Yamaha U3 Studio Upright Piano
Yamaha U3 Measurements and Weight
Height - 52”
Depth - 26”
Length - 60-”
Weight - 517 lbs
The Yamaha U3 is a full-sized upright piano that has become a staple in conservatories, schools, and recording studios around the world. Introduced alongside the smaller U1, the U3 was designed to offer greater power, tonal depth, and resonance, thanks to its taller cabinet and longer strings.
At 52" tall, the U3 has consistently been Yamaha’s flagship upright—offering a sound that rivals small grands while maintaining the footprint and convenience of a vertical piano. First introduced in the 1950s, the U3 gained popularity through the decades for its durability, balanced tone, and consistent action. By the 1980s, it had become a go-to instrument for serious pianists and institutions alike.
Yamaha U3: 1980s Models vs. Today’s Production
While the U3’s core design has remained remarkably stable over time, there have been several notable updates to modern models:
Soft-Close Fallboard: Modern U3s include a slow-fall mechanism to protect hands and reduce wear on the cabinet.
Refined Action Geometry: Improved precision and responsiveness across the entire key range.
Advanced Materials: Yamaha now uses synthetic alternatives in select action components, increasing resistance to humidity and temperature changes.
Factory Voicing Improvements: Enhanced voicing and hammer prep at the factory for a more consistent and expressive tone.
1980s U3s featured high-quality spruce soundboards, sturdy cabinetry, and aluminum action rails—an innovation introduced by Yamaha to combat warping and ensure long-term regulation stability. Many pianos from this era remain in excellent condition when properly maintained or refurbished.
Enduring Legacy
Whether built in the 1980s or today, the Yamaha U3 continues to be one of the most respected upright pianos on the market. Its impressive tonal range, dynamic control, and reliability make it a standout choice for players who need a serious instrument without the footprint of a grand.
Check out the Yamaha U3s that we have in our inventory!
We offer free out of state shipping and provide a Free Complimentary Tuning, 10-Year Parts & Labor Warranty and our Lifetime Trade-up Option.
