Yamaha U1 and U3 designs pre-2002 are inferior to current models... despite the misleading and inaccurate web-articles, forum posts and piano shop spiel.
It may still be called the Yamaha U1 or the U3, but apart from the model name, the design of the piano back, frame, scaling and action components used in the current models are quite different to those found in older models.
In fact... Yamaha's recent additions to their upright piano range at competitive prices actually have far more in common to the current U1 design than earlier U1's... so the ranted down Yamaha B3 is actually heavily based on the new Yamaha U1 benefitting hugely from Yamaha's upgrades, whilst the P121 brings the professional standard performance of the Yamaha U1 to the domestic market at a favourable price and in a more elegant cabinet.
New Yamaha U3S
Functionality
Firstly, on the new U1 and U3 the fall, (the keyboard lid) now has a ‘soft close’ feature to help prevent accidental injury or damage. The music desk is now extra wide (35 inches rather than 25 inches) to provide extra room for your sheet music.
The construction
Take a look at the backposts. Most older models had 4, the new model, 5. Backposts improve rigidity, resonance and structural stability. Additionally, the new model has tone collector bolts, connecting the backpost to the iron frame to further increase stability and tonal quality.
New Yamaha U1
Rib configuration
The newly designed rib configurations also add strength to the soundboard yet still improve the tone.
The iron frame and scale design
The new model has a ‘perimeter’ type iron frame and redesigned bass bridge, to allow longer bass strings than in the older model and improve the depth and purity of the bass.
New Yamaha B3
Hammer heads and hammer felt
The new U1 has underfelted hammers and of a different shape to provide optimum tone production, response and long term durability.
Tuning pins
Lathe cut and, on the new model, nickel plated rather than the cheaper blued steel variety found on earlier versions.
New Yamaha P121
Floating Soundboard (U3)
New U3 (post yr 2002) has a ‘floating attachment’ method of soundboard fitting, allowing the soundboard to vibrate more freely, improving the depth and character of the bass and mid-range tones.
Additional Models at various price points
There are two less expensive Yamaha models which are based on the new U1 specification, using the same five backposts, tone collector bolts, rib configuration, perimeter iron frame, bass and treble strings, underfelted hammer heads and lathe cut, nickel plated tuning pins and spruce keyboard - the Yamaha P121 which has a Strunz German soundboard, and the B3 which has a 3 ply laminated soundboard. Both great value for money, the B3 is similarly priced to a 35 year old U1, but looks better, sounds better, plays better and will last you around 35 years longer than the old piano!
1975 Yamaha U1H
Refurbished / restored / reconditioned???
There is a misconception that most of the second hand U1 and U3s have been ‘restored.’ Restored can be interpreted in many ways, in this instance, most restoration is cosmetic, such as casework, keytops and buffing the brasswork. The following components have not usually been replaced:
- Strings – life expectancy 40-50 years max. (The bass on early Yamaha pianos was not their strong point.) Most makes of concert grands have their top treble strings replaced approximately after 10 years!
- Hammer felt – the existing felt is ‘refaced’ - ie sandpapered smooth to remove the grooves, so it looks new, but is in fact as old as the piano.
- Damper felt – again, usually this felt is not replaced.
- Soundboard, ribs and bridges – not replaced.
- Tuning pins – not replaced.
- Springs – spiral, damper and hammer butt not replaced.
The only components likely to have been replaced are the loop cords on the hammer butt (original material used would perish after approx. 20yrs - but Yamaha changed the material and maybe the key bushing cloth.
The fact that these old pianos still command such high prices with hardly any component being replaced is indeed testimony to Yamaha’s legendary design, build and component quality.
Guide prices
as at October 2011: New Yamaha B3 £3,654, New Yamaha P121 £4,929, New Yamaha U1 £6,289, New Yamaha U3S £7,479.
Refurbished U1 circa 1975 £2,800 and refurbished Yamaha U3 circa 1975 £3,200.
Photos
Longer music tray on new U1, U3, P121 and B3
Shorter music tray on old U1
Five backposts on new U1, U3, P121 and B3
Four backposts on older U1 and U3
New U1, U3, P121 and B3 with tone collector bolts
Old U1, U3 with no tone collectors
U1, U3, P121, B3 perimeter iron frame (extends to edges of the cabinet)
Older U1, U3 non perimeter frame
New curved bass bridge
Old U1, U3 type straight bass bridge
New U1, U3, P121, B3 underfelted hammers
Older type U1 non underfelted hammers
New U1, U3, P121, B3 nickel plated tuning pins
Old U1, U3 blued steel tuning pins
New U3 floating attachment type soundboard
Let's talk about Yamaha U1 and U3 pianos!
You prefer to get advice on what Yamaha U1 or Yamaha U3 piano is best for you, so pick up the phone and call us! We want you to get the best advice on buying a new, or refurbished, Yamaha U1 / U3 piano.
Better still, if you want to visit our piano shop in Hampshire to try our Yamaha U1 and Yamaha U3 pianos, we'll give you the whole shop full of pianos all to yourself to play, free from an audience! ...and we'll pay your travel expenses on purchase*. Call us on 01425 476644