The Yamaha GH1 baby grand piano remains one of the finest examples of Yamaha’s “golden era” craftsmanship—so much so that it often outshines their newer comparably sized grand models. This GH1 offers a rare blend of musicality, build quality, and aesthetic warmth that newer Yamaha models sometimes struggle to replicate, especially in the same price range.

One of the first things you’ll notice about this piano is its elegant walnut satin finish, which gives the piano a refined, furniture-quality appearance. Unlike the more common high-gloss black finishes found on today’s Yamaha GB1K or GC1 models, the walnut satin provides a soft, natural warmth that enhances any living space without the glare or smudging that polished finishes often show.
Where the GH1 truly shines is in its tonal character. Unlike some newer Yamaha baby grands that can sound overly bright or brash—particularly the entry-level GB1K—the GH1 offers a more mature, rounded tone. Its bass registers are remarkably full and present for a piano of its size, and the treble remains clear without being piercing. This tonal balance makes the GH1 a more expressive and musically satisfying instrument for players who value nuance over volume.

The action and touch of the GH1 are also superior in many ways. Yamaha’s older grand piano actions were built with meticulous precision and time-tested materials, giving the GH1 a responsive yet weighted feel that supports both delicate phrasing and powerful dynamic control. Compared to modern equivalents, which may use more mass-produced parts and lighter, more standardized touch profiles, the GH1 feels more substantial and expressive under the fingers.
Another major advantage is its build quality and long-term reliability. The GH1 was built in Japan during a time when many feel Yamaha’s factory production standards were at their peak, using high-grade woods and seasoned components. Well cared for GH1s today continue to perform beautifully with only routine maintenance—something that can’t always be said of newer entry-level grands.
Although the price is much lower, this baby grand is arguably better than many new Yamahas in its class. With its rich tone, responsive action, classic finish, and enduring build quality, it offers real musical value and elegance that’s hard to find in their new production instruments.
Condition:
Very Good
Available Finishes:
Walnut Satin