Best Upright Pianos Selection: A Guide to Picking Superior Uprights
In the realm of musical instruments, upright pianos have been a cornerstone of musical expression for over two centuries. This article delves into the world of upright pianos, exploring their history, advantages, and the top models available today.
The Evolving Landscape of Upright Pianos
Upright pianos, with their compact design and rich history, have evolved significantly since the development of the "clavicytherium" in the early 18th century. Today, they cater to a variety of needs, from space efficiency and cost-effectiveness to durability and sound characteristics.
Acclaimed Acoustic Upright Pianos
Yamaha U1
Known as the gold standard in medium-grade upright pianos, the Yamaha U1 offers excellent playability, tone quality, and tuning stability. Frequently recommended for its reliability and outstanding musical performance at a reasonable price, it is considered the sweet spot for value and quality in the upright piano market.
High-end Yamaha YUS5
For professional or advanced players requiring more expressive control, the high-end Yamaha YUS5 stands out. Featuring a rare true sostenuto pedal, this premium model offers advanced pedal control similar to grand pianos.
Other notable brands with high-quality uprights include Kawai, Mason & Hamlin, Perzina, and Steinberg — these brands are often cited alongside Yamaha for premium uprights.
Digital Upright Pianos
Casio AP-S450
New in 2025, the Casio AP-S450 boasts a hybrid wood/resin responsive key action, a compact and stylish contemporary cabinet design, and realistic acoustic grand piano sounds sampled from Steinway grands. It also includes a proprietary controller app for iOS and Android with educational and entertainment functions.
Kawai CN201
Priced around $2,299, the Kawai CN201 is well-suited for beginners to skilled players. Offering a responsive key action and a "grand feel" pedaling system to simulate acoustic piano, it comes with a padded bench and a 5-year factory warranty, making it reliable and maintenance-free.
Roland RP701
The Roland RP701 is an entry-to-mid-level digital upright with a full-size console and real wood cabinet. Featuring Roland’s PHA-4 Standard keyboard action, known for excellent playability and responsiveness, it boasts 324 onboard sounds and Bluetooth audio streaming. Slim and affordable, it is ideal for home players and beginners seeking quality tone and aesthetic appeal.
Key Features to Consider for Upright Pianos
Action and Touch
Acoustic uprights use vertical hammer action with bridle straps influencing touch and repetition speed, while digital uprights model this with weighted keys.
Pedals
Acoustic upright pedals differ from grand pianos, with the left pedal reducing hammer striking distance rather than shifting action, and the middle pedal usually a practice mute pedal. Premium models may offer a true sostenuto pedal similar to grands.
Sound Quality
Acoustic uprights deliver authentic resonance, while digital uprights utilize high-quality samples or modeling of grand pianos, with added variety in tones and digital features.
Build and Aesthetics
Uprights vary from compact space-saving designs to larger studio models with furniture-grade cabinetry.
Making the Right Choice
Invest in the best piano you can afford, prioritising pianos that sound pleasing to your ear and feel comfortable under your fingers. Consider your available space, factor in ongoing costs, choose a piano that can accommodate your musical growth, and remember that the perfect upright piano is one that inspires you to play and fits seamlessly into your life and space.
Digital pianos offer convenience features like volume control and multiple sounds, but an upright acoustic piano provides an unparalleled playing experience, offering rich, organic sound, natural resonance, nuanced control, and longevity.
Regular tuning, humidity control, temperature control, cleaning, playing habits, positioning, professional servicing, pest control, moving the piano, insurance, and resale preparation are important for maintaining and caring for upright pianos.
A resurgence of interest in acoustic instruments has led to renewed appreciation for upright pianos in the 21st Century. Whether you're an advanced pianist, a discerning teacher, or a serious musician, this article aims to help you find the right choice for your needs.
- Upright pianos, beginning as the "clavicytherium" in the 18th century, have advanced significantly, catering today to a wide range of needs, from space efficiency and cost-effectiveness to durability and sound characteristics.
- The Yamaha U1, a medium-grade upright piano, offers excellent playability, tone quality, and tuning stability, often being recommended for its reliability and outstanding musical performance at an affordable price.
- For advanced players seeking more expressive control, the premium Yamaha YUS5, featuring a true sostenuto pedal, might be more fitting, offering advanced pedal control similar to that of grand pianos.
- Brands like Kawai, Mason & Hamlin, Perzina, and Steinberg are also renowned for producing high-quality upright pianos, often being mentioned alongside Yamaha for premium models.
- In the digital realm, a noteworthy option is the Casio AP-S450, boasting a hybrid key action, realistic grand piano sounds, and educational and entertainment functions through a proprietary controller app.
