Introduction
When a musician picks the best upright piano brands, there’s always the thing about quality over price. Brands like Yamaha are one of the top-selling brands since the old ages of music, and today, there are many other brands to choose from.
However, durability and quality of sounds are still what you should look for if you’re a serious musician, whether you’re a composer or simply someone who loves playing the piano. Therefore, we’ve got you covered with our picks for the best upright piano brands:
Our Top 5 Picks for the Best Upright Piano Brands
Great for MIDI Recording: The ONE Smart Piano
If you want to be able to play music and record the notes to a MIDI sequencer or DAW (digital audio workstation) at the same time, you can check out The ONE’s smart piano, which has a total of 88 weighted keys that will emulate the feeling of being in a concert. You can choose from white or black when it comes down to the body finish.
Like most digital upright piano brands out there, this one has a smart device holder for you to place your tablet in order to learn how to play different songs on the piano with the corresponding app. Because of its design, it’s meant not just for music makers, but also for teachers in a music class and students who want to learn.
For its technical specs, you get the 3 standard foot pedals and the beginner-friendly light-up key practice mode. You can also easily control the volume on the side as well as use the built-in metronome for getting your piece in the right tempo. Interested enough? Check out its latest price on Amazon.
One of the Best Upright Piano Brands: Yamaha U1 by FourStar
The U1 is a restored version of probably one of the most classic and best upright piano brands out there – Yamaha. The signature crisp and clear tone will be a great addition to any concert or even recording session in the studio. At the same time, it’s also versatile enough to meet a beginner’s standards if you are new to playing the upright piano.
As this is a reconditioned U1, it has passed a 21-point inspection and certification process so you won’t have to worry about its quality. This 48-inch upright piano may be beneficial to music schools, studios or even worship services.
For its outside appearance, it’s been polished well with an ebony finish. However, you should measure your music room or space first – the U1 takes 48 x 60 x 24 inches of space. If you really do like the classics, why not check out the Yamaha U1 on Amazon right now?
Two Instruments in One Piano: Yamaha YDP103R Arius Series
For those who want to play two different instruments at the same time, the Yamaha YDP103R Arius Series is a product to check out. This can be helpful if you’re playing in a church or worship service and you need to combine strings with piano at the same time.
Made with a dark rosewood finish, this kind of body can help protect it against moisture to make it durable throughout years of usage. What’s more, as a digital upright piano, you can also integrate it with any iOS device using its Controller App. The technology of the sound is backed by its AWM (Advanced Wave Memory) stereo sampling to make the sound of the piano much more realistic.
Like most digital pianos out there, you can record songs easily with a one-touch operation. And you know what’s the best part? You can record the left hand and right-hand areas separately! This could be helpful if you want to make complex melodies while letting the chords repeat and do its thing.
If these amazing features of the Yamaha YDP103R interest you, check out its latest Amazon price and decide for yourself!
A Complete Set for Beginners: Yamaha DGX-660
The Yamaha DGX-660 is probably a great choice if you want to start playing the piano without much prior knowledge, as it has nearly everything you need – the piano unit itself, a bench, a tutorial DVD and a play-along CD tutorial, as well as a dust cover, to keep your piano protected from the elements.
Designed to emulate an authentic concert grand piano, you’ll notice that once you play the 88 weighted keys, the lower parts (for the left hand) have a heavier weighted action than those on the right side. And since it’s beginner-friendly, you can see the MIDI notation on the screen to follow the notes as you play them.
However, for those who are interested with different piano pedals, this may not be for you, as it only has one sustain pedal (since it IS meant for beginners). However, there are slots for 3 pedals, so you can just purchase them separately.
If you know someone who really wants to learn the piano, this could make a great gift for them, so do check it out on Amazon right now!
Realistic Weighted Action: Yamaha YDP143R Arius Series
A bit similar to our previously-mentioned Yamaha YDP103R, this one is the YDP143R, which is quite similar but still different in terms of design. What makes it realistic is the fact that like the DGX-660, it has a GHS weighted action that’s lighter on the right and heavier on the left, so it’s like really playing an analog piano!
You can also integrate this upright piano with any iOS device using the Controller App. Like its similar model, you can also record half of the key area separately so you can make complex melodies out of it while playing or performing.
If this exquisite-looking upright piano interests you, why not check out its price on Amazon?
Conclusion
Upright pianos are obviously much better for your home if you lack space, but they don’t come cheap either. Nonetheless, if you truly want a quality upright piano for your intended purpose then it’s best to pick from well-known brands. Which of these best upright piano brands is your favorite and why?