9 Best Upright Piano 2021: Review & Buying Guide

Every society or nation has its original melody that defines the individuality and creates identification of that specific nation, society or culture. Hence we have a national anthem or folk music. When we listen to the tune of “The Star-Spangled Banner” the first thing we can think of the United States of America. The piano is one of the most popular instruments for playing any music.

From churches to your blues, jazz and even rock band piano play its role as one of the most diverse instruments to play its part. But a proper grand piano can be expensive as well as size consuming. Hence the best alternative is an upright piano. If you are interested in getting an upright piano, finding, the right one can be challenging. Therefore we are here to provide you with a brief idea about the best upright piano.

Our only goal is to provide you with all the necessary information to give you an idea about the upright piano that fits your requirement. If you are about to start your journey, then it would be our pleasure to be a part of it by providing you with this article as a buying guide and review of the best upright piano.

What is the best upright piano?

Usually, when someone buys an upright piano, they buy it for ones because the upright piano can last for a lifetime. Hence it is best to do all the necessary research before buying because purchasing the wrong upright piano or bad one can be frustrating.

Following this article, you can save a lot of time and effort and have a brief idea of an ideal upright piano. We have found the best upright piano for money and the best upright piano for sound. By in-depth research on various types of an upright hydra piano, we have found the nine best products for you to rely on. And from the buying guide, you can always outline the best piano that is suitable for you.

Before presenting the review, we are going to provide some necessary information about the upright piano.

Difference between the grand piano and upright piano

Many people have this misconception that upright piano and grand piano is the same or shares the same features. But that is not true. The mounting of the soundboard and the strings in upright piano are vertical, and for grand piano the mounting of strings are horizontal. Upright pianos are smaller than Grand pianos and also cheaper.

When it comes to the sound, the grand piano has the edge over upright piano because they are louder, but Upright piano can easily fit into your space; hence it’s widely used.

The playing is slightly different as well because of the mechanism of hitting the strings to get the sound is different as well.

Types of upright piano

There are four types of Upright pianos, and they are

Spinet:

Spinet is the smallest of all four types of Upright pianos. Spinet pianos are comparatively cheap and produce the poorest quality of sound among upright pianos. They are suitable for beginners and also pocket friendly.

Consol:

A console piano consists of a direct blow action. That means the keys of a console piano have a direct connection to the action. A console piano is taller than a snipet hence they produce better sound than snipet too, and they are also similar in price.

Studio:

Taller pianos can produce a better sound. Hence the sound of a console upright piano is better than Snippet and Consol upright piano. The studio piano also consists of a longer soundboard and full-size action. As the action of a studio upright piano is better, they are also very smooth to play.

Full size and professional upright piano:

A full-size upright piano is the largest of all upright pianos. The soundboard of it is as large as a baby grand piano. That means you get the quality of baby grand piano in an upright piano which takes much less space.

An overview of the top 9 best upright piano

Picture	Product Name	Editors Rating	Price
	Yamaha upright piano- YDP184 Arius Series Console Digital Piano with Bench, Dark Rosewood
	Yamaha upright piano-Arius YDP162R Traditional Console Style Digital Piano with Bench, Rosewood
	Casio Privia PX-160 Digital Piano – Black Bundle with CS-67 Stand, SP-33 Pedal, Furniture Bench, Instructional Book, Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD, and Polishing Cloth
	The ONE Smart Piano, Weighted 88-Key Digital Piano, Grand Graded Hammer-Action Keys Upright Piano-Matte Black
	Yamaha upright piano Arius YDP-181 Traditional Console Style Digital Piano with Bench, Rosewood
	Yamaha YDP143B Arius Series Console Digital Piano with Bench, Black Walnut
	Korg LP380-88 – Key Digital Piano, Black
	Kawai-upright piano KDP110 Digital Home Piano
	Suzuki Musical Instrument Corporation, 88-Key Acoustic Piano (CTP-88)

Review of 9 best upright piano

When it comes to buying an upright piano, it is best to buy the one with the best sound. Most people purchase upright piano ones in life because they last very long. Whenever someone tends to learn some an instrument, most people expect a reward. And a good sound from a piano can be very rewarding, and it will keep your interest sharp to play again and again.

Here is the review of the nine best upright pianos that we have found from our research.

1. Yamaha upright piano- YDP184 Arius Series Console Digital Piano with Bench, Dark Rosewood

Yamaha is renowned for high-quality manufacturing instruments, and when it comes to an upright piano, they are one of the best again. Arius series is undoubtedly the best series of upright pianos creating some of the mind-blowing models of an upright piano, and YDP 184 is one of them.

