Yamaha U1 vs U1J: what to check before choosing.
Yamaha Singapore lists both the U1 and U1J on its U series page. The published dimensions differ by one centimetre in width. This guide covers how to identify which model you are viewing and what to verify on the used instrument itself.
Published 23 October 2026 · 3 minute read · Written for buyers, not for any one instrument
What Yamaha Singapore lists.
Yamaha Singapore’s U series specifications page lists both the U1 and U1J. The published dimensions for the current models:
| Dimension | U1 | U1J |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 121 cm | 121 cm |
| Width | 153 cm | 152 cm |
| Depth | 62 cm | 62 cm |
Source: Yamaha Singapore U series product page, checked 23 October 2026. The photograph above is an example from Music Companion’s gallery records; it does not establish this guide’s model, origin or current stock. These dimensions describe the current models as published by Yamaha Singapore. They are not a specification sheet for every older used instrument carrying the same model name.
Both models share the same published height and depth. The width differs by one centimetre. Whether other specifications differ between U1 and U1J depends on the production variant and year. This guide does not claim that either model has features the other lacks, because those details depend on the individual instrument.
Verify the actual instrument.
Ask the seller to show you the complete model designation and serial number on the actual instrument. Photograph them, match them to the listing and ask the seller to explain any suffix. Have the seller demonstrate access rather than taking panels off yourself.
Yamaha’s serial-number and age reference explains where to find an upright serial number, but its published ranges are for instruments produced for the US market. Do not automatically apply that table to every used piano in Singapore. Confirm the relevant market and serial with Yamaha if the age or origin is uncertain. If another date label is present, ask what that date records and reconcile it with the instrument’s history.
Do not assume that a current catalogue specification applies to an older instrument. The U1J you are viewing may have been built in a different year with different fitted features. Ask the seller what they know about the variant, any suffix on the model name and the instrument’s history.
Play them back to back.
If both a U1 and a U1J are available, play the same passage on each and compare the touch, tone, volume and key response. The one centimetre width difference in the published dimensions is not the reason to choose one over the other; the individual piano’s condition, age, preparation and quotation are.
- Touch and tone: play softly, loudly and with repeated notes. Note which instrument responds more evenly.
- Condition: use the viewing checklist to inspect the serial number, hammers, strings, soundboard and action on each piano.
- Quotation: ask for each instrument’s price, delivery, the first tuning and any after-sale cover as separate items. Compare the total, not the headline price alone.
- Access: confirm the exact measurements of the piano you choose against your delivery route, including lift, doors and turns.
If only one is available, assess it on its own merits. A model comparison is useful for a shortlist; it does not replace an inspection of the individual piano.
What this guide does not cover.
This guide compares the U1 and U1J only by the dimensions Yamaha Singapore publishes for the current models and by the practical steps a buyer should follow at a viewing. It does not claim one model has features the other lacks, because that depends on the individual instrument’s year, variant and condition.
The U1, U3 and K300 comparison covers the broader upright shortlist, and the U1 model page has what Music Companion says about the U1 specifically.
U1 and U1J, answered.
What is the difference between a Yamaha U1 and a U1J?
Yamaha Singapore lists both on its U series page. The published current dimensions differ by one centimetre in width: 153 cm for the U1 and 152 cm for the U1J, with the same 121 cm height and 62 cm depth. Whether a particular used instrument matches the current published dimensions depends on its year and variant. Check the model name on the plate and confirm the actual measurements.
Is the U1J newer or better than the U1?
Neither model name alone establishes which is newer, better or more suitable. Compare the actual instruments by serial number, age, condition, touch, tone and the complete quotation. The model suffix identifies a variant; it does not rank one above the other.
Do the published dimensions apply to every used U1 or U1J?
Do not assume they do. The dimensions on Yamaha Singapore’s current page describe the current models. A used instrument from a different year or market may differ. Confirm the variant, serial number and actual measurements of the piano you are viewing.
How do I tell which model I am looking at?
Ask the seller to show you the complete model designation and serial number on the actual instrument. Photograph them and compare them with the listing. Yamaha says an upright serial number can be found by opening the top lid; have the seller show it safely rather than removing panels yourself.
Where the rest is set out on this site: Yamaha U1 model page → U1 vs U3 vs K300 comparison → Full viewing checklist → Buying a used piano → Yamaha U1 vs B3 comparison → All guides →
Ask which instruments are available.
Send the model you are looking for, your budget and access details. Ask what is available before travelling.