The Best Upright Piano to Get When Learning to Play The Piano

Has anyone in your family expressed an interest in learning to play the piano? If they have, consider investing in an upright acoustic piano so they can practice what their instructor has taught them. 

With so many different upright digital and electric pianos to choose from, how can you decide which is the best upright piano? In this article, we look at five of the best quality uprights available. 

We also offer you some advice to help you buy the right one to meet the needs of the person, even if it is yourself the best. 

Five of the Best Upright Acoustic Piano Money Can Buy Today

1. Yamaha SU7

This is the flagship model of the many upright pianos that Yamaha makes. It has been handcrafted using the finest materials and comes with a keyboard that is unlike any other. 

The simple and classic look of the cabinet, which is in polished ebony, hides behind it some fantastic features. 

You first notice that this one has the longest key sticks of any of Yamaha’s upright models. As a result, it provides optimum dynamic and sensitive control and allows you to create variations in tonal color and shading.

The actual upright hammers in this upright piano are of the exact specification as those found in Yamaha’s CFX concert grand. You will find that these help to offer superior clarity and sound. 

2. Seiler 132 Konzert

The Seiler 132 Konzert is the largest upright piano being made by this company. It is 52 inches tall and is ideal if you are looking for a piano that produces good-quality sound.

You will find that the strings’ length and the soundboard area’s surface are much longer compared to a small grand piano. 

Just like the other musical instruments made by Seiler, the 132 Konzert is made by hand and from high-quality materials such as the wood of the Bavarian white spruce tree. 

This piano also comes with a unique soundboard system. It is known as the Soundboard Membrator system. This is one of this instrument’s basic features and is something you will not find in any other pianos since Seiler owns this unique patent. 

If you look closely, you will notice that the soundboard in this Seiler upright piano is much thicker than the center of it. This helps to make the soundboard membrane much more resonant and responsive. 

3. Yamaha U3 SH2 PE Piano

This is yet another superb upright Piano from Yamaha. This model is 51.5 inches tall, and the polished black exterior helps enhance this piano’s classical look. 

With its expansive acoustic chamber and soundboard, it provides this instrument with extended projection and power. 

As you play the Yamaha U3 SH2 PE piano, you will notice it has the natural touch you often get when playing a grand piano. 

This new piano in the Yamaha Silent range provides you with enhanced quiet features that provide a much richer sound quality. It will give you the same sound source as Yamaha´s CFX Grand. 

4. Kawai K-600 E/P Piano

The Kawai K-600 E/P piano is very similar to the range of pianos that make up Yamaha´s U series. 

You will find that the tone this piano produces is very similar to the ones that Yamaha´s U series pianos produce. 

This make of upright piano is popular with piano teachers as they are much more affordable. 

Unlike the best upright pianos discussed in this article, this one isn’t made from wood. Instead, it is made using plastic and composite materials. This is what helps to make this piano so affordable. 

You will be surprised by the level of tonal quality and performance of this standard piano. Many believe it is good enough to rival the tonal and performance qualities of some grand pianos. 

5. Bluthner Haessler Model HB116

Like previous versions of the Bluthner Haessler, this has been produced to celebrate its 16th anniversary. 

The Model HB116 combines timeless elegance with clean lines and modern features. It is still made using the same traditional craft methods that help to ensure that it still produces a sound that denotes it is a Bluthner piano. 

Unlike other upright pianos discussed here, this one is among the smallest; it stands just 45 inches tall. 

It will look great in any room because of the black polish finish that is further accented by solid brass decorative elements.

Advice On Buying the Best Upright Piano You Can Afford 

When it comes to buying an upright piano it can prove quite challenging especially if you’ve never purchased such an instrument before. 

With so many different makes and models to choose from, finding the best upright piano for your requirements may take some time. You should never rush into purchasing the first one you think is suitable. 

To ensure that you purchase the right upright piano for your needs, we offer some tips below you may find helpful. 

Tip 1 – How Does It Sound?

Before you purchase any piano, it is worth trying to play it to determine what it sounds like. 

Generally, speaking, you should be looking for one with a good round sound that is also full. The only way of determining this is by taking a closer look at the materials from which the hammers and soundboard are made. If high-quality materials have been used in the making of the piano it will ensure that the quality of sound produced when played is much better. 

Of course, if you are unsure what a piano should sound like, you may want to consider asking someone who already plays such an instrument for their advice. 

If you are just starting to learn to play the piano, ask your teacher to come along with you when you go shopping for yours. 

When you play the piano to see if you like the sound, simply play each note with the same amount of strength. 

Tip 2 – What Are the Keys Like?

Is the surface of the keys smooth without any cracks or damage? 

