Yamaha’s U1 – Recommended Piano for Grade 1 to Grade 8
Many parents and students ask for recommendations on the type and model of pianos to buy so as to last them from Grade 1 to 8. So, here it is.
A piano teacher in Singapore, someone affiliated with Piano Teachers’ Circle, a well accredited teacher awarded with ATCL, FTCL, Diploma in Music Yamaha Academy Singapore, CT (ABRSM), Certificate in Piano Pedagogy (Moscow P. I. Tchaikovsky Conservatory) and 20 over years of teaching experience, strongly recommends Yamaha’s U1. “I have been recommending U1 only for mid-range pianos. It is a very reliable exam model that requires very minimal maintenance and is very lasting. It has very good resale value as well, since it is a highly popular model.The investment is $9,850. You can even trust a well kept 8 year old U1 second hand piece.”
Over lunch at a French Cafe Le Chateau at Valley Point where he cheerfully tucked in on his Oxtail Stew and coffee, I asked what this teacher has at home, he said he has a C3 Grand piano and he swears by it. So, my next question would naturally be, why? According to him, the last time he tuned his Yamaha C3, it was 6 years ago when his place was approved for examination venue under ABRSM in 2004. He has since, not tuned his grand and guess what, it is still not out of tune!It cost around $30K.
This piano teacher also has a U1 silent (which is at his mother’s place) and a China made piano, which is used because it is soft. “When I have to practise softly”, he explains. U1 Silent is for private playing of the instrument through headphones and also for the MIDI compatibility. According to someone from Yamaha, this, U1 Silent is 30% more popular than U1. “It (U1 Silent’s sound) is more mellow though”, states this piano teacher.
The sales consultant could provide advice on the piano that could suit your need and budget. They also could provide a good student price. Some of the Yamaha models are very popular and the waiting for stock could take up to even 6 to 9 months.
Yamaha U1 Piano
U1 is quite fixed in price policies and fee gifts. I guess it accounts for their credibility, when there is sales, the sale is genuine. They offer promotions during Singapore school holidays, such as in March, June, September and December. U1 is selling at S$9,850 and when it is on promotion (during Singapore School Holidays), it is yours at S$8,600 Nett. Well, if you miss this one, you will have to wait till next holiday to take advantage of the promotion.
Let us do some Maths here. 8% of $9,850 is $788, you still get to save $788 and pay $9,062 instead of $9,850 on a regular day. And if you happen to be looking at Yamaha C1, the price is $25,000. 8% discount will come up to be a whopping $3,000, which comes up to be $23,000 after discount. Sweet.
Consider Renting or Buying a Used Yamaha or other popular brands
Not ready to fork out this much for a piano at this point? You could consider renting a piano from $60 a month or buying a second hand piano or a used piano. To vew popular Japanese brands like Yamaha & Kawai & other European brands, call us or drop us a note.
Yamaha U1 – Specifications:
Yamaha U1
Overview
A perennial favorite among discerning pianists, the Yamaha U1 offers outstanding musical performance, setting the standards by which many other upright pianos are measured.
- Advanced Scale Design
- Soundboard and Frame
- Redesigned Hammers
- Soft-Close Fallboard
Features:
Advanced Scale Design
Refinements in all elements of sound production have given today’s U Series a richer, more resonant voice with evenly balanced timbre across the entire keyboard.
Soundboard and Frame
Special rib configurations add strength to the soundboard, while back post and other advances further enhance rigidity, resonance and structural stability.
Redesigned Hammers
U Series hammers use materials specifically selected for each model to provide optimum tone production, response and long-term durability.
Soft-Close Fallboard
A damping mechanism, formerly used only in grand pianos, prevents the fallboard from dropping abruptly onto the keyboard, guarding against accidental injury or damage.
Specifications:
Color/Finish – Cabinet Color:
Polished Ebony *Availability of other finishes depends on model and is subject to regional variation. Please consult your Yamaha dealer for further information. Finish:
Polished
Size/Weight
Dimensions:
Width153cm
Height121cm
Depth61cm
Weight228kg
Control Interface – Keyboard
Number of Keys: 88
Key Surfaces – White: Acrylic Resin
Key Surfaces – Black: Phenolic Resin
Cabinet – Key Cover
Soft-Close Fallboard:Yes