The lettering system that Yamaha have deployed for the U3 line of upright pianos is very confusing, even for us Piano sellers. Customers are always asking for the difference between the U3X and U3H and why there is a difference in price.
I have written a small paragraph covering the difference for each variant, but to summarise; basically, the letter after ‘U3’ usually refer to a small deviation in manufacturing year, materials used, or features included as some models where designed for a very specific purpose.
Yamaha U3 – Places of Manufacture
The first thing to say is that every single Yamaha U-line piano that has ever existed was built in Japan at the Hamamatsu factory. This factory is responsible for manufacturing all high-quality Yamaha pianos, including their premium Grand Piano the CFX.
See the differences in Yamaha U3 models in chronological order, if you have any questions please get in touch!
Yamaha Piano Serial Numbers & Year of Manufacture
We always get asked “What year is my Yamaha Piano?” or “How do I find out my Yamaha Piano Age?
Please checkout this free pdf we have produced listing the majority of Yamaha Piano serial numbers and hence years of manufacture – allowing you to determine the age of your piano.
Yamaha YU and X Variants
YU models are usually hand finished:
The YU series, being a high-quality and sought-after line of upright pianos, undergoes meticulous hand finishing to ensure the highest standards of quality and aesthetics.
X models feature a X-back brace:
The X-bracing system in a Yamaha U3X piano is designed to enhance the sound quality and structural stability of the instrument. The X-brace is a reinforcing structure inside the piano that helps distribute and transmit the vibrations produced by the strings and soundboard more efficiently. This results in several benefits that contribute to a better sound.
Yamaha U3F (c.1940’s – 1960’s) Made in Japan
The U3F is one of the older variants you will find of the Yamaha U3. If you’re on a tight budget and prefer a very soft delicate sound this would suit you. However due to the age, if the piano is in original condition or has only had minimal reconditioning work then you should try to avoid that piano. If the piano has been properly and professionally reconditioned then it should be okay, but always check the piano. We don’t usually stock these, but are always happy to help advise.
Yamaha U3G (1960’s -1970’s) Made in Japan
The U3G date from the early 1970s and are most comparable to the U3F. The U3G is likely to offer a similar sound to the U3F with a soft tonality especially on the bottom octaves. This should only be an option if it’s at a very competitive price and fully reconditioned, we would always advise the buyer to stretch a few £ and opt for a U3H. There is a massive jump in build quality, overall sound and response.
Yamaha U3H (c.1970’s – 1980’s) Made in Japan
Yamaha U3 pianos in this category are excellent allrounders and have serial numbers ranging from 1,500,000 to 3,000,000. The U3H was born from a time when Yamaha had already perfected what a modern piano should be; strong, reliable, consistent, warm tone, beautiful mechanics and, above all, high quality materials and workmanship.
Yamaha U3M (c.1980 – 1982) Made in Japan
The Yamaha U3M has a high build quality standard with a more modern and linear design, reinforced bar, under felt of the hammers reinforced for a softer sound for a sensible and responsive touch. Producing an overall balanced bright and crystal clear treble ends, with warm and broad bass tone. All without being harsh or overly bright like some of the newer model U3s.
Yamaha U3MS (c.1980 – 1982) Made in Japan
Same as the U3M except this variant features a sostenuto pedal, most commonly found on grand pianos. The Sostenuto pedal keeps the dampers raised and away from the strings of any keys played just before depressing the pedal. This makes it possible to sustain selected notes.
Yamaha U3A (c.1983 – 1987) Made in Japan
The U3A is a more recent evolution of the U3M, boasting a slightly softer, full and balanced sound, with a quality tone. The U3A tend to be more expensive that other variant’s due to their build quality level. The U3A will occasionally have a slightly stronger bottom 2 octaves than the U3M, however this is not always the case. The U3A is the recommended U3 model by Belfast Pianos considering the balance of quality / price.
Yamaha U3X (c.1983 – 1988) Made in Japan
The Yamaha U3X is the personal favourite here at Belfast Pianos. It features a slightly taller case to accommodate longer strings, and a stunning X-shaped cross brace for an immersive sound and refined tonality. The U3X also borrows many parts from the premium CF2 convert grand to set itself apart from all other upright pianos. Like the other models, the UX3 was manufactured in Japan between 1983 and 1988.
Yamaha U3 “YU” Variants
Yamaha YUA-3 (c.1978 – 1982) Made in Japan
Made in Japan during the the late 1970s to early 1980s the YUA is very similar to the Yamaha U3 with a couple of design differences. The most noticeable is the folding music stand which is integrated into the top panel, the experimental ‘Spring Bar’ replacing the consumable felt and loops to help bounce the hammers back to their starting position after being played and the X-shaped rear frame.
Yamaha YUX-3 (c.1980 – 1984) Made in Japan
Combining the hand finishing of the YU models and the X-shaped bracing to support the soundboard at the back, makes this model very hard to find. They often feature a vented panel to further expand the sound profile. The slight nuances to tone will only be noticed by more experienced pianists.
Yamaha YUS-3 (c.1988 – Present) Made in Japan
The Yamaha YUS3 series builds on the quality of the U3X series with even further refinement. The YUS3 is built on the same frames as their U3 counterparts however they’re handcrafted in the concert grand workshops of the Hamamatsu factory. Featuring premium materials and manufacturing processes such as mahogany hammers (rather than maple) for a punchier tone, denser lamb’s wool hammers produce a warm and rich tone. Then, the hand-wound copper bass strings provide an even deeper bass resonance and softer styling with a soft-closing fall board providing an air of elegance. These variants are always in short supply.
Yamaha Approved Dealer
We’re one of the very select few Yamaha approved dealer‘s in the UK / Northern Ireland and have a wide variety of pianos in stock to suit all levels of ability and budget – get in touch to arrange a viewing, or see our stock here.
