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Comparison of a Yamaha U3h and a Wendl & Lung 122 Upright Piano


Yamaha U3h

yamaha_u3h_upright_piano003

Wendl & Lung 122

wendl_&lung_122_0453

Introduction

Many musicians regard these as the best uprights available under £4000. We’ve sold over 100 Yamaha U3H and about 30 Wendl and Lung/Feurich 122 upright pianos, and regard them both as an excellent choice. NB since 2011 Wendl & Lung have amalgamated with Feurich and now use that name.

DETAILS


Yamaha

MODEL: U3H
RRP: £3000- £3500 (2013)(When precisely reconditioned)
DIMENSIONS: 130H x 154L x 65D

Wendl & lung

MODEL: 122
RRP: £3300- 3450 (2013)(when new)
DIMENSIONS: 122H x 152L x 60D

STRING LENGTH


The U3H’s strings

u3h_soundboard_09

Smaller than the U3 but with the same quality. Maximum bass string length 120.6cm, tenor 92cm. The U3H sounds strong in the bass but improves greatly when fitted with top quality German bass strings (cost £750 +VAT inc fitting).

The 122’s strings

wendl_&lung_soundboard

Maximum bass string length 120cm, tenor 91cm. Almost the same string length as the U3, since the strings have a greater angle across the piano. Deep rich and even bass and excellent break point.

THE HAMMERS


The U3H’s hammers

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Good quality hammers; as they have been played for some years, they are very even, but without refacing they are softer in tone. This is frequently preferred by musicians as the sound is more classical.

The 122’s hammers

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Well toned with clear bright sound, but not played in.They are already excellent and will become more even toned over the years.

CASING


The U3H’s book holders

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Book holders difficult to fit: Used by most musicians,these can be fitted but there is a risk of damaging the music desk as it is plastic, too thin and brittle.

The 122’s book holders

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Book holders: These can be fitted for £35 extra, as the desk is much thicker. Modern pianos are not fitted with book holders because of the risk of damaging the polish, so if fitted take care to make sure they are folded sideways before closing the lid.

The U3H’s top lid

yamaha_top_lid

Hinged top lid; if any water gets on the top of the piano and goes down the hinge it will seriously damage the dampers.

The 122’s top lid

wendl_&lung_top_lid

One-piece top lid; more sensible design, though must have enough space above the piano to open upwards for tuning.

THE ACTION


The U3H’s action

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Celeste (practice felt) fitted with wing nut for removal when tuning; a bit awkward.

The 122’s action

wendl_&lung_action_03

Celeste just slots in; this removes in an instant and is the best design so far on any upright.

CONCLUSION


The U3H is a popular musician’s upright it is highly recommended both for it’s touch, tone and stability.

Wendl & Lung 122 piano has great integrity, at least equal to the Yamaha U3H. These new pianos are not as well played as the U3H but, none the less they have an excellent touch and tone and, are very stable.