Yamaha U1 Review: The Best Upright Option?
From the pews of churches to piano lessons to fancy soirees, we have all heard the sweet sounds of piano music as it is being played on a Yamaha. The Yamaha Corporation is a Japanese company that is quite well-known for its excellence in the art of creating fine instruments, and the Yamaha U1 is no different.
The latest in the Yamaha family of grand pianos, it is a sleek and stylish musical addition, with several attributes that make it an incredible advancement in Yamaha’s history. In case you have not been able to experience the Yamaha U1 for yourself, allow me to explain its features as well as what led up to its creation by giving you a quick backstory about Yamaha and their previous products.
The following is a Yamaha U1 review. This review is based on usability, sound, tuning, product reliability, and many other important factors that combine to make the Yamaha upright piano a revolutionary instrument. Many consumers are lauding it as the best upright piano on the market currently.
I will explain to you the pros and cons of this product, emphasizing exactly what makes the Yamaha U1 a cut above the rest. I will also describe the Yamaha playing experience so that you can hopefully feel as if you are playing the keys yourself or at the very least hearing the strains of beautiful music without a piano in sight.
1. The Yamaha Corporation has been around for over 100 years
This makes Yamaha a trustworthy, tried-and-true brand.
It all started in 1887 when a gentleman in Japan was inspired while repairing a broken reed organ. The story later crossed the Pacific Ocean four years later to arrive at the St. Louis World’s Fair, which eventually catapulted Yamaha into worldwide fame.
Torakusu Yamaha, the Japanese founder of Nippon Gakki Co., Ltd. (later renamed Yamaha Corporation), built an upright piano as the first instrument for the company. Within two years, Yamaha upgraded his efforts to include the grand piano. The focus on pianos as opposed to other instruments was widely due to the interest in classical music, inspired by the western world.
Although its appearance in the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904 earned the piano an honorary grand prize, this did not deter Torakusu from pursuing bigger and better opportunities. As the 1920s rolled around, the Yamaha team of skilled artisans became engrossed in learning all there was to know about the production methods in Europe to both improve the product as well as the assembly process. At the behest of German pianist Ale Schlegel, the Yamaha Corporation improved their product by leaps and bounds.
A Steady Evolution
Over the next several decades, the skilled craftsmen at Yamaha worked diligently to continuously improve the piano. The crew was on a mission to make Yamaha pianos the best of the best. A lot of trial and error went into the process, but in the end the hard work paid off. Now Yamaha pianos are known as some of the best on the market, as I’m sure Torakusu would have wanted it to be. Unfortunately, Torakusu Yamaha passed away in 1916 and therefore never got to see the full cultural impact of his invention.
Even though Yamaha originally began as a business centered around making pianos, the company has added several other instruments to their manufacturing process. This includes electric and acoustic guitars, brass instruments, woodwinds, drumsets, and much more to create unique listening experiences. However, Yamaha’s pianos have continued to be the most popular in the world. With such innovative products as the “silent piano” in 1992, Yamaha has cemented its position in world music history.
2. Yamaha has been making U1s since the 1960s
Although this particular version is newer, Yamaha has had a considerable amount of practice in creating U1 pianos.
The first Yamaha U1 was created over a half a century ago. In 1967, the first model hit the market and was met with a degree of success. However, this was during World War II, which affected the quality of the product severely, and in turn the price. The process of modifying and improving the U1 has been continuous.
Two years before the release of the first in the U series, a popular European piano technician and expert by the name of Cesare Tallone arrived at the Yamaha factory in Japan. Tallone was so inspired by the craftsmanship of the pianos created by Yamaha that he decided to work alongside the company to create top-tier grand pianos. When played by famous German pianist Wilhelm Kempff, it was declared by Kempff to be one of the best in the world.
3. The reliability of the product is top-notch
Yamaha knows what makes a great instrument.
When shopping for a piano, one quality that you should be looking for is sturdiness. You want an upright piano that will last for years, something that can be passed down and played for generations to come. This is one of the elements of the Yamaha U1 that makes it incredible for musicians young or old, amateur or professional.
The sturdiness is an indicator that the U1 has the ability to withstand the rougher years of childhood, when kids are known to break more things and test boundaries. Destroying such a product would be nearly impossible, and replacing parts is unnecessary as each part is so perfectly made. It is also perfect for those who are practicing several hours a day, over the course of multiple years, to perfect their craft. Hammering the keys is what the U1 is made for, so it can hold out in any situation through any amount of playtime.
4. The newest Yamaha U1 is the culmination of years of studying instruments
There is a distinct science behind the process, and it appears that Yamaha has it down pat.
