YAMAHA FIRST U1 MODEL
If you are looking for an upright piano that sounds really good and dont wish to burn a big hole in your pocket, this piano is definitely your first choice. Yamaha U1D is the first generation of U1 in the U series. The U1D was designed based on Yamaha’s acclaimed U SERIES upright acoustic piano line. Complementing the U series excellent tonal characteristic with exterior refinements, it features a well-polished finish that maintains the beauty of the instrument over a lifetime ! Note that Yamaha dont really release white color other than black and mahogany or walnut, this unit is custom made by our skilled technician and we pride our workmanship in 30 years of restoring pianos.
1. The Entry level Examination pianos
U series is undoubtedly the most popular and highly demanded upright piano ever made which were released in the early 1970s in Japan. Other than U1D, there were U1E, U1F, U1G, U1H, U1M, U1A and the Indonesia made U1J.
Yamaha U1 pianos are the entry level instrument in Yamaha’s U Series of professional-quality pianos. This piano features the same high quality components and high standard of construction as the U3, but in a smaller case. The U1 also has a less powerful tone than the U3, so is ideally suited to smaller rooms where a U3 might overpower, both physically and in terms of volume. Though the U1 is a smaller instrument, the quality of the tone is still full and precise, and the keyboard action light and responsive. We recommend Yamaha U Series pianos to pianists of all abilities; the light, refined action makes these instruments suitable for the youngest beginners while the quality of tone and sturdiness of build means a piano for life, for the most discerning pianist. The U1D, like all U Series instruments, doesnt comes with a practice pedal but we converted into one, enabling evening practice without disturbing others.
You would notice the YAMAHA Logo was not on the fallboard but in the top right of the front board. There is no difference in product quality between the placement of the logo. I guess Yamaha intended to place the logo there at the first place in order for people to notice its a Yamaha piano from far away. However, the rest of the U1’s logo were all hidden on the fallboard.
2. Specification
| Size | 121(H) x 150(W) x 61(D) cm |
| Action | First Gen composite action |
| SoundBoard Material | Solid Spruce |
| Back Post | 5 |
| Tuning pin | Nickel Pin |
| Key Surface | Real Ivory / Yamaha Acrylic |
| Hammer | maple |
| Duplex Scale | – |
| Center pedal | practice pedal |
| Music Rack | upright |
| Fallboard | upright |
3. Tonality and Voicing
- Strong and bright treble tone.
- Powerful bass tone.
- Extremely Responsive touch
- strong & reliable solid spruce Soundboard
The touch is impeccable as i always agree that Yamaha piano has one of the best, responsive keyboard feedback.
Please note that not ALL U1D can be restored to be equal especially when you see some cheap price tag on internet. U1D is a close to 50 years old piano and it needed a serious restoration such as changing keytop, felt and also converting pedals. We pride our restoration skills and would like you to test it out for yourself.
4. EXCEEDINGLY GOOD VALUE
I would say this piano is like Perodua Myvi, one of highly demanded budget car in Malaysia. Its cheap, reliable and you will not have any regret getting one. If you have higher budget then consider U1H or U1M, the much newer u1 in U1 series.
5 . Conclusion – The Beginner Choice.
| I would recommend this upright piano for all beginner and intermediate piano students as it is an economic 121cm standard exam upright piano that could fulfil anyone’s musicality practice requirements for exam. The combination of good value, craftsmanship and embrace of technology has made YAMAHA U1D piano the choice of many teachers, students and schools. |
