OVERVIEW
In the Piano Shop Bath we are lucky enough to have the opportunity to play a huge range of uprights that pass through our showroom doors. Here we take a closer look at two of our most successful upright piano models, the Yamaha U3 and the Kawai K300. These two models are often seen as the go to models for anyone looking to buy a good quality upright piano. It is interesting to note how they compare alongside each other and what can be gleaned from comparisons of different models available in our showroom.
HEIGHT
Height wise there is an obvious difference, the Yamaha U3 is 130.5 cms tall while the Kawai K300 is less imposing at 122. Acoustically this means that (to my ears) the Yamaha has a bigger sound, the larger soundboard produces more volume, this is particularly noticable on the 1993 Yamaha U3 we currently have in the showroom. This 1993 Yamaha U3 produces a sound that really wouldn’t be lost in a school hall or intimate concert venue. The big sound the Yamaha U3 is capable of is perhaps why it is so popular in educational and studio settings, it certainly makes for a satisfying domestic instrument too, allowing for some expressive playing. If the big sound is ever too much, there is always the practice pedal, for those late night practice sessions.
TONE
The smaller soundboard on the Kawai K300 doesn’t necessarily mean it has to compromise on tone quality. The bass strings on the kawai k300 are strung at an angle which means there is very little difference in length between the strings of the Yamaha U3 and the Kawai k300. Both instruments then, are capable of producing a rich and full tone. The Kawai k300 we currently have in our showroom is an exceptional piano, producing a shimmering clear sound in the treble and a wonderful growl in the bass. How does it compare to the Yamaha U3s we currently have in stock? Traditionally, brighter tones are attributed as a characteristic of Yamaha pianos and the 1993 U3 is certainly a very bright and clear sounding piano. However, the 1984 Yamaha U3 has a far more mellow tone. Though they are all superior quality pianos my personal favourite is the Kawai k300 we currently have in stock, but choosing a piano is a highly subjective act. This is why it is definitely worth coming along and seeing how the different pianos sit alongside each other, personal preference should always be at the forefront of any decision regarding buying a new piano.
AGE
The age difference between the Yamaha U3s and the Kawai K300 is an interesting point to consider. With a brand new Kawai K300 you are benefitting from some very advanced design features, like the millennium 3 action, this is an action made of composite parts, rather than all wood. There are also some really nice touches you only find on newer pianos like the soft fall mechanism and longer music desk. You also get the peace of mind of a full 10 year guarantee and manufacturer warranty, which for some is a consideration. But consider this: the design of pianos has not really changed that much in the last 50 years. There are incremental evolutions but the fundamentals remain the same, by purchasing a 10 year old piano you are not getting an intrinsically inferior model, and many would argue that it is the most economically sensible route to owning a high quality upright piano like the Yamaha U3. This is why we have complete faith in our pre owned Yamaha uprights, they are all fully serviced by us before going onto our showroom floor and they all have a full 5 year guarantee as standard.
How do you think the two piano models compare? If you have any thoughts or questions about the Yamaha U3 alongside the Kawai K300 do send us an e mail or call us on 01225 427961, we would love to hear your views.
