Yamaha U3M Upright Piano - Built in 1980 -1982

Introduced as an “updated U-series” model offering the “very best sound” for a studio upright​. It has a grand piano–inspired floating soundboard (allowing freer vibration for richer bass) and an extended music rack​. The YUS uses Yamaha’s finest spruce for the soundboard (only ~10% of spruce selection makes the cut)​, and incorporates the X-back support (Mark Goodwin notes that the original YUS indeed had the X-shaped back braces, unlike later YUS1 models)​.

Internally, it shares many features with the U1M, but with upgraded components: for example, it has nickel-plated tuning pins and action parts that are hand-fitted for precision. The cabinet typically includes a three-piece front panel design (allowing sections of the upper panel to act as sound vents) and a slow-fall fallboard.

Essentially, YUS was the flagship 121 cm upright of its time, combining the compact size of the U1 with enhancements for superior tone.

The Yamaha YUS is often praised for delivering a surprisingly rich and dynamic tone for a 121 cm piano. Yamaha advertised that it “offers Yamaha’s outstanding musical performance and quality, for those who demand the very best sound.”​ Indeed, the YUS’s tone is characterized by a strong, resonant bass (enhanced by the floating soundboard and X-back frame) and a singing treble with excellent sustain. The mid-range is warm and tonal balance is impeccable; one can play a wide repertoire without feeling the “size limitations” typically associated with 48″ uprights. In essence, the YUS’s sound approaches that of a larger piano. The touch is equally superb – responsive and sensitive, allowing advanced players to execute delicate phrasing and rapid passages with confidence. The action benefits from Yamaha’s premium regulation and possibly slightly longer keys than the standard U1, yielding more leverage. Overall, the YUS feels and sounds like a finely tuned instrument a step above the ordinary studio upright.

Technicians and dealers acknowledge the YUS as a rare gem. Being a domestic Japan model, “these models are not mass produced for the export market and it is rare to find it” outside Japan​. Those who have played one often compare it favorably to baby grands; for instance, one source states “the sound from the YUS is better than most small grand pianos”​.

The YUS has a strong market reputation among professionals – it is viewed as an ideal piano for high-level teaching studios, recording studios, and demanding home pianists who want top quality in a smaller footprint. Its design (with features like the floating support) was somewhat ahead of its time, and later Yamaha models would incorporate similar ideas. In summary, the Yamaha YUS (1980–82) is a premium studio upright that delivers grand-like tonal depth and is cherished by those lucky enough to own one. (Country of manufacture: Japan.)