pianists prefer the sound quality of older models of Yamaha U3; there are quite a few reasons that may account for this. One of the major reasons is to do with the quality of materials in use in the making of the pianos. Indeed, woods and other components used in their construction may have been of higher quality and thus produce a fuller, warmer sound, preferred by most players.

With supply issues arising, the cost of materials and labour has risen over the years; it’s highly unlikely that the newer models could feature the same craftsmanship or sound quality as their vintage counterparts. The older ones boast solid spruce for the soundboard and other high-end materials that add up to its renowned sound and resonance. Moreover, aging is capable of changing wood to give the instrument the properties for an even more developed sound.

Many pianists like the character and depth of the older U3s and often feel that these pianos possess a certain sonic character that is lost on the new models. This fact can make the vintage U3s not only desired for personal use but also a very worthy investment, as their value tends to appreciate with time given the ever-growing demand for quality instruments.