Yamaha U1, U3 and YUX Factory Reconditioned Upright Pianos
Since their launch in 1954, Yamaha’s U series of upright pianos have been one of the most popular ranges of pianos ever made.
There are two models in the U series, the U1 and the U3. The U1 stands at 121cm tall while the U3 is 10 cms taller at 131cm. These pianos always come from Yamaha’s Japanese factory and are marketed as being for the more advanced player, this shows the kind of high-quality instruments they are. These pianos certainly produce a clear and full-bodied tone that is extremely satisfying and responsive to play on. We usually have new models of U1 and U3 on display at JG Windows; but because they have an excellent reputation for reliability it is certainly worth considering reconditioned models too.
We have been an authorised Yamaha piano dealer supplying both new and reconditioned Yamaha pianos for many years. Reconditioned pianos can come from a variety of sources and the word ‘reconditioned’ can have a range of meanings. The ones we stock at JG Windows carry a Certificate of Authenticity to confirm they have come to us directly from Yamaha.
We have been an authorised Yamaha piano dealer supplying both new and reconditioned Yamaha pianos for many years. Reconditioned pianos can come from a variety of sources and the word ‘reconditioned’ can have a range of meanings. The ones we stock at JG Windows carry a Certificate of Authenticity to confirm they have come to us directly from Yamaha.
People often look at the cabinets of these refurbished pianos and can’t believe they are not brand new as they look absolutely pristine. However, these are not simply beautiful pieces of furniture but are instruments that should be making beautiful music. A piano is made of many thousands of component parts using a wide range of materials.
Yamaha assure us that their skilled artisans work on all aspects of the pianos to prepare them for their new life. This includes:
· New bridle tapes
· Butt loop cords replaced
· Springs and hammers replaced (if necessary)
· Hammers refaced
· Key tops and fronts replaced
· Piano key bushing cloth rail and balance rail replaced
· Celeste felt replaced
· Inside and outside parts, strings, pins, pedals and hinges cleaned
· Cabinet re-polyestered
What is a YUX piano?
As well as U1 and U3 pianos we often have stock of Yamaha YUX pianos. These are particularly special!
A YUX piano is the same height as a U3 but uses higher grade materials; e.g. better quality wood, and felt for the hammers and dampers. These pianos were manufactured in Japan between 1980 and 1983 and feature a distinctive X-shaped frame on the back of the instrument. This design gives the frame increased rigidity, but it was an expensive design to produce and is no longer featured on newer instruments. The YUX also has a vented front panel which helps produce a fantastically rich and resonant tone. Although many customers have heard of U1 and U3 models, many haven’t heard of the YUX and we would highly recommend this as a model worth serious consideration.
What’s that letter?
On a Yamaha piano’s model listing you will often see a letter added to the end (eg. Yamaha U1E, Yamaha U3 A, Yamaha U1H etc.). This simply refers to the time period the piano was originally manufactured in Japan. We currently have some lovely models in stock from the late 1970s and early 1980s; but remember you’d probably be hard pushed to distinguish between these and pianos fresh from a factory.
Give it a try?
When purchasing one of these pianos from JG Windows we include a complimentary first in-home tuning a few weeks after the piano has been delivered to you. This gives it a little bit of time to begin to settle into the temperature and humidity of your home.
Although these are not the cheapest pianos, not even the cheapest U Series pianos, they really do represent excellent value for money. They will give you years of pleasure and tend to hold their value extremely well. Recycling a piano that already exists is undoubtedly a good thing for our planet too.
Obviously it is hard to truly appreciate the sound and touch of an instrument from words alone so we really do encourage you to pay us a visit to try one of these pianos for yourself. If you live further afield then please don't hesitate to get in touch so that our piano specialists can offer their expert advice and a video-call demonstration.