Recommended upright, Yamaha U1/U3 vs Baldwin 248A/6000

Hi, I'm ready to graduate from my digital piano, am looking at the Yamaha U1/U3 and Baldwin 248A/6000 verticals. Any thoughts on the merits of any of these? I can't afford/fit a grand in my house, am very serious about my music, and am looking for the best new upright I can afford. I have played the Yamahas, but not he Baldwins yet.

I've heard complaints about the Yamaha's being bright, which I found true in all except the U3, with the U1 sounding like it could be brought in line. Is it hard/expensive to tone these well?

And thoughts about the Baldwins? I'm going to play one ASAP.

Thanks!

I would spend it in a heartbeat. My teacher had a Steinway K-52 and a midsize Chickering grand in her home. The sound of the K-52 was much more satisfying. I'd take a K-52 or similar upright from Europe over any Yamaha grand.

Yessir. I see things there all the time that capture my attention, but I could never bring myself to buy a piano sight unplayed. A coworker bought a car off of ebay, I couldn't do that, either.

I'd like to see Charles Walter build a bigger vertical. Skip the fancy case, make it large and paint it black. Perhaps there isn't enough of a market, but there sure seems to be enough people unhappy with the Asian uprights who can't afford to spend 3dB more for something better.

Anybody know of a K-52 for sale in Ohio?

Glenn,

On the subject of the U1, do you know what the suffix letter to 'U1' means. I believe there are U1 and U1A to U1M.

I am in the market for a used U1 and saw a U1H advertised. My mind had been set on the Yamaha only because I'd been brainwashed.

But can you, without taking too much of your time, briefly elaborate on how so is the Kawai better and more advanced than the Yamaha's. And recommand the Kawai comparable to the U1. The Petroff's are over my budget