Yamaha GB1 and Feurich 161 compared
A workshop-led comparison of two compact grand pianos that occupied a similar price range when this review was written.
Archive note: The specifications, observations and UK list prices below date from 2013-2015. They are retained for historical comparison and are not current quotations. Individual used pianos must be assessed on their present condition.
Quick comparison
Yamaha GB1
Length: 149cm (4ft 11in)
Historical 2013 RRP: £9,789
Yamaha’s compact entry-level baby grand, designed to place a grand-piano action and appearance into a small room.
Feurich 161
Length: 161cm (5ft 3in)
Historical 2013 RRP: £9,750
A slightly longer compact grand. Earlier examples were sold under the Wendl & Lung name before the Feurich association.
Action and hammers
Yamaha GB1
The reviewed GB1 used a straightforward hammer specification without felt under-covering. This helped control manufacturing cost, while long-term tone depends on hammer condition, preparation and voicing.
Feurich 161
The reviewed Feurich used under-covered hammers. This construction was intended to support tonal stability and give the technician more material to shape through future voicing.
String design and resonance
Yamaha GB1
The GB1 used a conventional compact-grand scaling arrangement. Its short length naturally limits bass string length and soundboard area compared with larger grands.
Feurich 161
The Feurich incorporated duplex scaling, allowing selected non-speaking string sections to resonate sympathetically. The design aims to add colour and richness to the sound.
Music desk and servicing access
Yamaha GB1
The music desk lifts out rather than sliding, so the player cannot adjust its distance in the usual way. The high rail in front of the tuning pins also required the tuner to adapt the normal lever angle in the top treble.
Feurich 161
The sliding music desk allows the player to adjust reading distance. Its conventional tuning-pin access lets the technician use a normal lever position across the tuning range.
What matters when choosing today?
The original review preferred the Feurich 161 for its sliding music desk, servicing access and feature specification. The Yamaha GB1 remains attractive where compact dimensions and familiarity with the Yamaha name are priorities.
For any used compact grand, compare the actual instruments rather than relying on model reputation alone. Preparation, regulation, hammer condition, tuning stability, soundboard condition and room size can all change the result.
Compare compact grand pianos
Browse current stock or ask the Roberts Pianos team which sizes and models suit your room and playing.