Yamaha U1 vs. Yamaha U3: Which One to Choose?

The Yamaha U Series was first introduced in the 1960s and remains one of the most popular pianos in the world today. This series includes two acoustic upright pianos, the Yamaha U1 and the Yamaha U3.

Over the decades, Yamaha has improved the series with better materials and construction, enhancing tone, strength, and durability. Both the U1 and U3 have unique advantages, leaving many piano buyers wondering which model is right for them.

In this comparison, we’ll take a closer look at the latest U Series pianos to help you decide whether the U1 or U3 best fits your musical needs.

Yamaha U1 or Yamaha U3: Side-by-Side Comparison

Before looking closer into the details, let’s check the core specifications of the Yamaha U1 and U3 side by side. This quick overview highlights the main differences in size, construction, and features, making it easier to see how these two models compare at a glance.

These specifications provide a clear snapshot, but numbers alone don’t tell the whole story. Let’s now explore each piano in more detail, focusing on their sound, materials, and features to better understand which model may be the right choice for you.

Dimensions

A key distinction between the Yamaha U1 and U3 is their size. The Yamaha U1 stands at 48” in height with a depth of 25”, making it a compact upright piano that fits well in smaller or medium-sized rooms. Despite its modest size, it delivers impressive sound projection and balance.

By contrast, the Yamaha U3 is taller at 52” and slightly deeper at 26”. These changes, combined with its larger soundboard and longer strings, give the U3 a bigger acoustic chamber. As a result, it produces more volume, richer tones, and greater overall projection, making it well-suited for larger spaces or professional use.

Materials

New Yamaha U1 and U3 pianos are built in the Kakegawa, Japan factory using high-quality materials. Their soundboards and ribs are made from carefully selected spruce, known for its resonance and tonal clarity. Each piano includes five spruce backposts for stability, while the bridge and pinblocks are crafted from hard maple to ensure strength and durability.

The U1 uses specially designed hammers to provide a responsive touch and long-lasting tone, while its acrylic (white) and phenolic resin (black) keys offer smooth touch and durability. The U3 shares these high-quality components but benefits from a larger soundboard. This gives it greater resonance and tonal depth, especially noticeable in the lower registers.

Features

The U1 and U3 are equipped with three pedals (soft, mute, and damper), a fallboard lock, and Slow-Close fallboard system that prevents slamming.

Where the U3 stands apart is in its enhanced design. It incorporates Yamaha’s patented Floating Support System, a feature adapted from their grand pianos. This allows the soundboard to vibrate more freely, resulting in a richer tonal palette across the bass and mid-range.

Case & Finish

When comparing the U1 and U3, both are similar in design aside from the larger height and depth of the U3. Each model features an extra-wide music desk and a top lid that can be flipped open for extra projection.

As for the finishes, the new U1 offers a wider range to choose from and is available in polished ebony, satin ebony, polished mahogany, satin American walnut, and polished white, while the
new U3 is only available in polished ebony, satin American walnut, and polished mahogany.

Hybrid Options

Yamaha also offers both models with integrated hybrid technologies. The U1 is available in three versions: Disklavier (DU1 ENST), TransAcoustic (U1 TA3), and SILENT Piano (U1 SH3).

The U3 can be purchased as a TransAcoustic (U3 TA3) or a SILENT Piano (U3 SH3). This makes both models suitable for pianists who want to combine acoustic performance with digital innovation.

Price

Now that we’ve gone over the specs and features, you probably want to know how much is a Yamaha U1 piano and how much is a brand new Yamaha U3 piano? The Yamaha U1 price (MSRP) for a new model starts at $11,999.00.

The Yamaha U3 price (MSRP) for a new model starts at $15,699.00. It’s important to note, that prices may vary based on the finish and for hybrid Disklavier, TransAcoustic, and SILENT Piano models. Pricing is subject to change in the future, contact a Music Exchange near you for the latest pricing and availability.

Yamaha U1 or U3: Which Piano Is the Best for You?

The Yamaha U1 and U3 are both exceptional pianos that are made from high-quality materials and are renowned for their outstanding tone, responsive touch, and durability.

At 48” in height, the Yamaha U1 is an excellent choice for pianists seeking a quality and dependable upright piano for small to medium size rooms. The U1 also offers a wider range of options when it comes to the finishes and hybrid model selection.

If you’re a serious musician that may not have room for a grand piano, but still desires professional level performance, the Yamaha U3 is a terrific choice. The Floating Support System, larger soundboard, and longer strings on the U3 helps deliver more power, projection, and a richer tonal palette especially in the bass and mid-range.

If you’re looking for a new or used Yamaha U1 for sale or Yamaha U3 piano for sale or need help choosing the right piano for your needs, schedule an appointment at one of our locations in San Jose, San Francisco, Sacramento, Walnut Creek, Dublin, or Union City to speak with a Yamaha expert today. Compare these pianos side by side and experience the difference firsthand!