Playability, sound and experience

YDP 184 is a popular model of the upright piano because it can provide the experience of playing a real grand piano for which it is considered one of the best pianos for the beginners. And the full length with 88 keys along with its size and sound makes it perfect piano for concerts and professional use. It consists of 3 paddles and an ergonomic digital design producing a vibrant and excellent digital and acoustic sound.

Design

The YDP-184 is an upright piano with a traditional design of a vibrant rosewood finish. And the cabinet form that looks like an acoustic piano.YDP-184 also features none-slippery ebony and ivory key tops providing smooth playability.

Piano features

• Piano dimension: 57-1/2” W x 36-1/2” H x 18-1/16
• Keys: 88 Ivory and ebony none-slippery weighted keys
• Materials: Dark Rosewood
• Paddles: Three paddles
• Sound: Yamaha SFX sampling

Special feature

• The CFX Premium Grand Piano Voice recreates the power and tone of Yamaha’s flagship CFX concert grand piano
• Graded Hammer 3 action (GH3) keys
• Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM)
• Standard Stereo phone jack with Recording and Playback capabilities

Pros

• Experience of a real piano
• High-quality sound with ergonomics digital sound
• Slick and traditional look
• Smooth playability
• Highly compatible with digital smart devices and excellent connectivity
• Sounds are digitally customizable

Cons

• Fewer features
• Bit expensive

Overview

Suppose you are not tight in budget and looking for a grand-sounding upright piano that can provide you with an experience of an original piano. Then YDP-184 of Yamaha can be an excellent deal for you.

2. Yamaha upright piano-Arius YDP162R Traditional Console Style Digital Piano with Bench, Rosewood

Another Upright piano of Yamaha Arius is YDP162R. When it comes to heavy-duty instruments with excellent sound quality, Yamaha is known for setting a benchmark. Yamaha YDP162R is no different.

Sound and playability

Yamaha Arius YDP 162R comes with Graded Hammer weighted synthetic ivory keys, provides playing experience of a real grand piano. The ivory key top also offers smooth playability and absorbs finger moisture that enables players to play for long. With all the features providing exceptional playability, it also comes with a full-length soundboard with 88 keys.

Pure CF Sound Engine can provide the experience of a grand piano, and the loud built-in two 20W speakers can provide the best experience of playing the piano. YDP 162R also offers a great sound acoustically because of its more extended height.

Design

The height 33 makes YDP 162R the tallest in Arius series. The elegant finish of rosewood and the cabinet makes it a traditional looking upright piano. It has a two-track audio recording system that comes with the piano making it a perfect instrument for beginners and professional both.

Piano Features

• Piano dimension: 57.05 x 22.99 x 18.86 inches
• Keys: 88 Ivory and moisture absorbing key top
• Materials: Rosewood finish
• Paddles: Three paddles
• Sound: Pure CF Sound Engine

Special Features

• 20W x 2 Speaker System Built In
• Built-in recording system
• Moisture absorbing key top

Pros

• Experience of playing a real grand piano
• Height and design provides an excellent acoustic and digital sound
• Best upright piano for beginners and very useful for professionals
• Ergonomics design

Cons

• Less portability

Overview

YDP 162R is slightly heavy, but when it comes to price effectiveness and smooth playability, it can provide excellent performance. Doubtlessly it is one of the best of its series for beginners and professional.

3. Casio Privia PX-160 Digital Piano – Black Bundle with CS-67 Stand, SP-33 Pedal, Furniture Bench, Instructional Book, Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD, and Polishing Cloth

Casio is known for making digital devices, and they made a spot among the musicians through their keyboards and piano. Casio Privia PX-160 is their ace product which is an upright piano that comes with necessary lessons for beginners.

Sound and playability

PX-160 comes with a full-length soundboard with 88 ebony and ivory keys with the various pressure level of key sensitivity providing an excellent playing experience. It also provides ample piano lessons for beginner boosting the learning pace of learners. The acoustic and intelligent Resonator makes the sound more original and provides the feeling of a real grand piano.

Design

Casio Privia PX-160 comes with a furnished piano stand and a tool and features a black woody finish provide a more traditional feel to it. It consists of headphone output and speaker providing the vibrant sound of a grand piano and best for silent practices.

