Yamaha U1 Review: Is It Worth Buying In The UK?
Yes, the Yamaha U1 is well worth buying. It is one of the most popular and respected upright pianos in the world: a full-size professional-grade instrument with a clear, even tone and a dependable, responsive action. It suits committed beginners through to advanced players, and a used U1 in the UK typically costs in the region of 4,000 to 6,000 pounds with delivery, tuning and a guarantee included.
The U1 is one of the pianos we are asked about most often, and one we know extremely well. Here is an honest review for UK buyers.
What the Yamaha U1 is
The U1 is a full-size upright piano, standing around 121cm tall, from Yamaha's long-established U series. It has been in production for many decades and has become a genuine benchmark among upright pianos. It is widely used in homes, schools and teaching studios, and is regarded as a professional-grade instrument rather than an entry-level one.
How it plays and sounds
The U1's appeal comes down to consistency. The tone is clear, even and well-balanced from the bass to the treble, with no weak areas. The action is responsive and dependable, which makes it a fine piano for developing and refining technique. It is not a flashy instrument. It is a thoroughly reliable, musically satisfying one, and that is exactly why teachers so often recommend it.
Who the U1 suits
The great strength of the U1 is its range. It is a sensible choice for a committed beginner, because it is a piano a learner will not outgrow for many years. It is equally at home with intermediate and advanced players. If you want one piano that will serve a household across a wide span of ability and time, the U1 is hard to beat.
What a used U1 costs in the UK
A used Yamaha U1 in the UK generally sits in the region of 4,000 to 6,000 pounds. The variation reflects the age of the piano, its condition, and the exact model variant. Bought from a specialist dealer, that price should include delivery, the first tuning once the piano has settled, and a guarantee. As with any used Yamaha, condition matters enormously, and a U1 that has been properly checked and prepared is a very different proposition from an unknown one bought privately.
U1 or U3?
The question that naturally follows is whether to choose the U1 or its taller sibling, the U3. The U3 is taller, with a longer string length and larger soundboard, giving a bigger and fuller sound. The U1 is more compact and fits most rooms comfortably. Neither is better in absolute terms. The U3 rewards a larger room and a more demanding player, while the U1 is the more universally practical choice. Both are excellent, and the best way to choose is to play them side by side.
A note on older U series pianos
Older U series Yamahas, including earlier U1 variants from the 1970s and 1980s, are highly sought after and can represent superb value. Provided the individual instrument has been looked after and properly assessed, an older U1 can be every bit as rewarding as a newer one. Quality and condition are what count, not the year alone.
Our verdict
The Yamaha U1 earns its reputation. It is reliable, musically satisfying, suits a very wide range of players, and holds its value well. For a great many UK buyers it is simply the sensible choice of upright piano. The one thing we would stress is to buy a good example from someone who has checked it, and that is something we are glad to help with.
If you are wondering whether to step up from a U1, our page on what is better than a Yamaha U1 walks through the natural alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Yamaha U1 a good piano?
Yes. It is one of the most popular and respected upright pianos in the world, a full-size professional-grade instrument with a clear tone and dependable action, suiting beginners through to advanced players.
How much does a used Yamaha U1 cost in the UK?
Typically in the region of 4,000 to 6,000 pounds depending on age, condition and variant, with delivery, tuning and a guarantee included when bought from a dealer.
Is a Yamaha U1 good for a beginner?
Yes, it is excellent for a committed beginner and one a player will not outgrow quickly. For a casual beginner on a tighter budget, a smaller Yamaha upright can also work well.
What is the difference between a Yamaha U1 and a U3?
Mainly height. The U3 is taller, with a bigger, fuller sound. The U1 is more compact and suits most rooms. Both are professional-grade and both are excellent.
Explore more
Browse our current Yamaha pianos or our full range of upright pianos. For broader buying questions, see our full piano buying advice library.
Play a Yamaha U1 at our showroom
The Piano Gallery is an independent, family-run piano specialist established in 1980, with one of the largest selections of used Yamaha pianos in the country. We usually have several U1 and U3 uprights in stock, all inspected before sale. Come and play them.
The Piano Gallery
13-17 London Street, Faringdon, Oxfordshire, SN7 7AE
Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. Any other time by appointment.
Telephone: 01367 244554 | Email: sales@thepianogallery.co.uk