YAMAHA UX30A - Higher End U3

Yamaha has long been celebrated as a pioneer in the piano world, earning a reputation in the United States for delivering exceptional quality and performance. Before Yamaha’s rise, the American market was dominated by domestic manufacturers like Baldwin, Steinway, Kimball, and Wurlitzer.

However, by the 1980s, the decline in quality from these brands created an opportunity for Yamaha to establish itself as a game-changer with its impeccably crafted upright pianos.
Among these, the Yamaha U Series, particularly the U3, became a gold standard for serious pianists who needed an instrument that sounded phenomenal and performed reliably—even under demanding conditions.

While U Series pianos revolutionized the U.S. market, Japan had exclusive access to even more refined models. Many Japanese homes do not have enough space for a grand piano, so there was a high demand for concert level upright pianos built with the same quality and materials as their C and CF series grand pianos.

The Yamaha UX30A stands out as one of the most overbuilt and luxurious upright pianos Yamaha has ever produced. Designed during an era when Yamaha prioritized quality and innovation above all, the UX30A incorporates numerous premium features reserved for high-end instruments, making it a favorite among discerning musicians and technicians alike.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the UX30A is its upgraded soundboard, crafted from top-quality spruce for enhanced resonance and a fuller, richer tone. This superior soundboard is supported by Yamaha’s advanced X-bracing back post design, which provides unparalleled structural integrity and tonal stability. The innovative X-bracing ensures even distribution of tension across the frame, resulting in a more consistent and powerful sound projection.

Additionally, the piano boasts an extremely thick cutoff bar, further contributing to its exceptional tonal clarity and sustain, particularly in the bass and midrange registers.

The UX30A is equipped with premium hammers sharing the same high grade felt as Yamaha's CF line of hand made grand pianos, which produces nuanced tonal expression and durability. Paired with upgraded strings and precision-engineered tuning pins, this piano delivers a level of tuning stability and tonal richness that rivals many grand pianos.

Every component is designed to meet the needs of professional musicians and demanding performance environments, ensuring the UX30A remains a reliable and rewarding instrument over time.

Beyond its internal features, the UX30A’s cabinet exudes elegance and functionality. It features a grand piano-style fallboard that adds a touch of sophistication, while its large, forward-projecting music desk provides ample surface area for oversized music books or complex arrangements. This thoughtful design element not only enhances the piano's aesthetics but also makes it a practical choice for serious musicians. The clean, refined lines and attention to detail in the cabinet design ensure that the UX30A looks as impressive as it sounds.
In every sense, the Yamaha UX30A is a testament to Yamaha’s commitment to excellence, combining overbuilt construction, premium materials, and exquisite craftsmanship to create an upright piano that feels and performs like no other.

(note from the store owner / technician)
I have to say… this is one of the most beautifully preserved early 1990s era Yamaha pianos that we have ever received. Outside of its impressive build spec, the cabinet, soundboard, hammers and keys look brand new. While all of the pianos we bring in from Japan are grade A, this one is exceptional. If I had a friend or family member looking for a high end used upright, this would be the first on my list of suggestions.

This piano has undergone the following procedures in its refurbishing.

• Full Cabinet Overhaul (polished, to remove normal wear and tear scratches)
• Brass Hardware Buffing
• Key Pins Polished
• Tuning Pins Polished
• New Key Bushings
• Interior Clean and Detail
• Intensive Key Detailing
• Keyboard Leveled (to Yamaha spec)
• Action Regulated (to Yamaha spec)
• Hammers Voiced (in our showroom)