Piano Features

• Piano dimension: 57.05 x 22.99 x 18.86 inches
• Keys: 88 ebony and ivory textured keys
• Materials: Dark wood
• Paddles: Three paddles
• Sound: PX-160 with authentic grand piano sounds

Special Features

• Comes with Instructional DVD, Online lessons and a polishing cloth
• Acoustic and intelligent Resonator
• Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II keyboard
• Built-in recording system

Pros

• Best upright piano for beginner
• Easy to set up and carry
• Comfortable and smooth playability
• Authentic sound quality
• Price effective

Cons

• The upright piano is not very sturdy
• Keys have a larger distance

Overview

If you are a beginner and looking for a price effective and size efficient upright piano that is easy to manoeuvre than Casio Privia-PX-160 is highly suggested for you.

4. The ONE Smart Piano, Weighted 88-Key Digital Piano, Grand Graded Hammer-Action Keys Upright Piano-Matte Black

Suppose you are someone who has taken piano lessons as a child. And you are now looking forward to learning after significant years of gaps and not comfortable to learn from teachers. Then the one smart upright piano is suitable for you because one smart upright piano is a smart piano that can teach you to play.

Lessons and playability

The keys are guided with LED lights, and the piano comes with 4000 songs on the sheet with 100 video lessons for which it is undoubtedly one of the best upright pianos for beginners. One smart piano consists of the full-length soundboard with 88 weighted hammer keys providing learners with substantial experience of playing a grand piano.

Design

One smart piano provides smart connectivity with smart devices to plug and play, and it comes with interactive lessons and games and app supporting both IOS and android. The wooden black finish of One smart piano makes it look more traditional but slick. The piano also consists of Midi output for recording.

Piano Features

• Piano dimension: 54.00 x 34.00 x 18.00 inches
• Keys: 88 weighted action keys
• Materials: Dark wood
• Paddles: Three paddles
• Sound: Over 128 instrument sounds

Special Features

• Comes with interactive apps and games with more than 100 video lessons and 4000 songs
• LED guided keys with volume controller
• Midi output and recording

Pros

• Specially designed for learners
• Comes with 4000 songs and 100 video lessons
• Slick design
• Midi output

Cons

• Sound quality is not very good

Overview

When it comes to learning doubtlessly, this is one of the best upright pianos for beginners.

5. Yamaha upright piano Arius YDP-181 Traditional Console Style Digital Piano with Bench, Rosewood

Yamaha never fails to produce topnotch heavy-duty instruments. When it comes to the upright piano, Arius is a series that consists of the best Yamaha upright piano models.

Playability and sound

The graded hammer weighted keys are best to provide an experience of playing an original grand piano. Practising with GHS helps to keep your finger techniques uptight because it resembles the pressure of acoustic piano. The matte finish of the black keys makes them less slippery when playing for longer hours. It also comes with three paddles which will give you realistic performance.

YDP-181 can produce the great sound of the authentic acoustic piano because of the Pure CF Sound Engine. Years of making instruments and the sound quality touch the soul of the players.

Design

The size and shape of a console upright piano with traditional rosewood finish makes it an excellent looking piano. It consists of 2 tracks and 3-song recorders and can be connected with your smart devices. So while practising, you can easily capture your playing.

Piano Features

• Piano dimension: 52.19 x 11.63 x 6.56 inches
• Keys: 88-key GH(Graded Hammer) weighted action keyboard
• Materials: Dark Rosewood
• Paddles: Three paddles
• Sound: The Pure CF Sound Engine

Special features

• Dynamic Stereo Sampling AWM piano with 128-note polyphony
• USB to device port
• Half-damper pedal control
• Players can record up to 2 tracks

Pros

• Excellent sound quality
• Smooth playability
• The upright piano with high compatibility
• Good looks

Cons

• None

Overview

For the price, Yamaha upright keyboard YDP-181 is a great deal. For learners or professional use like studio or concert.

6. Yamaha YDP143B Arius Series Console Digital Piano with Bench, Black Walnut

For the ergonomics and impeccable instruments, Yamaha took another place in our list for good. YDP143 of Arius series is doubtlessly another excellent upright piano for beginners and professionals.

Playability and Sound

The GHS action keys are always useful for playing experience and learning. When you get features of a real grand piano in a compact design of an upright is beneficial for the experience of playing both. With the help of the CF sound engine, YDP 143B can produce a very authentic sound of an acoustic piano. And the smoothness of playability rises when the black keys have a matte finish.

