Yamaha T121 vs U1

alycechan · Post by **alycechan** » 19 Feb 2006, 19:09

I live in Canada and am looking for an upright piano for my 8-year old. I would also like to start playing the piano again...I completed my grade 8 more than 20 years ago and haven't played since!

I am told that I should get a 48" (120cm) if I want to have a piano that would see my daughter through to advanced levels (if she does get that far!).

I can't afford the European brands and I'd like to get a piano that would retain its value, so I'm looking at a new Yamaha T121 or U1. The T121 (48") is the lowest in the range and the next one up is the U1, which costs approx 1,300 pounds more (approx C$2500). I've heard both and I prefer the U1 but apart from that I'm not sure what exactly I'm paying for if I pay the extra C$2500. The T121 costs C$6900 while the U1 would set me back by C$9300.

Does anyone out there know anything about these 2 pianos? Your advice would be most appreciated.

Post by **Barrie Heaton** » 20 Feb 2006, 21:07

Your T121 is probably the same as our P121NT only made in the US rather than the UK the U1 is better made all round in our case

try asking at www.Pianoworld.com they will have a better insite to the T121

Barrie,

alycechan · Post by **alycechan** » 20 Feb 2006, 23:50

Thanks for the info, Barrie. I was told that both models were made in Japan for the Nth American market. I am guessing that some of the parts were most likely made in China.

PianoGuy · Post by **PianoGuy** » 21 Feb 2006, 20:18

I think the T121 is made in Japan, and is basically identical to a U1 of approx 5.2million serial or earlier, ie it is lacking the 'soft-close' fall and thus actually looks prettier! In the UK, this model is represented by the UK-built P121 which is a very good piano, but essentially a cheapened U1. The build quality is poorer in the casework department than a Japanese U1, but not where it matters, although the hammers are economised slightly. I would imagine that there are similar economies in the T121. There are no Chinese components in either piano.

To double-check the origin of manufacture, see if the serial number (which should be above 6.1 million for a newish Japanese piano) has a prefix letter. If it hasnt, then it's Japanese. If it has, then:

U= USA Michigan Plant
E= UK
C= China
J= Indonesia
T= USA Georgia Plant

If it turns out to be made in Japan, then I think it represents better value than the U1. If it turns out that it's made in the US, go for the U1!!

alycechan · Post by **alycechan** » 24 Feb 2006, 21:47

Thanks for the detailed information. I will definitely check out the serial number.