Upright Piano Guide: Types, Brands and Care in Singapore

Upright Piano Types and Sizes

Upright pianos are categorised by their cabinet height, which directly affects the length of the strings inside and the quality of bass tone:

• Spinet (90–100cm) — the smallest upright. The action is mounted below key level using a "drop" mechanism. Limited tone quality; not recommended for serious students
• Console (100–112cm) — small but with a direct-blow action similar to larger uprights. Suitable for beginners
• Studio (112–120cm) — the most common in Singapore music schools. Good balance of size and quality
• Professional/Full upright (120–135cm) — the Yamaha U3 (131cm) and Kawai K-800 (133cm) fall in this category. Excellent for serious students and home use. The longer strings provide significantly richer bass tone than studio models

Understanding the Upright Piano Action

The upright piano action uses a spring mechanism to return the hammer after each keystroke. This is functionally different from the grand piano action, but modern upright actions by Yamaha and Kawai are remarkably responsive. The key mechanism to understand:

• Each key operates a lever that propels a hammer toward the string
• The jack trips (disengages) just before the hammer hits the string, so the hammer strikes freely
• A return spring draws the hammer back to its resting position
• The damper lifts as the key is pressed and returns to rest on the strings when the key is released

Most Recommended Upright Pianos for Singapore

Yamaha U Series

The Yamaha U1 (121cm) and U3 (131cm) are the most reliable and widely serviced upright pianos in Singapore. The U3 in particular offers a rich, full tone that rivals some small grand pianos. Parts are universally available and technicians across Singapore are experienced with these instruments.

Kawai K Series

The Kawai K-300 (122cm) and K-500 (130cm) offer comparable quality to the Yamaha U series with a characteristic warmer, more rounded tone. Kawai's ABS Carbon Action components offer improved durability and consistency, particularly beneficial in Singapore's climate.

Pearl River / Ritmüller

Good value options for budget-conscious buyers or music schools. The Ritmüller series (Pearl River's premium range) offers significantly better quality than the standard Pearl River line.

Caring for Your Upright Piano in Singapore

• Keep the piano against an interior wall, away from windows and direct air-conditioning
• Schedule tuning in March–April and September–October
• Leave the fallboard open during very humid weather to prevent moisture accumulation on the keys
• Have the piano professionally cleaned every 2–3 years
• Book an action regulation every 5–7 years to maintain responsive, even touch

Visit our Upright Piano Service page for our complete service offering for Singapore upright piano owners.