Design

The black walnut finish of YDP 143B makes it looks more classical and traditional. It is highly compatible with IOS, and you will get an app with an excellent interface. It also consists of a stereophonic optimizer output allows the players to have a unique experience with the headphone.

Piano Features

• Piano dimension: 56.20 x 22.20 x 17.00 inches
• Keys: Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) 88-key piano
• Materials: Dark walnut
• Paddles: Three paddles
• Sound: The Pure CF Sound Engine

Special Features

• The Pure CF Sound Engine
• The 2-track song recorder
• GHS weighted action
• The Pure CF Sound Engine
• IOS app

Pros

• Smooth playability providing an experience of playing an acoustic piano
• Authentic controllable sound
• 50 classic piano songs
• The 2-track song recorder

Cons

• Lighter keys than a usual grand piano
• No vibration in the keys

Overview

The keys may not provide a full-fledged experience of an acoustic piano, yet the sound and smooth playability along with the song and recorder make it suitable for beginners.

7. Korg LP380-88 – Key Digital Piano, Black

Korg is the name of another giant manufacturer who makes great upright pianos. And LP380 is one of the best among the list of their brilliantly made instruments.

Playability and sound

The Real Weighted Hammer Action 3 (RH3) provides the pressure and feel of an acoustic piano through which you can control the velocity of the sound. The smooth playability and experience of the keys can make you feel like you are playing real ebony and ivory keys of a grand piano. Korg LP380 comes with 30 expressive and high-quality sounds, along with a Kronos-derived piano, strings, electric pianos, and many more.

There are two modes Layer mode and Partner mode. Layer Mode enables two sounds to be played at the same time, and Partner Mode divides the keyboard into right and left segments so that two people can play together.

Design

When it comes to design Korg LP380 upright piano is significant. It is stylish slim, and compact. The design can fit into your home décor easily. Rather than all, it also consists of useful midi output for recording.

Piano features

• Piano dimension: 53.35 x 13.82 x 30.39 inches
• Keys: 88- The Real Weighted Hammer Action 3 (RH3)
• Materials: Rosewood
• Paddles: Three paddles
• Sound: Dynamic acoustic piano sound

Special features

• Stylish design with slim cabinet
• Two different modes of playing
• Two headphone jack
• MIDI

Pros

• Authentic sound
• Slim and slick
• High compatibility and smooth playability
• Supports different mode for two players
• Best for learners and instructors

Cons

• None

Overview

Korg LP-380 is one of the best products on our list. The eye-catching design and fantastic playability made it one of the best upright pianos for the money.

8. Kawai-upright piano KDP110 Digital Home Piano

Kawai is a highly established Piano manufacturer. Their excellent design amazed numerous masterly piano players who have chosen instruments of Kawai to play. And Kawai KDP110 is a perfect example of their outstanding production.

Playability and sound

It comes with 88 RH3 (Real Weighted Hammer Action 3) as a resembalance of a grand piano. KDP consists of partner mode to divide the piano note into different regions for two players to play. Dividing the keyboard is excellent for a duet and great for teaching as well.

When it comes to the sound, it can produce a dynamic grand piano tone, and the high-output amp provides ample volume. And the best part of it is it comes wit free lessons

Design

KDP110 features a build of rosewood. It has a classic and slick slim build which can fit in anywhere. KDP110 also consists of 2 headphone output and three premium paddles. It is perfect for professionals and a great upright piano for beginners.

Piano Features

• Piano dimension: 53.35 x 13.82 x 30.39 inches
• Keys: 88- The Real Weighted Hammer Action 3 (RH3)
• Materials: Rosewood
• Paddles: Three paddles
• Sound: Harmonic Imaging technology and 192-note polyphony

Special features

• Stylish design with slim cabinet
• Two different modes of playing
• Two headphone jack
• Alfred lessons

Pros

• Authentic sound
• Slim and slick
• High compatibility and smooth playability
• Supports different mode for two players
• Best for learners and instructors

Cons

• None

Overview

There many pianists who expect to keep an instrument in his living space but it gets challenging because even acoustic upright piano can consume a lot of space. But Kawai upright piano KDP 110 can fit anywhere easily without taking much space. And as it sounds good, you will not regret taking it.

9. Suzuki Musical Instrument Corporation, 88-Key Acoustic Piano (CTP-88)

Suzuki Musical instrument corporation presents CTP-88 a grand looking digital piano which is one of the best in our list. Its classic look and impeccable performance can never fail to leave with getting a notice.