As is the case with any other corporation that is trying to remain current and at the height of its popularity, the construction of newer models has to incorporate tweaks and improvements. This must be done without compromising the reliability and basis of the product, which is something that some companies may find increasingly difficult. Yamaha follows the trends without changing the product irrevocably, and without sacrificing the reputation of the brand as a whole.
5. The Cons of the Yamaha U1
Are there any negative aspects associated with this product?
At first glance, the size may seem overwhelming and imposing. The following are the stats for the U1:
- Weight: 512 pounds
- Height: 48 inches
- Width: 60 inches
- Depth: 24 inches
- Height of keyboard from the ground to the top: approximately 24 inches
However, there is no need to be intimidated by this grand piano’s measurements. Any person with any level of skill can play this piano.
Others may see the price as an issue, as it is approximately $5,000 US. However, when you think of how well-built a piano such as the Yamaha is and the materials used (read below), the cost can be seen as an investment. The sounds that emanate from the U1 are also worth the price – the music played on this instrument will create a desirable feeling of elegance while simultaneously feeling relaxed and in tune with every note.
6. The U1 is surprisingly easy to play
There will be no struggling to play the Yamaha U1, despite its size.
Whether you are a professional pianist or just starting to learn the keys, the U1 will be easy for you to use. This is the piano model made specifically for professional musicians, but its usability is so seamless that it can be played by beginners as well. As I mentioned above, sturdiness comes in handy and assists in making a strong, long-lasting product. That means that children are able to play this piano from childhood to adulthood without any worry about outgrowing it.
7. The Yamaha U1 has a beautiful timbre
Musicians and listeners alike will recognize this.
This is perhaps the primary feature of the Yamaha U1 that makes this piano so versatile. The rich tone makes the piano perfect for any genre, from jazz to classical to gospel and beyond. As stated earlier, we have all heard a Yamaha piano playing at some point in our lifetime. The company continues to exceed expectations and work to improve the product. The sound of the latest Yamaha U1 is the result of years of studying into its insides, its musical mechanisms. This gives the piano such richness that it will give you chills.
8. The Yamaha U1 Upright: Materials
Yahama used only the finest and high-quality materials to create the latest model.
Beech, spruce, white wood, and pine are the types of wood materials listed for the U1. The frame is cast-iron, contributing to the piano’s heft. Each material is known for auditory perfection. The pleasant sounds that resonate as a result of the top-quality materials have caused this product to gain popularity amongst schools that are putting on plays, classes, musicals, and other performances. Beech is used for the bridges, the soundboards are made of spruce, pine is used to create the back-posts, and the hammers are white wood. These materials work together to make the U1 an extraordinary instrument.
9. The U1 is a quality piano
It is safe to say that the Yamaha U1 is top-tier quality.
By now, you should know that the Yamaha Corporation is relentless in their pursuit to continue Torakusu Yamaha’s vision and expand it by leaps and bounds. Trusted in churches, schools, and other institutions all over the globe, Yamaha instruments have built a reputation in the music world for their attributes.
Simply put, Yamaha can truly do no wrong with their instrument production, but especially the pianos. In the century since its creator passed on, the piano has seen multiple upgrades that were necessary to keep up with trends and any competitors. However, it is safe to say that Yamaha is accustomed to musical excellence, which lets you know that you are purchasing a trusted product.
10. In conclusion, the Yamaha U1 might just be the best upright piano on the planet
It may sound like an exaggeration, but Yamaha has had plenty of practice in preparing for this moment.
As I mentioned before, the Yamaha Corporation has been making quality instruments for over 100 years at this point. During this time, the company has continuously upgraded their products. The craftsmen at Yamaha study the schematics of an instrument to determine what would make it better. What made the previous piano great? How will we improve the sound? What needs to be done differently this time?
The Yamaha Corporation is full of experts on what makes an exemplary instrument. Perhaps this is why Yamaha has successfully created a piano that is being lauded as the best upright piano on the market. Due to the features listed above, this model is the culmination of years of studying the anatomy of a piano. Perhaps this is why the Yamaha U series is the best-selling series in the United States.
Nothing is more sleek, stylish, and beautiful than a large Yamaha in the corner of a grand ballroom, being played effortlessly by a talented musician as they gently sway in response to every note. That is what I think of when I think of the grandeur of this product. This Yamaha U1 review may have seemed a bit more glowing than you would expect, but this is a product that has taken an immense amount of studying and perfecting, and that has truly made it to where the Yamaha U1 and any future models can outlast the test of time.
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