Additionally, do the keys have sufficient resistance as you play the piano? If you notice that when you play the piano the keys offer a lot more resistance compared to the keys on some digital pianos. 

It also indicates that they don’t have sufficient cushioning to prevent too much shock from transmitting into your fingers’ joints as you play. 

Tip 3 – Where Will You Be Putting It In Your Home?

You must know the exact dimensions of the upright piano you are considering purchasing. This way you can make sure that there is sufficient space in the room where you want to keep it. 

It should be noted that there is one room in your home where you should never place a piano. That room is a conservatory. The problem with such spaces is that the temperature can vary quite a bit throughout the day. 

Ideally, you should place it in a room that ensures it won’t sit in direct sunlight. You should also avoid putting it close to any heat source in the room, such as a radiator. 

If you want to ensure that your piano remains in good working condition for years, keep it in a room where humidity levels stay between 45 and 70% at all times. Never place it in a room where the temperature can go above 20 degrees Centigrade.

Tip 4 – What Kind Of Warranty Does It Come With?

For such instruments that often come with a very high price tag, buying one with a good warranty is crucial. 

You should look to purchase a new upright piano that comes with a warranty that is valid for at least five years. 

It should also be noted that you should never buy your piano from an unauthorized private retailer. Unfortunately, companies such as Steinway and Yamaha will not provide warranty coverage for their instruments if purchased in such a way. Getting yours from sellers authorized to sell these companies’ instruments is best. 

A Bit About Piano Brands 

Yamaha 

The company was founded in 1887 by Torakusu Yamaha. He first began making instruments ten years earlier. The first instrument he ever built was a reed organ. 

Just 13 years later, in 1900, the company started making upright pianos and has produced such instruments for over 120 years. 

During this time, Yamaha gained a reputation for building high-quality instruments. 

Seiler 

This company has been making pianos for over 170 years and, in that time, has earned a reputation for producing high-quality instruments. 

The company was founded in 1849 by Eduard Seiler in Kitzingen, Germany. By 1923, this company was able to build up to 3,000 pianos each year. It also became the largest manufacturer of pianos in Eastern Europe. 

During World War II, the company’s factory was lost, and they chose to move. First, they relocated to Denmark before returning to Kitzingen in 1961. 

Although Seiler was then sold to a South Korean company, their pianos continued to be made in Germany. 

Kawai

Kaichi Kawai founded Kawai, a relatively new company, in 1927. 

Production of their pianos did not commence until the 1980s. It has since gained a reputation for producing fine-quality pianos. 

Kawai only builds four types of upright pianos for you to purchase. 

Bluthner

Bluthner is now one of the four most prominent companies that continue to make pianos for amateur and professional use. 

The company was first set up in 1853 by Julius Bluthner in Leipzig, Germany. Since its foundation, it has gone from strength to strength. During the Second World War, manufacturing of pianos ceased as it was chosen to be where the Hindenburg airship would be made. 

The actual making of pianos by this company did not recommence until 1948. It went through some difficult times, but when the German Reunification took place in 1990, the Bluthner family regained control of the company and helped it become world-renowned. 

FAQ 

How long will an upright piano last? 

Typically, as long as you take good care of a piano, it should last for more than 20 years before it needs replacing. Indeed, proper maintenance, including regular tuning, will help to improve the longevity of these beautiful instruments. 

Is buying a second-hand upright piano a good idea? 

If you don’t have sufficient funds to purchase a new upright piano, you can consider buying one second-hand. It is important to note that there will be no warranty coverage. Should any problems arise, you will have to pay for any repairs out of your pocket. 

How much does an upright piano cost? 

The cost of the best upright pianos varies, as it depends on the quality of materials used to make them. On average, they have a price range of between $3,000 to $20,000 for such musical instruments. Being able to find one that meets your budget should not prove difficult. 

Let’s Wrap Things Up 

With so many different upright pianos to choose from, deciding which one is right for your needs can prove overwhelming 

However, we hope that the information we have provided above will prove helpful in selecting the right one. 

Before making your final choice, we suggest you try several different models. The best way to do this is to visit a local store selling such instruments. 

Plan to spend a little time playing each one to see if you feel comfortable playing it. Plus, don’t forget to look closely at the quality of the build and listen closely to how it sounds. 

If you are just learning to play the piano, we recommend that you arrange for an experienced pianist to go shopping with you. You may even want to consider asking your piano teacher to come with you or suggest a suitable upright piano for your needs. 

As we’ve already mentioned above, finding one that fits your budget should not be difficult and will still help you play some excellent music on them. 

Of course, at the end of the day, your taste will help you decide which upright piano you buy. 

We hope that you have found all the information and reviews provided in this article helpful.