On the Teacher Hub, we’ve previously covered the ‘entry-level grand piano’ market with our review of the excellent and popular Kawai GL-10. Compact and easily moveable, yet grand by its very nature, we’re always impressed with how much quality and enjoyment the GL-10 can pack in at a sub-£10,000 price point. And yet, in the form of Yamaha’s equivalent GB1K, Kawai’s best-seller has a serious competitor. As the cheapest new grand piano in Yamaha’s range, it is unsurprisingly small in stature – but coming from one of the most well-regarded manufacturers in the world, it is also incredibly refined. Read on to find out more about this compelling baby grand, and to see who we recommend it for…
Key features:
- Length: 151 cm (5'0")
- Width: 149 cm (4'11")
- Height: 101 cm (3'4")
- Weight: 272 kg (600 lbs)
- Number of keys: 88
- Number of pedals: 3 – sustain, una-corda, sostenuto
- Solid spruce soundboard (Alaskan spruce)
- Soft-close fallboard
- Made in Indonesia
- Also available: With Silent Technology or as a Disklavier ENSPIRE
Design heritage based on the coveted C Series
The GB1K benefits enormously from Yamaha's extensive grand piano lineage, with its design based heavily upon that of the acclaimed Conservatoire (or C) series, including the renowned, industry-standard C3. This means that while the GB1K is positioned as an entry-level instrument, it inherits the DNA of some of the finest pianos in Yamaha's considerable arsenal. No corners have been cut and nothing has been compromised – the tuning stability, finish and overall musical integrity of the instrument are enhanced in a way befitting of the long life expected from a fine piano.
Where the GB1K differs from its predecessor, the GB1, is principally in the additional time it spends in the Yamaha factory. This extended manufacturing and quality control process results in greater precision, improved consistency, and an instrument that truly exemplifies Yamaha's commitment to excellence across its massive manufacturing scope. It's this attention to detail that sets Yamaha apart, even at this price point. Additionally, the new GB1K is factory fitted with a soft-close fallboard and lid prop safety stopper.
Superb craftsmanship and component quality
Yamaha have invested more than 100 years of accumulated knowledge into the design and development of the GB1K grand piano, combining art, craftsmanship and technology. The piano benefits from high quality components throughout, including a solid soundboard crafted from Alaskan spruce. This carefully selected timber provides good acoustic properties for amplifying the vibrations of the strings, producing the unmistakable sound of an acoustic grand piano with warmth, clarity and sustaining power.
Yamaha's expertise extends to every aspect of the instrument's construction. For example, Yamaha designs and manufactures its own frames using a proprietary "vacuum process" casting technique – the world's first such method, developed over many years of research and refinement. Precise control is kept over the temperature and composition of casting, and even the coating used on the frame itself affects the acoustic characteristics of the piano. This level of engineering sophistication is a major reason why Yamaha can ensure reliable quality when crafting pianos like the GB1K, and why the brand commands such respect among pianists and institutions worldwide.
A modern, state-of-the-art production facility
The GB1K is manufactured at Yamaha's Indonesian piano factory, which is among the most modern and advanced facilities in the world. Crucially, this factory is owned and operated by Yamaha themselves, ensuring the same exacting standards and quality control from start to finish that one would expect from their Japanese factories. This enables Yamaha to deliver an instrument of remarkable quality while keeping the retail price comfortably below £10,000.
The result is a piano with exceedingly low maintenance costs and exceptional long-term reliability – particularly important considerations for an investment like this. One of our customers, Fiona Parkin, wrote to us to say: "The piano is beautiful and is already a treasured instrument in our new house. The prompt service you provided was much appreciated."
Elegant cabinetry with soft-closing fallboard
Available in a choice of three high gloss polyester lacquered finishes including polished ebony (piano black), mahogany and white, the GB1K is an elegant furniture piece as well as a quality musical instrument. Despite being the entry-level model in Yamaha's grand piano range, the GB1K benefits from a soft-closing fallboard – a luxurious feature previously only found on high-end instruments. The fallboard is fitted with a soft-landing mechanism, freeing you from the worry of it closing too firmly and causing damage, or closing on yourself unexpectedly. This feature, along with the prop-stick safety stopper, is a real boon for schools and churches where the piano may be used by many different people, including children.
Lisa Barratt, another satisfied customer, shared her experience: "This is such a lovely instrument. It fits perfectly in the space we have which isn't big enough for a [standard] Grand, yet the sound is beautiful. A lovely piece of furniture as well as a delightful sound."
Compact size, concert-worthy performance
At 5'0" in length, the GB1K is similar in size to its main competitor, the Kawai GL-10. This makes the Yamaha an excellent option for schools where space is often at a premium. It can comfortably fit into smaller studios, chamber recital halls, and even some larger classrooms, while still delivering the power and nuance one expects from a Yamaha grand piano. For many schools, the GB1K can serve as a reliable concert-worthy instrument, capable of handling recitals, examinations, and other performances with aplomb.
The compact dimensions also make it an ideal choice for homes where a full-size grand simply isn't feasible, yet the homeowner desires the superior touch, control and tonal characteristics that only a grand piano action can provide. The GB1K delivers a remarkable depth of tone with superb clarity and projection – far exceeding what one might expect from an instrument of this size.
Personal preference matters
When considering the GB1K, many customers naturally also evaluate the Kawai GL-10 – both are exceptional instruments at this price point. The GL-10 is slightly larger and features Kawai's proprietary Millennium III action with carbon fibre-infused components, while the GB1K benefits from Yamaha's legendary refinement and over a century of grand piano manufacturing expertise, and all the other excellent features we’ve highlighted.
Ultimately, personal preference is the most important factor when choosing between these two excellent pianos. We highly recommend playing both instruments before making your decision, ideally in our showroom where you can always find one of each on display – book an appointment here. The differences in touch, tonal character, and overall feel are best experienced first-hand, and what speaks to one pianist may differ from what resonates with another.
What's the next model up?
If one were to step up to the next model, the GC1, they would obtain an instrument that is both larger (at 5'3") and benefits from construction in Yamaha's Japanese factories. The GC1 offers additional refinements in materials and craftsmanship, resulting in even greater tonal complexity and power. However, the GC1 is several thousand pounds more expensive, and for many pianists and institutions, the GB1K strikes the perfect balance between quality, performance, and value.
The GB1K makes grand piano ownership accessible to families, schools, and musicians who might otherwise be restricted to purchasing even a high-quality upright piano. And while an upright can be an excellent instrument, the superior action response, tonal projection, and expressive capabilities of a grand piano – even a compact one like the GB1K – represent a significant step up in terms of musical possibilities.
Unbeatable value for money
When comparing its specification and performance against other pianos in the sub-£10,000 category, the GB1K clearly offers exceptional value for money. It is virtually impossible to find a notably better new grand piano at this price point. The combination of Yamaha's renowned refinement, solid construction, reliable components, and inherent musicality make this instrument a wise investment that will serve its owner faithfully for decades to come.
In conclusion...
In summary, the Yamaha GB1K represents superb craftsmanship and exceptional value at the entry point of the grand piano market. It is highly recommended for anyone looking to purchase a quality new baby grand piano at this price point, whether for home use, educational purposes, or small performance venues. Despite being an 'entry-level' model in principle, this is a superbly crafted instrument with serious power and nuance – a testament to Yamaha's commitment to excellence at every level of their range.
We keep the GB1K on display in our showroom, alongside other new and second-hand Yamaha and Kawai models, so why not book an appointment to try one out for yourself?
