Which would you choose?

[pianissimo1000]

A 1988 Yamaha U3 that has been maintained well, plays well, and is in good condition, or a 2014 Yamaha B3 that has also been maintained well, plays well, but with an action that’s noticeably better than the U3?

The B3 is $1K more expensive.

[pianos-galore]

If you're choosing between a 1988 Yamaha U3 and a 2014 Yamaha B3, the decision hinges on what matters most to you: action, sound, and long-term reliability. Here’s how they compare:

Action: You mentioned the action on the B3 is noticeably better. Since action is one of your key concerns, especially in your exploration of silent pianos and upgrading from digital, the B3 might be more comfortable for you in terms of playability. Newer pianos often have smoother, more responsive action, particularly with regular use and maintenance.

Sound and Tone: The U3 is renowned for its powerful, rich tone, especially in the bass, due to its taller frame (52") compared to the B3 (48"). If acoustic sound quality matters, even if you're mostly using a VST, the U3 may provide a deeper resonance. However, the B3, while smaller, can still deliver a balanced sound, but it won’t have the same depth as the U3.

Age and Reliability: The U3 is 26 years older than the B3, so while it’s in good condition now, an older piano may need more regular maintenance as it ages, including potential action regulation or voicing adjustments. The B3, being only 10 years old, likely has more life left before needing significant work.

Price: The B3 being $1K more expensive reflects its newer age and potentially better resale value, especially if its action suits your needs better right now. However, if you prefer the tone of the U3 and don't mind a slightly heavier action, the lower price could make it a great option.

If the action on the B3 feels noticeably better to you and you’re focusing on playability with a slight edge towards newer, more reliable hardware, I’d lean towards the 2014 Yamaha B3, even with the extra cost. However, if you love the deeper tone of the U3 and are okay with a bit more maintenance down the line, the U3 is still a classic, highly respected choice.
---------------
Pianos-Galore www.pianos-galore.com: The Resource Site for Piano Enthusiasts