Sound and playability

It appears as a perfect traditional piano with an exceptionally real feel of playing a grand piano. The look and the sensitivity of its keys provide the experience of playing a classical acoustic piano to the players.

Design and connectivity

When it comes to learning, it provides ample of songs, midi voices and separate play along with system with multiple rhythm styles. It allows Bluetooth connectivity, and it also has a USB connection. You can connect it to your smart device, and it serves as a perfect studio instrument. It can produce a powerful sound with its threeway stereo.

CTP-88 is a traditionally looking piano made with wood grain that consists of hi-fi connectivity and digital display internal recording, playing and learning.

Piano Features

• Piano dimension: 60 x 24 x 21 inches
• Keys: 88- Keys
• Materials: Woodgrain
• Paddles: Three paddles
• Sound: Acoustically design a 4-way stereo sound system

Special features

• Bluetooth compatibility
• A true full-colour LCD control screen
• An amazing 24MB of powerful sound reproduction
• Acoustically design a 4-way stereo sound system
• On-board 3 track music sequencer
• Save and store to the secure digital(sd) memory card

Pros

• Very high connectivity
• Great acoustic sound
• Strong volume
• Advanced technological design for teaching and composing
• Traditional look

Cons

• A bit heavier and larger than other digital upright pianos

Overview

This is a perfect instrument with all you need to learn and also teach. As per aesthetic and sound features, they are also very satisfying in this Suzuki Musical instrument CTP-88 electric upright piano. It is perfect for composing and recording.

Buying Guide to Choose the Best Upright Piano

So now that you know the 9 best upright piano for beginners and professionals now its time to look at the buying guide. Going through this buying guide will help you to outline the best upright piano for you because only you would know what you essentially require.

Build

When it comes to the upright piano, you don’t have to worry about sturdy build because most brand produces upright piano that can last long.

Sound

You must be familiar with the sound of a proper acoustic piano find out the best sound. When you are familiar with the sound of real pianos and find out what type of sound you like, then you can confidently choose the piano you prefer.

When you know the type of sound, you can match that sounds like your preference with the sound of the piano you are checking. Check for a long time trying to go through the whole keyboard play every piece you like. If it has an equalizing feature, then give it a tweak and try to get the sound output you prefer.

Playability and comfort

While going through the soundcheck for comfort and playability of the upright piano before buying. Check the sensitivity of the keys; check if the keys are none-slippery and moisture absorbing. See if the keys are hammer weighted or if the keys are good enough to provide the experience of playing an acoustic piano.

Advanced features

When you think a piano is comfortable to play and provide the experience of a real piano sound wise as well, then you should choose the piano. If there are extra features like midi output, synthesized polyphonic tones, midi tones, recording system, free lessons etc., then it can be wise for buying an in one piano.

FAQs

What is the best upright piano brand?

Yamaha, Korg, Kawai, Suziki are he best uprght piano brands.

How much is a good upright piano?

Buying the best upright piano is suggested because it is a onetime purchase, but you can get a good upright piano by 1500-2500$.

Is it worth buying an old upright Piano?

It also depends on how well maintained the piano is. Upright Piano usually lasts very long. Hence it is not a bad idea to buy a second-hand upright piano of the piano is in good condition.

What is the best piano for a beginner?

Well if you are a beginner then try to go for what is best for the price. Sometimes beginners lose interest in their instrument then makes sure you are not investing too much money. Go for the piano that comes free lessons.

You can also go for a second-hand piano that is in good condition. Later if you find out you have further interest, then you can sell it and buy another new one.

Can a piano be tuned after 20 years?

Old pianos may have some problems but if the piano is well maintained then yes you can tune an old piano.

What does piano tuning costs?

Tunning a piano can be challenging; hence it costs around 60-225$.

Can a piano be too old to be tuned?

The piano can last very long if the owner knows how to take care of it, but sometimes old pianos that pass more than 40 years can pass away.

How long can a piano last?

A piano can last for 75 to 100 years.

Final Words

The piano is one of the most diverse instruments in the list of musical instruments. It is one of those instrument through which you can play two different things like a chord in one hand and solo with the other. Many remarkable pieces of the classical music era were written on piano.

When it comes to starting the journey on music piano is highly suggested because it is not very painful to begin like string instruments can cause cuts. It is easy to play, and you can picture music with piano. But a real upright piano can be costly and space-consuming.

An upright piano can provide a perfect solution for you to enjoy your journey at your place. And this is a useful guide for you to find the best upright piano to make your life musical.

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