Quality Student / Intermediate Instruments?

[steve jones]

Hi all,

Just wanted to get a few opinions on the better low end instruments. Im looking at acoustic uprights. Obviously this is all very subjective etc, but if you could give me an idea of which makes / models are popular with students (upto and beyond gr8 level), then Id be most grateful.

Btw, I can probably get some steals with Yamaha, so if anyone has any experience with these Id be every interested to hear about it!

Thanks 

[alzado]

Steve--

I have a 5'8" grand piano at home to practice on, but I take my lessons on an upright Yamaha studio-size piano. 

I really love this Yamaha.  It has a great sound, and very fine key action. 

I wish I had more of a broad knowledge, so as to give you better advice.

[steve jones]

Excellent, thanks for the input Alzado. Yep, Iv been consistently impressed with Yamaha instruments, so it follows that the pianos would follow suit.

Just to clarify the question a little - Im purely looking for testimonials. If anyone has any personal experience with this range of instruments, then Im interested in hearing abou it. I dont feel I need indepth advice on how to shop for and select instruments in general etc.

Thanks again all!

[virtuoso_735]

Hi Steve.

I have a Yamaha 48" U1 upright piano, and I am quite satisfied with it. Yamahas make fine instruments, with a nice action, touch, and a distinctive tone. Some people are not too fond of Yamaha's bright and crisp tone, but it's very good for jazz, and very much sufficient for any type of classical music as well. Most people go up to grade 8 or even the diplomas with a Yamaha. I would advise you look at used U series pianos, as they can very well be in your price range.

[jeremyjchilds]

I tuned a hundred or so Yamaha uprights over the last year.

I was rarely impressed with the tone, but I was usually pleased with the integrity of the action components, the positive touch, and general build quality. You can play higher level pieces on these pianos, and the only thing sacrificed is the sound. (when comparing to other uprights of the same size)

I find (in general) that the stringing scales do not plague the upper registers with false beats (to the same degree as the Pear river-style manufacturers)

If I had to have a small piano on a very tight budget, I would not hesitate to purchase a used P2 or P20

[steve jones]

Great, thanks for the opinions guys. Jeremy, I shall put the P2 / P20 on my short list to check out, along with the Yami.