Kawai K300 vs Yamaha U1: Which Upright Piano Is Right for You?

When comparing mid-sized upright pianos, two models dominate conversations among teachers, technicians and serious learners and for good reason: the Kawai K300 v Yamaha U1 is a debate for the ages in the piano world. Both sit firmly in the “studio upright” (112-120cm) category and are often considered together by buyers seeking an instrument with enough musical depth to take them well into advanced repertoire.

Yet despite their similar roles, they differ in heritage, manufacturing, pricing, and long-term value. Having personally visited Yamaha’s Japanese and Indonesian factories as well as Kawai’s Japanese factory, we’ve seen first-hand how these pianos are built and why these differences matter.

Below, we break down what sets the Kawai K300 v Yamaha U1 apart, who each model suits best, and what to look for if you’re considering the popular reconditioned options.

In Europe, the Kawai K300's you see are manufactured in Kawai’s Indonesian factory (whereas markets such as Japan and the US may receive Japanese-built units). Kawai’s Ryuyo is the primary, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for Kawai acoustic grand and many upright pianos, located near Hamamatsu, Japan. It is widely regarded as one of the most advanced piano-building facilities in the world. However, Indonesian production is highly refined and quality-controlled, and the Kawai K300 remains an excellent step up from the Kawai K200, especially thanks to:

• 5 back-posts - the wooden musical assembly benefits from this increase from 4 backposts on the K200 to 5 back-posts on the K300, offering a more robust frame and a more rounded sound as a result

• ABS-Carbon composite action – a modern, lightweight mechanism designed for stability in varying climates.

• Solid spruce soundboard and a full, warm tone with a slightly darker character than Yamaha.

• Generous 10-year manufacturer warranty – a sign of confidence in its reliability.

It’s important to note that older Kawai uprights especially those from the 1970s and 1980s can vary widely in quality. During this time Kawai was experimenting with early composite action parts which, while innovative, resulted in inconsistencies and long-term durability issues. Modern Kawai pianos, however - particularly from the 2000s onward -are far more consistent due to the advancement of materials in their Millennium III action and represent strong value.

• Players wanting a warm, refined tone with a slightly softer touch.

• Families or learners upgrading from an entry-level upright or digital.

• Buyers seeking the best warranty in this price tier.

• Those who prefer a brand-new piano at a mid-range price point.

The Yamaha U1 is arguably the most recognised upright piano in the world (along with it’s sister the Yamaha U3). Known for its exceptional durability, clarity, and precision, it has long been the go-to choice for teachers, conservatoires and professional studios with good reason.

A new Yamaha U1 today can be roughly twice the price of a new Kawai K300. However, Yamaha’s legendary long-term reliability opens up a unique opportunity…

Thanks to Yamaha’s robust engineering and unmatched spare-parts ecosystem, older Japanese-made U-series pianos can be expertly reconditioned to an extremely high standard. This allows buyers to access a genuine Japanese Yamaha U1 - with all the tonal brightness, responsiveness and durability Yamaha is known for - at a price comparable to and often below a new Kawai K300.

If you’re considering a reconditioned Yamaha U1, we strongly recommend focusing on newer generations such as:

• U1A (mid-1980s onward)

• U1M (1990s)

• U1S

These offer meaningful improvements in action design, consistency, and component quality. They also avoid the ageing issues found in much older pianos from the 1960s and 1970s. If you are purchasing an older Yamaha U1H or before then make sure you get a full and comprehensive 5-year warranty from a reputable dealer.

We have literally travelled the world, searching out the very best piano production. Having visited:

• Yamaha’s Japanese factory in Hamamatsu,

• Yamaha’s Indonesian factory, and

• Kawai’s Japanese piano factory in Ryuyo,

We have seen the remarkable consistency of Yamaha’s global production and the sophistication of Kawai’s modern processes. Yamaha’s long-established manufacturing philosophy, particularly in Japan, sets a benchmark for durability. Meanwhile, Kawai’s investment in their Indonesian facility ensures the K300 remains a top-quality instrument despite its lower price point. If you're trying to decide between the Kawai K300 v Yamaha U1 then the best thing is either to visit our showroom or contact us and talk to one of our demonstrators.

When considering the Kawai K300 v Yamaha U1, there really is no right or wrong answer. Both represent excellent musical instruments and offer great value for money, especially if you consider a Reconditioned Yamaha U-series. 

Yamaha's will always win out on re-sale value due to their brand recognition, if this is something that matters to you then this is worth consideration but if you're not planning to sell the piano then this is less important.