Kawai vs Yamaha upright piano: which to buy?
An honest comparison of pre-loved Japanese Kawai and Yamaha uprights: how the model codes line up, what the two actions do differently, and what support an imported piano has in Australia.
ReadThe pianos
Pre-loved Japanese uprightsHand-picked in Japan, checked in MelbournePre-loved Japanese grandsSalon and concert grands from Yamaha and KawaiDigital pianosRoland, Kawai, Casio and Yamaha, coming soon63 Blackburn Road, Mount Waverley VIC 3149
Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm. Sunday by appointment.
Plain answers on choosing, buying and caring for a pre-loved Japanese piano. Every piano we sell is hand-picked in Japan and checked in our Mount Waverley workshop, and these are the questions we're asked most along the way.
An honest comparison of pre-loved Japanese Kawai and Yamaha uprights: how the model codes line up, what the two actions do differently, and what support an imported piano has in Australia.
ReadThe pre-loved U and YU series were built in Hamamatsu. Here is how to read the plate on the frame, and why the J in a serial number fools so many buyers.
ReadThe letter on the end of a Yamaha model number is a production era, not a grade. Here is how to read U3H, U3M, U3A, UX3, YU3 and YUS on a listing, and the three things the code cannot tell you.
ReadWhat a pre-loved Yamaha upright actually sells for in Australia, with every figure dated and linked to its source. Price bands by model, the new-piano comparison, and what tuning and moving add.
ReadMost pre-loved Yamahas in Australia were built for Japan. What that means, what the local distributors warn about, and what to check before you buy.
ReadEverything Australian buyers need to know about the current-generation Yamaha U3 upright — its grand-like tone, silent options, and why buying new matters here.
ReadEvery piano in the showroom was hand-picked in Japan and checked in our Mount Waverley workshop. Book a private visit and play as many as you like.