Yamaha Model B2 – £400 cashback on this piano until 15th Jan 2026

Is the Yamaha B2 a good piano?

Drawing on a hundred years of accumulated knowledge, Yamaha’s entire entry level range, the B series, is made under high standards of construction in Jakarta, Indonesia. Because quality control is of the highest level, the benefit to any owner is that maintenance costs are low. The build quality is every bit as good as you might find in some more expensive models, and is supported by four sturdy wooden back posts and a strong cast iron frame. The B2 is a real step up from the B1 and is made for the more ambitious pianist. With a heavier build and bigger size in a traditional upright shape, the B2 delivers a superior sound: one which has more depth and volume. It also features a solid spruce soundboard since 2013, which produces a much rounder and more versatile tone compared with the cheaper plywood. The soundboard is made in Yamaha’s very own Kitami facility, which specialises in all woodworking processes. The B2 still remains a compact model (113 cm in height), and the design is just as sophisticated as the B1. The added single castors mean that it can be moved around more easily, making it ideal to be used in practice rooms and school halls. The b-series is a favourite amongst piano teachers as Japanese piano actions can be a little heavier. It is therefore easier for less experienced players, as they often find they lose control with a lighter touch piano. The extra strength in the key action (the mechanism that causes hammers to strike the strings when a key is pressed) is ideal for building dexterity, and makes examinations on different pianos much easier. It nevertheless remains easy to play, with an extremely responsive and consistent touch. The piano is a stunning combination of art, craftsmanship and tech. With its minimalistic and chic look, it will look good anywhere. In short, we think this is not just a good piano, but an excellent piano at this price point.

A bit on Yamaha’s history

Concert halls, recording studios and places of worship around the world resonate with the distinctive Yamaha sound, owing to more than a century of acclaimed piano-making. Torakusu Yamaha made his first up-right piano in 1900 after finding great success as an organ maker. Since then, with the advice of world-expert piano technicians, Yamaha have been working tirelessly on achieving pioneering quality in their instruments. Arthur Rubinstein took favourite note of Yamaha in the roaring 20s, and half a century later, Glenn Gould recorded his all-time classic Goldberg Variations on their CF grand piano. In 2016, for the third consecutive year, Yamaha was awarded the prestigious ‘Top 100 Global Innovator’.