Yamaha M500C - Acoustic Upright

Advantages: Responsive, beautiful tone, elegant
Disadvantages: Hard to clean, loud!

...that you only need to tap it to get a response. This makes it perfect for more technical work, such as trills and ornaments, which are so difficult on an older piano with a less responsive action. Yamaha is the brand to go for if you want a superior upright, without the extortionate cost of a Steinway. But it is vital that you consider the risks of buying second hand. You should be able to get a decent used U3 for around £2-3000, but to be honest it's not worth the hassle. You can't really tell the condition of the soundboard, how much wear it's had and whether it needs a complete overhaul. The only problem with buying a new one is that they go down quickly in value. However, they do tend to stabilise at around this price, making it a good investment. You have to also take into account that the older Yamahas were less well made... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Quality and cost.
Disadvantages: Doesn't quite have the status of the similar size Steinway piano.

...I have been able to compare the largest Yamaha Upright with the equivalent pianos from Steinway and the mass produced Boston (marketed by Steinway) These pianos look identical in size and shape. If you are a serious musician, and you keep in practice, you will probably prefer the Steinway. This has a firm touch, giving an experienced player a wider dynamic range and range of expression. The Boston is identical, but about half the price of the Steinway, and has a lighter touch. The largest Yamaha upright is also identical, and has a lighter touch than the Boston. It is between a quarter and a third of the price of the Steinway. Used Steinways and Bostons are rather difficult to locate, and if they have been reconditioned it is important to establish who has done the work, as a used piano is only as good as the technician... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Loud clean sounding
Disadvantages: None

...If you've read many of my op's you've probably figured out I'm a musical type of person, but not the type that jingles whilst walking. For years I have enjoyed playing rhythm guitar both privately and on the road but never more so than on my Yamaha 12 String. It's a lovely full size instrument that creates amazing volume even without an amp, and by far outdoes all the other acoustics I have had or used in the past, and I have had some nice ones. The overall design is pretty standard at first glance, but if you look a little closer, or better yet actually try one you can appreciate the really low fretting that gives a very smooth action, and in the case of my one having dreadnought fretting it's even smoother. The head of the guitar is well shaped also, and fitted out with chrome keys that really set of the rose wood neck... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful