Yamaha, the choice that stays with a home
A pre-owned Yamaha U series piano is a familiar sight in homes, practice rooms, classrooms and piano teachers' homes, and Yamaha is one of the best-known piano makers in the world. At the Zohar Pianos store and gallery, 28 Ben Atar, Tel Aviv, you can play Yamaha pianos, compare them, and choose the piano that suits you.
Stock is constantly renewed. Prices, years of manufacture and the condition of each piano appear on the product pages: upright pianos.
Sound and touch
U pianos are built with a spruce soundboard, whose straight grain vibrates richly and carries the sound forward. The sound is balanced and bright across the whole keyboard, with full bass and a treble that rings softly. This character suits classical music, jazz and light music.
The keyboard is responsive and precise, and a pleasure for long hours of practice. It answers both quiet, delicate playing and strong passages, and gives the player a sense of control from the first moment. The Yamaha U accompanies players from the first lesson to advanced repertoire, so the piano grows with the playing. Thanks to the series' popularity, parts and service are readily available for years.
Age, manufacture and condition
Yamaha manufactures in several countries, and the serial number identifies the model, year and place of manufacture of each piano. On an upright it is usually found on the gold iron frame behind the top lid, or stamped into the wood of the inner side panel. We will gladly help you understand what it tells you.
With a pre-owned Yamaha, its condition and the care it has received say more than the year it was made. A piano tuned regularly, usually once a year, and kept in stable humidity, keeps its sound and touch for decades.
The U series: U1, U2, U3
Looking for a piano for a large living room, an advanced student or a teacher? The U3 gives a deep, full sound. Looking for a piano for an apartment and daily practice? The U1 suits most homes. The U1 is the compact one in the family, about 121 cm tall, and suits many apartments. The U2 sits in the middle, about 126 cm tall. The U3 is the tallest in the family, about 131 cm, with a broad, full sound that fills a living room. The width is similar across all of them, so the difference goes upward, in the strings and the soundboard. Exact dimensions vary by year and version. A detailed comparison: Yamaha U1 vs U3.
What to check when playing
Sit and play each piano for a minute or two, and the same short piece on two pianos one after another. Listen to the bass, the middle and the treble, and pay attention to the touch: a slow scale, and the same note softly and loudly. At the end, a moment of silence - which sound stays with you. Two Yamaha pianos of the same model can feel different, so choose by the piano under your hands. A piano teacher who comes with you can add a professional impression.
In the store you will hear Kawai pianos alongside Yamaha, according to stock, and Alexian pianos, for which Zohar Pianos is the exclusive importer in Israel. More on inspection: pre-owned piano checklist.
After you choose
Professional moving nationwide. Every piano move we do is fully insured from start to finish with comprehensive coverage, at no extra cost - so you are covered, protected and completely at ease. Tuning in your home comes one to two weeks after arrival, followed by ongoing support over the years, including the Zohar Pianos Plus membership, designed for pianos bought at Zohar Pianos. You can also start with rental from the store, with no commitment, with the option to credit up to six months of rent on purchase, as agreed.
Next step
Book a visit to the store and gallery at 28 Ben Atar, or message us on WhatsApp and call 050-7750691. Tell us what you are looking for, and we will have the Yamaha pianos available to play ready for you. We are here for you.
Links: Upright pianos · Yamaha U1 vs U3 · Kawai pianos · Alexian pianos · How to choose an upright piano · Piano rental
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the U1, U2 and U3?
Mainly the height: the U1 is about 121 cm, the U2 about 126 cm and the U3 about 131 cm. A taller piano gives a broader, fuller sound. The difference is clearest when you play the same piece on both.
Which style suits the Yamaha U?
Its balanced, bright sound suits classical music, jazz and light music, and accompanies beginners and advanced players alike.
How do I know how old a Yamaha piano is and where it was made?
The serial number identifies the model, year and place of manufacture. We will gladly check it with you in the store.
Can I come just to play a Yamaha?
Of course. Arrange a visit, tell us what you are looking for, and we will have the pianos available to play ready for you.