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For serious pianists who want the tonal power of a small grand piano but the footprint of an upright, 52″ professional upright pianos are the top choice. These instruments — the Yamaha U3, Kawai US6X, and Baldwin B-252 — are benchmarks in conservatories, schools, and homes where both space and performance matter.
This comparison concentrates and focuses on the specifications that most closely relate to the tone, volume, and sustain aspects of the piano’s sound.
The two specifications that most directly impact sound are soundboard area and string length:
- The soundboard is the piano’s speaking element. Larger soundboards produce greater volume, resonance, and sustain.
- String length influences tonal depth and “horsepower.” Longer strings deliver more resonance and clarity, especially in the bass.
Together, these two factors explain why 52” uprights sound so close to small grands.
52″ Upright Piano Comparison Chart: Yamaha U3 vs Kawai US6X vs Baldwin B252
| Specification | Baldwin B252 | Yamaha U3 | Kawai US6X |
| Height | 52″ | 52″ | 52″ |
| Hammers | 100% Virgin Wool | 100% Virgin Wool | 100% Virgin Wool |
| Soundboard Material | Solid Spruce | Solid Spruce | Solid Sitka Spruce |
| Bridge Material | Hard Maple | Hard Maple | Hard Maple |
| Rib Material | Spruce | Spruce | Spruce |
| Plate Material | Cast Iron | V-Pro Plate (Vacuum Mold) | Cast Iron |
| Strings | German Roslau | Yamaha | Kawai |
| #1 Bass String Length | 54″ | 47.5″ | 49.4″ |
| Soundboard Area | 2,367 sq. in. | 2,369 sq. in. | 2,356 sq. in. |
Yamaha U3 – The Global Standard
The Yamaha U3 is perhaps the most widely recognized 52″ professional upright in the world. Its solid spruce soundboard and V-Pro plate ensure a reliable, consistent tone.
- Sound Specs: Soundboard area 2,369 sq. in.; bass string length 47.5″. Balanced tone but less bass depth than Baldwin and Kawai.
- Playability: A bright, clear tone with responsive action, ideal for both students and professionals.
- Best for: Schools, conservatories, and pianists seeking a proven, durable upright piano.
Kawai US6X – Warmth and Refinement
The Kawai US6X blends precision engineering with tonal warmth. Its Sitka spruce soundboard and longer bass string (49.4″) give it depth and clarity.
- Sound Specs: Soundboard area 2,356 sq. in.; slightly smaller but balanced by string scaling for richer bass than Yamaha.
- Playability: Smooth, weighted action with warm tonal balance.
- Best For: Pianists wanting expressive tone and refined playability.
Baldwin B252 – American Power and Depth
The Baldwin B252 is the largest 52″ upright built in the U.S. Its German Roslau strings and massive 54″ bass string length provide unmatched power and sustain.
- Sound Specs: Soundboard area 2,367 sq. in.; longest bass string of the three for resonance and sustain.
- Playability: Beautifully balanced action; bold, full-bodied sound.
- Best For: Players seeking maximum tonal horsepower and a near-grand experience.
Which 52″ Professional Upright Is Best?
Each model has strengths:
- Yamaha U3 – bright clarity, global standard, high resale.
- Kawai US6X – warm tone, smooth action, balanced design.
- Baldwin B252 – most powerful bass, most extended string length, American build.
No matter which you choose, the 52″ upright format ensures projection, resonance, and tonal richness far beyond standard studio uprights.
Find Your Piano Today
If you’re ready to experience the performance of a 52″ professional upright for yourself, explore our collections:
🎹 Certified Preowned Yamaha Pianos
🎹 Certified Preowned Kawai Pianos
🎹 New Baldwin Pianos 💡 Every Yamaha and Kawai upright in our pre-owned collection is thoroughly inspected, certified, and backed by our quality guarantee. For those who prefer a brand-new instrument, our Baldwin uprights deliver unmatched American craftsmanship and tonal power straight from the factory.
