Why Preowned Yamaha Pianos Are a Smart Choice
- pianosnowportland
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read

If you're thinking about buying a piano, you're already on a meaningful path. Whether it's your first instrument or you're upgrading to something more permanent, choosing the right piano is a decision that can shape your musical life for decades. For many players, from beginners to professionals, Yamaha is one of many great choices you could make. And if you're considering a Yamaha, you've come to the right place.
Click here to browse our hand-selected, expertly restored Yamaha pianos at Pianos Now.
Why Yamaha? A Legacy of Reliability and Musicality
It is no accident Yamaha has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted names in piano manufacturing. Since building their first piano in 1900, Yamaha has combined precision engineering with musical craftsmanship to produce instruments that are known for their clarity, consistency, and reliability.
Yamaha pianos are especially popular for:
Their expressive yet balanced tone, which suits a wide range of musical styles
Stable, responsive action, ideal for both beginners and advanced players
Long-term durability, even in institutional or high-use settings
Excellent value, offering premium performance at a more accessible price than many European counterparts
They’re a go-to choice for music schools, churches, private teachers, and families alike.
Comparing Yamaha to Other Top Brands
It’s common for buyers to compare Yamaha to names like Kawai, Steinway, and Steingraeber. Here’s the honest truth: these are all excellent piano brands but they serve different needs.
European brands like Steingraeber tend to emphasize complexity and nuance in tone. They are some of the very best pianos in the world. They’re also dramatically more expensive and not always ideal for a first time buyer.
Kawai shares Yamaha’s reputation for innovation and is often compared in tone and feel. Some players prefer Kawai’s warmer tone, while Yamaha tends toward brightness and clarity. Yamaha has a feeling of precision and immediacy when you play, though both are great choices.
Steinway pianos, particularly the hand-built New York or Hamburg models, are iconic. The price reflects that stature accordingly. Yamaha offers a much more affordable entry point with build quality that’s consistently excellent. For many buyers, Yamaha delivers 90% of the Steinway experience at a fraction of the cost.
If you’re looking for a versatile, beautifully made instrument that can meet your needs today and grow with you over time, Yamaha is a fantastic choice and our team at Pianos Now is here to help you find the right one.
Why Buy a Pre-Owned Yamaha?
Here’s something many first-time buyers don’t realize: Yamaha pianos are built to last. A well-maintained Yamaha upright or grand can easily play beautifully for 40 to 60 years or more. That means buying a pre-owned model, especially one that’s been professionally restored, is a smart way to get the best possible value.
At Pianos Now, every Yamaha piano we sell has been meticulously inspected and serviced by our in-house team of master-level technicians. We don’t cut corners. We restore each instrument to its optimal musical and mechanical condition, using the same materials and techniques trusted by top-level piano rebuilders. You get all the quality and character of a brand-new Yamaha at a significantly lower cost.
In fact, many of the pianos in our showroom play and sound better than brand-new factory pianos, because we take the time to voice, regulate, and fine-tune each instrument by hand.
What Makes Pianos Now Different?
We know you have options when it comes to buying a piano. Here's what sets Pianos Now apart:
Expertise you can trust: We’re owned and staffed by experienced piano technicians and pianists, not salespeople. We know these instruments inside and out.
In-house restoration: Our workshop is staffed by technicians who’ve trained at the highest levels. Every piano we sell has been carefully restored and prepped for long-term playability and musicality.
Free nationwide delivery: Whether you're across town or across the country, your piano will arrive safely and professionally, with no extra shipping cost.
Personally delivered: In many cases, our owner personally oversees or handles delivery. It’s one more way we ensure quality from showroom to living room.
Curated selection: We only carry pianos that meet our high standards for performance and long-term value. You won’t find dozens of models here, just the right ones.
Friendly, honest guidance: We don’t push pianos. We help you find the one that’s right for you, your space, and your goals.
Buying a piano should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Our goal is to make the process clear, supportive, and enjoyable, whether you’re a new parent looking for a child’s first piano, or a seasoned player upgrading to a grand.
What Yamaha Models Should You Consider?
If you’re just starting out, here are a few popular Yamaha acoustic models to keep an eye on:
Yamaha U1 / U3 Uprights – These are industry workhorses for a reason. Tall, responsive, and incredibly durable. The U1 is 48", the U3 is 52".
Yamaha G and C Series Grands – Classic Yamaha grand pianos built for clarity, power, and balance. Great for home use and performance settings.
Yamaha P22 – Built for schools and institutions, but great for serious students at home. Very durable and clear-toned.
Yamaha B Series – A more affordable line of newer uprights, well-built and ideal for beginners.
Not sure which one’s right for you? That’s what we’re here for.
Ready to Hear the Difference?
The best way to understand a Yamaha is to play one, or better yet, to hear one that’s been lovingly restored and tuned by a technician who knows what great pianos are supposed to sound like. That’s what we offer at Pianos Now: quality instruments, prepared with care, ready for your home.
Click here to browse our current inventory of pre-owned Yamaha pianos.
Let us help you find a piano you’ll love for life.
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