Yamaha B Series.......

[ween1]

Hi

Looking at buying a Yamaha upright- has anyone had any experience with the relatively new B Series pianos (the B2 model in particular)??

Also any feedback on the U1 is much appreciated.

Im confused- am fairly set on the yamaha but not sure which one to go for.........

Comments please!

[quantum]

So what characteristics attract you to Yamaha and not other brands?

[mikebechstein]

Yamaha b series is a good little starter piano. But, it is a starter piano. The action is light and it is often aimed at starter children who find this a good thing. If you are buying a piano and may progress to pieces a little more advanced in the future the I would suggest buying from the P series as these are better pianos. They cost a little more but can take an adult much further. It would save the hassle of upgrading later on and you would have a better instrument from the beginning as well.

Not sure what your budget is but, if you can afford it, the Yamaha U series are quality uprights that are often used in music schools.

However, as Quantam says above, why not other brands? If you have seen a b you like then go for it but be aware that as you progress it may limit you. If you haven’t seen a particular one you like then go for a P or U (if you can afford it) if you must have Yamaha. If the brand does not matter then consider other respected makes in the same price range but seek advice from a good shop owner or independent technician first. There are some excellent under priced gems out there (such as Irmler) and some overpriced pieces of junk also.

Good luck!

[ween1]

Hi

I played for a long time up to grade 8 standard but havent played for 6 or 7 years. my old piano is not in good shape and I have always liked the Yamahas that I have seen - although open to suggestions.

I have a budget of approx £2000 ($4000) so the U1 is probably the preferred choice out of the lot, I dont know much about the P range.

Want to start playing again but I need something up to the job!

[quantum]

Have you considered a used piano?  A used U1 or U3 in good condition would do you well. 

But why only Yamaha.  What are the characteristics of the piano you desire?  Have you tried other brands?  Are you only considering Yamaha because that is what you have played on in the past? 

[ween1]

I am open to other brands, have just heard that the Yamaha was a good investment.

Am happy to buy a used piano, but only having had one piano ever (which is very old!) I am a bit confused about the best thing to buy. I need something which will last well and will be an investment.

Looking at all the makes of piano is a minefield! And I am confused............

[iheartpiano]

Yamaha's are alright and I heard the U1 is a good piano. 

However, I prefer Kawai as I'm in love with the mellow tones their pianos are known to produce.  Try out a Kawai upright if you can (the K series).  The one I was considering purchasing a few months ago was the K-5. 

[stars1234]

Yamaha (if that's what you have your heart set on) U2.

But there are other quality, versus cookie-cutter pianos out there.

Look around.  Play many, many, many.  See what is best for you.

Yamahas are a bit harsh. Even the best voicing, can't take this down.  But this is okay if you need a piano that will cut over other instruments. It's bad if you want an instrument that will sing. Yamaha's have essentially one voice--the tone color is not that changable, as you may find with some other pianos.

Quality wise, it is good.

If you are learning to play a piano though, and you have the room, you really need to get a grand or even an electronic, which has a "grand" style action. Playing on an upright and playing on a grand is very different.   Any upright will limit you.

I'd really look for a used/rebuilt grand. Have it check out thoroughly. If you like it, buy it. Enjoy it. Learn what an "una corda" (left pedal --not "soft" or "legato," as some call it) is. Playing softly is done with the touch, not with the pedal.

An upright also does not have a middle, sostenuto, pedal.  This can be extremely important in some music, such as Debussy, Rachmaninoff.

But if all you can afford is an upright *you may be able to find an okay grand for the same price as a Yamaha U2, then go for it.  Please look around though. And read Larry Fine's book on buying a piano.

[quantum]

Yamahas are a bit harsh. Even the best voicing, can't take this down. 

Not entirely true in my experience.  I have heard some superbly voiced Yamahas, ones which I would gladly play over a Steinway or other tier 1 piano.  But then again these were pianos maintained for concert use. 

A lot of Yamahas are used in institutions, and such heavy use may be a contributor to unwieldy tone.  This is not to say they are not up to the job.  Consistent maintenance and careful voicing over the life of the piano will keep it in top shape. 

[gregman88]

A note from the States, where the Yamaha B series has just arrived (2013). The "laminate" word seems to invoke a negative image, but the Yamaha sound board on these pianos is more of a veneer.  We have been told that the center section is spruce, and of normal piano thickness. A thin veneer of spruce is high frequency glued to either side. These veneers vibrate freely and add no significant tonal change. The huge benefit is the ability to withstand climate changes.

The process is not new. Samick introduced this technology in the 90s and lost a lawsuit because they insisted on using the term "veneer" instead of "laminate". Technically, the woods are, indeed, laminated.

I know the Yamaha corporation well, and they would never create or include a feature that impedes the musicality and respect they have worked so hard to achieve.