Yamaha Pianos & Grand Pianos: Models, Prices and Buying Guide

No brand is more present on the European used piano market than Yamaha – and for good reason: the instruments are built to last, hold their value well, and are easy to service. Particularly the U series dominates the used market in Germany, Austria and Switzerland like no other upright piano. This guide gives you a clear overview of all relevant Yamaha model lines, their characteristics, and realistic prices for both new and used instruments.

Yamaha – A Brief Brand History

Yamaha was founded in 1887 in Japan, initially as a manufacturer of organs and harmoniums. Since the early 1900s the company has been producing pianos and grand pianos – today from factories in Japan, China, and Indonesia.

The high degree of vertical integration – including in-house production of action parts, strings, and soundboards – sets Yamaha apart from many competitors and is a key factor in the consistent quality of their instruments.

Yamaha Upright Pianos: Model Lines Overview

Yamaha offers several upright piano series for different requirements and budgets:

  • B Series (B1 – B3): Entry Level and Hobby: Yamaha's most affordable series, manufactured in Indonesia. Solid quality for beginners, good action for the price. B1 (110 cm): approx. €2,200 – 3,000 new. Used: commonly €800 – 1,800.
  • U Series (U1 – U3): The Yamaha Classic: The legendary U series was built in Japan from 1960 to 2000 and is the benchmark for used pianos. U1 (121 cm): approx. €1,500 – 4,000 used depending on year and condition. U3 (131 cm): approx. €2,000 – 6,000. Very durable and easy to restore.
  • YUS Series (YUS1 – YUS5): Modern Successor to the U Series: The YUS series, produced since 2010, inherits the refined mechanics of the U series and adds improved damping and optional Silent system. YUS1 (121 cm): approx. €14,000 – 17,000 new. Used (5–10 years old): approx. €7,000 – 11,000.
  • Silent System (SH3): Many Yamaha models are available as Silent versions: built-in headphone output, mute mode for quiet practice at any time of day. Especially useful in apartments. Premium over the standard version: approx. €1,000 – 1,500 new.

Yamaha Grand Pianos: From Baby Grand to Concert Grand

Yamaha produces grand pianos in seven sizes – from compact to concert size:

  • GB1K / GC Series (151 – 161 cm): Entry-Level Baby Grands: The GB1K is Yamaha's most affordable grand, manufactured in China. Suitable for living rooms. New: approx. €5,500 – 7,000. Used: approx. €2,500 – 4,500.
  • C Series (C1 – C7): The Core Product Line: The Japan-made C series is the heart of Yamaha's grand piano range. C1X (161 cm): approx. €12,000 – 16,000 new. C3X (186 cm): approx. €22,000 – 28,000. Used depending on model and year: €4,000 – 18,000.
  • CX Series (current) vs. C Series (predecessor): The CX series (from 2013) is the successor to the classic C series with redesigned action derived from CFX concert grand development. Older C models (C1–C7) offer excellent value for money used.
  • CF Series (CFX): Concert Grand: The Yamaha CFX (272 cm) is Yamaha's concert grand, widely used on international stages. New: approx. €140,000 – 160,000. Rarely available used, as most are in use at music schools or concert halls.

Price Guide: What Does a Yamaha Cost New and Used?

Yamaha holds its value better than almost any other brand. Used instruments from the 1970s to 1990s are still in high demand – the following values apply to good condition:

  • Entry level (B series, older models): approx. €500 – 1,800
  • U1 (121 cm, used): approx. €1,500 – 4,000 depending on year and condition
  • U3 (131 cm, used): approx. €2,500 – 6,000
  • Baby grand (GB1K / GC series, used): approx. €2,500 – 5,000
  • C1X–C3X (used): approx. €6,000 – 18,000 depending on model and year

Tip: A well-maintained Yamaha U1 or U3 from the 1980s often outperforms a new entry-level piano at the same price in both touch and tone. Always have the condition assessed by an independent piano technician before buying.

Why Yamaha? Strengths and One Key Limitation

Yamaha is not the only choice – but it's one of the safest. Here's why:

  • Consistent, Reproducible Quality: Yamaha controls the entire manufacturing chain in-house. The result: two U1s from the same production year play almost identically. That kind of reliability is rare even in the premium segment.
  • Excellent Value Retention: Few piano brands hold their value as well on the used market. A well-preserved U1 still sells for €2,000 – 3,500 today – decades after leaving the factory.
  • Dense Service Network: Yamaha-authorized workshops and independent technicians with Yamaha experience are found throughout Europe. Spare parts are available for models going back 40+ years.
  • Important Limitation: Yamaha instruments manufactured in China (B series, certain newer GB models) do not match the quality of Japanese production. Always check the country of manufacture – especially when buying used.

Questions and Answers

Is a used Yamaha U1 or U3 a good buy?

Yes – and often the best value on the entire used market. The U1 and U3 were manufactured in Japan from the mid-1960s until the early 2000s and are known for their longevity and consistent mechanics. A well-maintained U1 for €2,000 – 3,500 regularly outperforms new entry-level instruments at the same price. The key is condition: have the action and pinblock checked by a technician.

What is the difference between the C series and the CX series in Yamaha grand pianos?

The C series (C1–C7) ran until around 2013. The CX series (C1X–C7X) is the current line with a redesigned action derived from CFX concert grand development and a refined soundboard. The older C models are frequently the better deal on the used market – the price gap can be substantial while the playing experience is nearly equivalent.

Where is the Yamaha B1 manufactured, and does it matter?

The B1 and B2 are produced in Indonesia, the U and YUS series in Japan, the C and CX series also in Japan. The difference in manufacturing quality is real: Japan-produced models are consistently superior in action mechanics, soundboard quality, and longevity. For beginners the B series is a solid start, but anyone investing long-term should look to the U series.

Few brands offer the same combination of availability, reliability, and resale stability as Yamaha on the used market – whether you're looking for a first piano or upgrading to a grand.

Browse all Yamaha listings on PianoHub now – with manufacturer filter and direct seller contact.